CAPTAIN MARVEL #5. Revelations are made. Decisions are made. Deadlines are made. I haven’t actually seen a copy of the book yet, but I know it’s out.
Thoughts?
PAD
CAPTAIN MARVEL #5. Revelations are made. Decisions are made. Deadlines are made. I haven’t actually seen a copy of the book yet, but I know it’s out.
Thoughts?
PAD
• 
I read it earlier today and thought it was pretty good (and kinda disturbing too!). I’m looking forward to #6.
ps – I miss Marlo!
Didnt suck.
How come Captain Marvel comes out every month and we have to wait two year to find out what happens in the next New Frontiar book…..
Fr@$#%#@!ing Clifhanger……
Disturbing? Well, yes; I suppose. But this is what the whole madness arc was leading up to, anyway (or rather, this is the necessary PRELUDE to what it was all leading up to …).
Doesn’t mean it wasn’t handled very, very well.
Now, several questions are posed by this issue, most pressing to me being, “Exactly what was Mar-Vell?”
My take is that it was either a wish-fulfillment construct generated by Genis’ need and anger. Whether Genis would have realized this is unimportant. Even if he had, he simply wouldn’t CARE. Not in his current gedankenstate. If I’m right, this also speaks to a burgeoning of his powers beyond mere cosmic awareness to the nth degree–as, of course, does his self-resurrection.
Of course, the Mar-Vell avatar could just as easily been the Magus.
But it wasn’t Mar-Vell. Of this, I am certain.
Why am I so averse to the idea of Captain Marvel I rejoining continuity? Simple: His was dámņëd near the only death in the comics given the gravity and well-thought-out treatment the character and his history deserved. About the only other deaths done this well have been that of Ted Knight (the first Starman) and Captain Ned Stacy, back in the Silver Age.
And, of course, Betty Banner–or at least, it WOULD have been, had Peter not been made to exit the title before doing the aftermath he envisioned.
Not Bucky. Not Gwen Stacy. Not (sorry, Peter) Jean deWolff.
(Note, however, that those I have named are precisely the comics dead who should NEVER be brought back to four-color life.
And yes; Norman Osborn should be on that list as well, no matter if the current teams are doing him well or not, It was too important a milestone in the life of Peter Parker to so easily wash away.)
Having lost you in heavy tides of parenthetical phrases and digressions, let me get back to my point and explain my feelings on what makes a good death in comics, and what makes a GREAT death in comics.
Bucky’s death was a ten-years-late afterthought; a way for Stan Lee to make his revived hero more human, to wipe away the silliness of the Frankenstein-fighting and Commie-fighting of the later Captain America comics, and to give the timelost soldier a focus. See? Though it serves its purpose well, it did nothing for Bucky himself save blow him to pieces.
Jean deWolff? That was to show us the readers that life in the Mravel Universe was and should be seen as just as random and problematic as life in our own; to throw us a twist so that we might better identify with those we followed on the page (and to tell a good trompe l’oil [“fool-the-eye”] story).
Gwen Stacy? Well, it can’t be denied that this sort of serious moment was being presaged and preceded by all that happened for several years before, starting with the drug stories, the death of Captain Stacy, or even way back in the “Spider-Man … No More!” story or the beginning of the Romita run, with the Goblin. Peter Parker has always been a harbinger of the real in a medium which has always focused on the UNreal; he is a sympathetic Everyman … with web-shooters.
But again–Gwen’s death was in no way about her–it was staged almost entirely for the benefit (that is, to the detriment) of Peter Parker. Oh, sure, it may have shown us that yeah, the Green Goblin was a bad man indeed (and served to bring about the culmination of THAT character and story, one issue later)–but Gwen was reduced to the screaming “spam-in-a-can” we see in the lesser tiers of horror movies.
Gwen Stacy became a “SNAP!” and no more.
Gwen Stacy?
But Mar-Vell’s was a long and thought-out dying, one which had its origins way back in the middle of his series’ run. And Starlin’s treatment of his dying and his death not only showed us what he was to others, and what his death would be to them, but also showed, very simply, what Mar-Vell was.
Which is why I’m so against him being brought back in continuity.
