Hello there, reader. Today I’d like to talk to you about a book called “Captain Marvel.”
Lets start with this note: one of my favorite comic characters is Carol Danvers. I don’t think I can fully explain why, although it might have to do with her being a cat lover like myself. A more serious answer, though, would point to the amazing and defining run Brian Reed had on the last “Ms. Marvel” book (which I’ve written about) which really made a compelling case for Carol after her resurgence within Bendis’ Avengers menagerie. When Kelly Sue DeConnick and Dex Soy’s “Captain Marvel” launched with a beautiful Jamie McKelvie suit redesign, it only reiterated the point: this is a great character, a fantastic role model and an incredibly compelling figure to follow. Add to that the fantastic talents of Jordie Bellaire, Emma Rios and Filipe Andrade plus great covers from Ed McGuinness, the Dodsons, Jamie McKelvie, Dex Soy and Joe Quinones, and baby, you’ve got a stew going you’ve got a can’t-lose scenario for a book.
With that out of the way, I want to note one more thing before we go further and I completely throw away the traditional Friday Rec format: all that you are about to read is done for purely selfish reasons. I really like reading “Captain Marvel,” and I really want to continue reading “Captain Marvel.” I said as much with my review of the last issue, #9, which I gave a 9.0, not to mention Multiversity’s initial reviews of issues #1 and #2, which essentially said the book was getting better and better per issue. And that’s not even adding in the fact that “Captain Marvel” has earned consistent Buy ratings across the board for every issue across 22 different sites. Heck, the last issue came out that I gave a 9.0 earned 10.0 from ComicVine, a 10.0 from Marvel Disassembled, a 9.9 from Geek Smash, a 9.5 from IGN, a 9.0 from CBR, an 8.0 from Blue Raven Comics, an 8.0 from Read Comic Books and more, as well as a glowing write up from Comics Alliance. The AV Club even noted after the book’s first issue that this was the perfect place for Marvel’s next big flagship superheroine character/franchise.
So if you’re looking for an objective piece, this isn’t the right article to choose for that. But, hey, links!
My point being: we’ve told you repeatedly that “Captain Marvel” is great. I’ve repeatedly told you that “Captain Marvel” is great. So many people have told you how great it is. To say that this book deserves a recommendation is essentially putting it lightly, because it’s already been recommended so many times.
But one more won’t hurt.
Today, in a bit of a switcheroo for the standard Friday Rec format (if you can even say that we have a format), I’m switching things up and taking this to “the streets,” kinda sorta.
Here’s what happened (and I’m sort of timid to bring it up ta all, but knowing the timeline of my thought process helps): Rich over at Bleeding Cool posted a rumor, as he often does, that stated “Captain Marvel” is in that state where cancellation is possible. This makes me rather sad because, as I stated, I’m a big fan of the character, creative team and book in general. A quick look at December’s sales estimates would potentially confirm this idea, seeing as it is in the same range as the recently cancelled “Age of Apocalypse” comic, which just goes to make me more sad.
So while normally I wouldn’t put any stock into a gossipy rumor bit like that nor give any credence to it on this site, it sort of got lodged in my head. I’ve already had to see “Ms. Marvel” get cancelled once — I have literally zero interest in not having Carol in her own book again. I’ve already had to live through three “Moon Knight” cancellations, and each is more painful than the last. (Ok, well, two – one cancellation was basically a re-brand. But still.) Having Carol in “Avengers” and “Avengers Assemble” (also written by Kelly Sue) is alright I suppose, but having a solo book is best. There’s only so much a team book can do in terms of developing characters as opposed to a solo title where the character can really fly, no pun intended.
Continued belowI figured the best thing to do would be to put my money where my mouth is. I keep telling people to read “Captain Marvel;” how about I just give them the book?
On Twitter and Tumblr, I put out the word that, since I have so much faith in this series, I will buy five random people who are interested in the book but not keeping up for whatever reason a copy of the latest issue, #9. Five people I’ve never met got a copy of the comic gifted to their Comixology accounts with no real pretext, only knowing that I described it as a good jumping on point and that I hoped they’d like it. Easy peasy, simple. Worst case scenario, five people get a free comic, right? I then reached out to those people and asked if they would be willing to give me some thoughts that I could run with the article. This is what they sounded like.
