We’re now four issues into one of Marvel’s more controversial titles, the newly costumed and gendered Captain Marvel. Some readers are up in arms over what they perceive as Marvel’s lack of respect for Mar-Vell’s legacy, some feel that Carol Danvers and her own legacy and title are receiving a disservice – but it seems most are upset over the mere concept of the book and not the content.
After Carol accepted her new mantle, she set out to beat an altitude record previously set by her hero, Helen Cobb. This did not go as planned, and Captain Marvel ended up on a mysterious island off the coast of Peru . . . circa 1943. She joined a group of female fighters called the Banshees, taught the enemies a lesson, and is about to discover clues as to her time traveling purpose.
The art in this book is gorgeous. Dexter Soy’s Marvel premiere is wide and brushy, the colors muted with pops of costume color. I don’t think Carol’s face has ever had this much character, and her new “do” is tough and classic. Most of the comic readers I know haven’t picked up the book because they found the art not to their liking after a cursory glance. The art is very stylized, but never crosses a line for me. The panel on page ten of a frightened Japanese soldier is one of my favorites in the series so far. The new costume’s palette is a little tired, but, you know, Kree colors. What are you going to do.
Kelly Sue DeConnick’s script is easy and uncontrived. Her dialogue never sounds like it’s trying to be feminine but comes across as distinctly female. I don’t think this story in any way entices women while excluding men. However, many readers do complain about the use of time travel as a plot device. “It’s a crutch,” they say. “When you can’t think of anything else, throw her back in time,” they say. I take no issue with time travel, as long as it legitimately furthers a plot or character arch (and is done in a way that my wildly unscientific mind considers “right”), and with only four issues in that certainly remains to be determined.
Historically I don’t buy books based on creator alone, but these two have made a mark and I will certainly be open to issues of just about anything they would produce – individually or as a team. Emma Rios will be taking on the art from here on out, and while I’m sad to see Soy off the project I remain quite excited to see the endgame.