Ahem. Bored yet? Of course you are.
The other big question posed by this issue lies in something NOT happening.
What I mean is, after Marv “offed” himself, Rick went into a month-long coma. When Marv resurfaced, so did Rick. This speaks to a deeper bond than before has been granted them by the Nega-Bands, and could very well hint at a power (now, considering Genis’ power levels, a quite substantial power) being granted Rock by the Bands. Remember, Mar-Vell was worried that Rick might also have gotten cancer from their close rapport. He didn’t. But these are NEW Bands; not the same ones Mar-Vell wore, so … Rick might not be too overmatched in any throwdown which might occur (unless he tries to summon up the Blazing Skull again. Eech.).
Well, I’ve talked too long
[RESOUNDING HOLLERS OF AGREEMENT FROM AROUND THE NET], and I haven’t slept in almost three days, so I’d better end this here.
(But if any editors of comics-based magazines or websites see some talent in the midst of these sleep-deprioved ramblings and take it into their minds that I might well deserve to be PAID to write about things like this … well. I can be had, for a price.
Quite reasonable, in fact.)
My opinion..errr.. well… First a bit background. I collected comics from around 1974 till 1991. (when the whole industry decided to suck harder than a pørņ star working for a fix) From time to time I’d pick up an issue or two but for the most part I was out. Another hobby I have is collecting a toy line called the Micronauts. Well when I heard that the micronauts re-appeared in Captain Marvel, I picked it up. I loved it. Not just because the ‘nauts where in it. The book was well drawn, intelligent, light hearted, no multi-cover foilded edition, etc. The polar opposite of everything that drove we away fom comics in the 90s. So I returned to the comic shop and began buying comics. Now I’m spending $30 or so a week on comics. Captain Marvel brought me back, but more specifically Peter David brought me back. I’ve since started buying ofther Peter David books. Trades, back issues, and current ones like Supergirl.
However… I hate the new Captain Marvel. Hate it hate it hate it. The past 5 issues have been painful to read. Each one manages to bring back something sucky of the 90s. Everything is dark and grim. Way too dark. When Captain Marvel was beating his father to death (or whatever death is to a dead person) with the handle of a gun, at that point, Captain Marvel made the Watchmen look like a Disney funny book from the 50s. The subject isn’t being handled well, and to be honest, the art in some pages was rather confusing and it wasn’t clear what I was looking at. I felt like I was reading Spawn (btw I haven’t read an issue of Spawn since maybe 93 so if its greatly improved, I’m sorry if this ref makes no sense).
If I wasn’t interested in other books at this point, I would say that Captain Mavel #5 could of made me quit comics again.
At this moment I plan on buying #6. mostly to support Peter David in the whole “U-decide” fiasco. I just don’t see myself reading it.
PAD;
I think it’s time you quit Marvel for good. Those so called editors are nothing more then internet geeks who belittle and fire anyone who disagrees with anything they do. Besides you could then be spending more time writing Star Trek novels, which is what you do best.
With each passing month my interest in comics slowly lessens to a degree where I question why I bother to continue with the medium – just a change in my life, I guess, and not a result of anything inherently wrong with the medium. By the time I have convinced myself that I would be better served to just walk away, the new issue of Captain Marvel is released, and I remember why I enjoy the medium so much. Everything about this title serves as a template for what a good comic can and should be. Great writing, great art, great coloring. I can’t ask for anything more. Thanks, Peter, Chris, and Chris S. for pulling me back every month.
D-ski.
My god this comic freaks me out every month…it’s like Jekyll and Hyde!!! The first 36 issues were so light and fun, and these last five issues have just been so dámņ scary. Little humor (which is a shame, as CM used to make me laugh quite a bit), but still great writing, and CC’s art looks great on this title.
On to some lighter news, anyone see the Bombshell toy that came out yesterday? She was really cool, and I hope they are making SpyBoy and SpyGirl to go along with her.