From Keith Callbeck, a fine appreciator of cats,
“Captain Marvel” is a book that all my friends like but I haven’t given another chance since #1. I wasn’t a big fan of Dexter Soy’s art style so even though the story was intriguing, I’ve taken a pass each month. When I caught the tweet that Matt was putting his money where his fan mouth is, I snapped at the opportunity. I have done the same for one of my favorite (but struggling) books recently and it’s a compelling pitch.
Matt picked a great issue to get readers hooked on Captain Marvel. In an time when nearly every book claims to be a Jump On Point, this one really is! Everything I needed to know was there, along with a fun story, a unique art style that caught my eye, and a cat. I immediately hit the Comixology sale to grab back issues of the series and I’m on Team Carol now.
From Abel Yu, a relapsed fan,
I admit it, I’m a lapsed Captain Marvel reader. This was actually a title I was excited about since it featured the stunning art of newcomer Dexter Soy. I have the first five issues and a signed number 1 to prove it.
Due to a combination of Soy rotating out of the book and saving up for the Marvel NOW relaunches caused the dropping of the book entirely off my monthly buys. I think the NOW initiative, which is making Marvel the hottest publisher in the industry didn’t help this title. There are too many good books and a tight budget means some sacrifices have to be made.
A couple of days ago I chanced upon a retweet where Matt Meylikhov was offering gifts of 5 digital copies of Cap Marvel 9 to anyone willing to try it out. I took the challenge and was I surprised why I ever dropped this book.
The ninth issue is a great jump on point for lapsed and new readers. It is new reader friendly, introduces you to the supporting cast and establishes that the book is set in the Marvel Universe proper. The writing is strong as always and the art, especially the colors is much more super heroic in flavor. I liked it so much that I’m going to buy a physical copy or two to share and enjoy that beautiful McKelvie cover.
Marvel didn’t do this book a favor with Marvel NOW initiative but I think it could help the book by making this $3.99 with a digital code. I’ve seen the sharing on Twitter, this book could definitely need that grassroots support.
I’m not sure how Marvel manages its print or cancel decisions, but perhaps the higher dollar value of Cap Marvel could offset the slightly weaker sales. Still, it’s a good book and it deserves to continue.
From Jennifer Rodi, who enjoys a good dinosaur punch,
Continued belowI will admit I’m late to the Captain Marvel bandwagon. I’d read a few issues of her previous title, but Carol never really clicked with me. When her name change and title were announced, my interest was piqued. I put it on my mental reading list, but like most of the titles on that list, I didn’t get around to it. Don’t make my mistake.
This was a wonderful introduction to the series. (Many thanks to Matt at Multiversity.) My favorite comics are the ones that remind us that despite their abilities, superheroes have their everyday problems too. They get bonus points for humor. It’s time to punch some dinosaurs, but make sure the cat makes it to the vet. Did i mention how gorgeous the art is? Well…just look at it. If this is what I can look forward to in the future, sign me up for the Carol Corps.
From Colin Bell, some guy,
It’s so infectiously fun! Kelly Sue DeConnick really has a knack for whip-smart, snappy screwball dialogue. Felipe Andare has a loose style that’s far removed from your usual superpowered fare – which is a bonus as far as I’m concerned – but can still draw heroes punching dinosaurs like nobody’s business. A book like this that make an effort to bring something fresh and different to the stands deserves to get more eyes on it.
So, hey, look at that. This book that I love, when given to other people, creates similar reactions. Maybe it’s better to just give people comics than to write about them. Who knew!
But wait! There’s more!
I thought that reaching out to these folks was such an interesting notion for this column, something essentially out of my wheelhouse in terms of what I regularly try to do on this site, that I realized that I should do this some more. But where else can someone go to crowd source opinions from a passionate fanbase? Oh, right. Tumblr!
A post was made, reblogged and liked, stating simply that I was looking for short comments on the book to run with this article. Here are those comments.
