It’s a big year for Captain Marvel fans. Not only is she getting a new series from Alyssa Wong and Jan Bazaldua, but she’s also the leader of the Avengers. Launching this week is Captain Marvel #1, and there are new and ultra-powerful threats to be countered. That, and a new anti-hero thief. How will their lives clash in the first issue? If you know anything about The Marvels, you might make a guess.
Captain Marvel #1 is a great first issue with a fast pace and efficient character work. The issue opens with Captain Marvel calmly catching a skyscraper and placing it down. She’s fighting an unknown villain — that we know is named Omen — who appears to be able to absorb Carol’s powers. That keeps them fairly evenly matched. Soon she’s being dragged into another dimension, which allows a new character to enter the tale.
Enter Yuna Yang, a thief who is after the Nega Bands. She’s rudely interrupted in her theft when Omen pops in fighting Genis-Vell. It’s a jarring smash cut, but it all makes sense after a while. Yuna is a great surrogate for the reader, who is completely unaware of these cosmic battling heroes and villains. Right off the bat, Wong makes you trust in her as she interacts with her mother similar to a lot of us do, I’m sure.
Soon there’s switching going on between Yuna and Captain Marvel, with a nice establishing scene between the two to understand the tie they have. The juxtaposition of their personalities, one a hero and another out for herself allows for some intriguing character work going forward.
Falling building? No problem!
Credit: Marvel
Bazaldua keeps the action big with lots of energy blasts and effects thrown in. There’s great scale at the start when Carol catches the building and good dramatic effect throughout. When Yuna is falling from a high building you’ll fear for her life. The shock on her face paired with the perspective of the street below is great. You also can’t beat the cool new costume Carol is sporting, but Yuna’s is also pretty cool. It’s a nice touch there’s a purpose to her face paint too.
It’s fairly common in superhero comics, but I did wonder when this takes place, and also how it fits within Avengers. Likely it’s a side adventure that doesn’t last too long, but some reference would help add context.
Captain Marvel #1 is a great start, with a fast pace and good character work that’s efficient. Your interest will pique thanks to new characters and a fun body-swapping plot that smartly connects to the upcoming The Marvels movie.
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