I loved Captain Marvel #5. Of course the bludgeoning of Mav-Vel, whether imaginative or otherwise, was a bit disturbing. But that’s simply a product of his madness. Personally I like the darker persona of Captain Marvel. I loved Mar-Vel as a child, but the story needs to evolve and change over time too. Peter’s brought another side to the story that is unique and entertaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed the issue. I don’t know, though, if I like the fact that an outside, somewhat physical force, um, forced Marv to go crazy, or if it would hold more weight if he just snapped and went crazy, but then I guess that would be a different story from what you’re telling here.
I’m extremely interested in how Rick is going to handle this, because I think that’s how it’s going to play out. It doesn’t feel as if Marv will redeem himself, but rather that Rick will beat some sense into him. After the brutal way he…rekilled?…his father…or his ghost…or whatever, I think he’s due for a good beat-down.
Rob R.
Disturbing. Intelligent. Well-drawn (although my wife liked Chris better with an inker). Bizarre. Great script. Figuring that the big finale will be most intriguing.
One question, though. Who buried Genis? That tombstone was not the sort of thing the Kree would give him, I would think.
Hey! Whad’ja Think is back! I like this concept. Do it for all your comics!
Though I don’t always read them the day they come out…
I am really really enjoying Captain Marvel. If anything, it is hard to judge it on the issue, because all my thoughts are about the entire arc. And the arc is fantastic.
Right now it is gearing up for Captain Marvel to be the villian of the book. I have my doubts it will stay that long, but a book about Rick trying to take down Captain Marvel would be very interesting.
Of course a part of me thinks this meeting with Entropy is all part of Genis’s plan. Maybe a mad plan. Maybe not.
I am not sure, all I know is I can’t wait to find out.
This relaunch (which I know was planned pre-U-DECIDE..or it at least it was concept-wise, if not new numbering-wise) was a great idea.
Liked it a lot, but I’m ready for Rick to get a bit more to do. Then again, what do I know — I liked the title best when it was more about Rick than Genis…
Good point about the tombstone, Simon. It’s one of the things that makes me belive that,whatever is going on with Genis, what we’re seeing on the page does not represent the physical world. Both the grave and Genis’ dad (and the awful beat-down) serve more psychological purposes than answer some real physical need for being there.
So what are they? What’s going on?
Dunno. But I’ll be buying issue 6 to find out. This is a creepy thrill-ride, but it’s definitely a thrill.
Rob
Sorry to be negative, but I really don’t like the new series. The previous series was fun (really loved the adventures of Rick & Marlo–up to the breakup.
I seem to recall your mentioning that the biggest complaint you had about the previous series was that many of your readers just didn’t like Genis (I certainly didn’t–he was a nothing personality-wise). So to make him more popular you make him an insane murderer???
I’ve been buying the book mostly to support you in the You Decide nonsense, but unless things change dramatically in the climactic sixth issue, I’m outta here.
I can never tell what’s going to happen in this book. Having read comics for over twenty years, that I can say that says something for the book. I eagerly await the next issue.
However, I do miss Marlo.
Anyway…
Eric
(Another NF fan waiting patiently…)
I liked it. It was very disturbing but i think it set the mood really good.
Only one panel made me cringe a little. The White House panel… i’m not to big on “political opinions” in comics. But, that’s one panel in a series of great books… 😀
side note : Happy to see that Spyboy 13.1 was in the new Previews.
The economy began to erode well before Bush was in office. Didn’t here you bìŧçhìņg then. I desperately need a tax break. My father, who has worked hard all his life and started with nothing, doesn’t appreciate the gov’t taking HALF his paycheck. And why should the gov’t take half his estate when he dies which would likely help pay for his grandchildren’s college education? Didn’t they tax him enough when the money was earned? How selfish. LOrd knows we’re not taxed enough. I lie awake in bed at night wondering how can we live on my income alone and still provide our children with the best education. But I don’t deserve a tax break. Thanks.
And I guess we should take the wait and see approach on whether terrorists will take any further action against this country whether they be here or overseas. Do the lives of out servicemen abroad have no meaning? I guess pro active policies by Isreal are a good solution(which I also support, BTW), but not good enough for the US.
Mr. David, your political commentary is as partisan as Carville showboating for Crossfire(a show I detest on the left and right for the same reason).