From iamalfff, whose last two f’s are a mystery to me,
Captain Marvel is well written and amazingly drawn (all the various artists) book about one of my favorite characters.
From ComicBookOverkill, who clearly loves comics,
This book is the one of the most underrated, artistic, and fantastic books that Marvel is publishing right now that it is a shame that this book isn’t blowing up the sales charts.
From NotGoingToHelp, who did indeed help,
Captain Marvel rivals Hawkeye as one of the best books the comic industry and Marvel is putting out.
From GoodManW, whose proven his status as a good man,
Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick has filled a much needed hole in the comics universe: by providing amazing engaging and entertaining stories with a female character that’s easy as her fellow male characters to root for, support and relate to – a rare task and an absolute necessity in the world of comics.
From RedUnderwear, who likes to wear it on the outside,
The only word that I can think of that perfectly captures what Captain Marvel is like is “fun”. So much fun.
From EverybodyILoveDies, who doesn’t want to see the same happen to this book,
Carol’s a good person and superhero, but she can be the best.
From StinkinBadger, a fan of good hygiene,
This book will make you realize that “superhero” isn’t a gender-specific word.
From ColleteCapricious, who is – quote- “too old for tumblr” but also “too old for death,”
So well-written. Besides Carol herself, the supporting characters are great. And bonus Jessica Drew!
From TwirlingAvengers, who sat still long enough to write this,
There is action but also character development and great supporting characters that make you feel things.
From PsychoAndy, who doesn’t seem that crazy to me,
This book has the best fans.
From Snikthwip, a fan of the sfx,
Carol Danvers punches dinosaurs, is flawless and fearless. Questions?
From CombatBrodom, who fights the good fight,
Kelly Sue DeConnick and the rest of the team have created a comic that I would raise my kids on (if I ever do have kids, that is).
From TokidokiFish, the most fashionable of underwater creatures,
Carol Danvers travels through time, punches holes in the sky, and is just plain Better Than You.
From PanicyInTheUK, who I hope is a Smiths fan,
Kelly Sue nails it.
Even some of the Multiversity staff chipped in. From Brian Salvatore, the biggest Shazam I know
Legacy characters are vitally important for superhero comics, and it is rare that a legacy character can carry a lead book that manages to do something other than tread old ground; “Captain Marvel” does that in spades.
From Vince Ostrowski, who wrote in from his vacation in Thailand,
Continued belowI guess if I were writing one sentence about it: If you believe in gender equality in comics, then why not support a book that is not only a great commentary on that, but is just a fabulous comic in its own right?
And from David Henderson, who shamelessly uses the nickname Captain Whiz Bang on the tumblrs,
There is no single comic book on the shelves right now that quite captures the carefree idealism of true superhero adventures like Captain Marvel and the world would be sorely emptier without it.
So. How about that. This doesn’t even really take into consideration the general fandom Carol and the book has, which you can find in earnest frequently at the aforementioned Tumblr.
Some of this probably seems self-aggrandizing to an extent. I realize my name is mentioned here a bunch and that I wrote about myself far too much, and that’s largely unintentional. I care honestly very little about my role in all this, other than as someone who wanted to show that I’m not alone in thinking this book is great. If it came out that way, I apologize – but I did notice the initial impetus for this article was purely selfish.
In fact, as noted, this whole post was rather unconventional for us here at Multiversity. We’ve done some crowd source articles in the past, but generally speaking we don’t just post other people’s comments in lieu of our own.
Yet, just scanning this article, do you know what you have? Links to 9 positive reviews (not including our own), 4 positive mini reviews from people who took a chance and what is essentially 17 pull quotes (plus 30 extra likes, if you’re into that).
So, the ultimate point of the matter and this rather unconventional article is this: “Captain Marvel” is great. All these people can’t be wrong, right? Consider this a rallying cry for the book. You should all buy it and give the series the attention it deserves — if not for yourselves then just for me, because I really like reading it.
The first trade of “Captain Marvel” collecting the first six issues is available now in all finer shops for $14.99 (or $8.73 on Amazon), and nine issues are available in total, either in print or digitally. What are you waiting for? A special invitation? Because you just got it.
