Written by: Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters
Art by: Kris Anka
Publisher: Marvel
As someone who hasn’t read Captain Marvel since DeConnick’s first run on the character, I’m pleased to report that this issue is an excellent jumping on point. Fazekas and Butters don’t waste time re-introducing the character, but they do make sure that they aren’t referencing events or characters from the previous run. It’s kind of refreshing, to read the debut issue of a Marvel series, and not feel lost because I didn’t read the last event to take place in the universe.
Anyways, as for the actual quality of the comic, I will say this: I was satisfied. The co-authors nail the characterization of Carol Danvers, and introduce a fairly interesting supporting cast, all while setting up future conflicts. The budding friendship between Carol and Puck, the rivalry between Carol and Brand, the banter between Alpha Force – all of this is exciting, and I can’t wait for more.
That being said, the book didn’t actually grab me. I could blame my issues with it on the fact that it is a first issue, and I should expect set up, and blah blah blah. The thing is, it felt like the parts I really enjoyed were squandered. There’s a cameo from another Marvel universe character that’s cool, but it takes up multiple pages and doesn’t really accomplish all that much.
The same goes for the overall plot of the book. There’s a confrontation here that easily could have waited for the next issue, in favor of establishing characters and their dynamics. Instead, it shows up in the middle of this issue, and it really drags. Sure, this could be by design – during this scene, Carol is about as bored as I was reading it. Regardless, I’m not sure that that’s an actual excuse.
If nothing else, Kris Anka’s art looks great. His faces are exceptional – half the characterization comes from expressions alone. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the visual cues in this book definitely go a long way. There are a couple panels that look a little bit awkward, but nothing was really distracting enough to actually pull me out of the experience.
Anyways, like all things, Captain Marvel #1 isn’t perfect. It has its issues, but all in all I would recommend it. There’s nothing here so glaring that it turned me off entirely. Sure, it probably could have been better, even as a debut issue, but I’ll be coming back for at least another issue or so, since I do like the cast. There’s still time to sell me on the plot, and the cliffhanger is at least somewhat intriguing.
