Regarding legacy characters like Captain Marvel, there’s nothing more exciting than new characters being introduced. Enter Alyssa Wong’s relaunch of the series, which started in October and is now getting its first trade paperback. Collecting the first five issues, this series not only introduces a new villain but also a new antihero with some serious thinking skills. Coming out the same year as The Marvels, this series also has a familiar theme that was in the movie: Teleporting hijinks.
The first five issues of this series are a strong start, with a great first issue that has a fast pace and efficient character work. The collection 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 between Yuna and Captain Marvel, with a nice scene between the two to help them understand the connection 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
Wong does a great job exploring their differences further and explains how Yuna is a bit misunderstood. We see that particularly when we meet Yuna’s family, who may be a family okay with stealing, but they’re still caring folks. Their differences also apply to the edge each can bring to the fight. That includes breaking into Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Santorum and punching big giant beasts.
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 falls 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. There are plenty of monsters and a surprise supervillain that pops in to amp up the action.
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 by Alyssa Wong Vol. 1: The Omen is a great new direction for the series, 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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