I would rather that my unborn child not have to worry about suicide bombers. But that couldn’t happen here. Sarin (sp?) gas in subways can only happen in Japan. And flying planes into buildings is a crazy idea.
Absolutely loving it.
I haven’t been able to “read” read the issue yet, but from what I did read, I was absolutely knocked on my ášš.
Loving it. Along with Negation, it’s the issue I most look forward to reading every month.
This isn’t a place to post politics. Book was great.
I loved it; the fight scene between Genis and whatever it was that looked like Mar-Vell was disturbing, engaging, and brutal, just like it should have been. Rick’s “suiting up against the Big Bad” speech reminded me why I love the character. And the revelation of who “Ent” is was, while not entirely a surprise, a good fit. (Did anyone else think for a minute last month that PAD was sending Marv and Rick up against Treebeard?) And as for the ending, well, I thought nothing could top issue 4, but guess what? I was wrong.
Looking forward to the conclusion.
I _like_ it.
Questions arise which I want to see answered, and I expect to be happy either way the answers go:
*Who’s in charge, Epiphany or Entropy? Epiphany is established as being able to inspire people to things they wouldn’t have thought of on their own. Puts her in a heck of a position to manipulate people. She could have introduced Genis’s notion to push his cosmic awareness, or Entropy’s notion to end the universe, or Rick’s ‘realization’ that he has to kill Genis. I can’t begin to guess _why_, though.
*Who will be Captain Marvel, Genis or Rick? The notion of Rick taking over was a possibility the moment Capt. Marvel was given a new costume that _hid_ the face. Right now, Genis has three people who are likely to kill him: Rick, Entropy and himself.
What do I predict? Epiphany, whichever side she’s on, will stay around a while. If PAD’s having as much fun writing her as I am reading her, he won’t get rid of her too soon. Also, Rick has not yet begun to refer to her as ‘Fanny.’
Its funny. You don’t run into the term entropy very often. Yesterday I ran into it twice. First in CM #5, and then reading a book called the Woad to Wuin. It is a cool word.
Jim,
Is your father’s esatte worth over $1 million? If not, then the estate tax will not even come into question.
However, if it is, then he should simply create a trust. They are extremely inexpensive to do (you can get a book from Amazon on the specifics), and it shelters you/him from estate taxes. Even if it’s under $1 million, it will shelter you from probate fees that can cost a bunch.
Liberal, Conservative, Democrat, Republican – Everyone should look into setting up trusts for their real estate, financial accounts, etc. rather than leaving stuff like that in a will.
Feel free to e-mail me and I can send you some links.
Oh, and I’m loving the new Captain Marvel stuff!
-Joe
Disturbing issue, which is good. I do have one thought though…
Caution SPOILERS!!!!!!
Did anyone else see the outline of Thanos when we get a side glimpse of Infinity’s kid?
I don’t have the book with me, so I can’t provide the exact page, but it was towards the end of the book and in the lower right panel of the right hand page. The profile has Thanos’ trademark eyebrow curve. I think somehow it’s Thanos looking to usurp Genis’ power. He can’t detect him because Thannies’ girlfriend Death is involved in blocking Genis’ perception.
Or something like that….
JoeS
Des said: This isn’t a place to post politics. Book was great.
I would have agreed if peter hadn’t put the White House in issue #5. But he did so politics are in place to mention. PAD started it. 😛
I agree with PAD’s characteration of Bush alot more than the “War for Oil” crowd. But, I think it’s only part of his motivation. (one less source of money to the kiddie bombers in Israel.)
I covered this a bit in a blog entry this week at ComicBookGalaxy, but it is quite interesting to read into the secondary level of the story here. To wit:
Marvel has gone insane by making bad choices. It even leads to suicide. Now Marvel is walking around as a ghost of his former self, making even worse choices and setting a course for destroying his universe. Only one man can stop him, the now ignored, exiled and shoved to the side Rick Jones. A confrontation is brewing.
See where the story goes when you remove “Captain” from in front of Marvel and put “Comics” after it? And Rick Jones has been a PAD surrogate for years.
I *love* that no one at the company has really locked on to this. 🙂
Marc
Wow. I never even thought of that. Cool idea, though.
i thought the issue was really well written and very well drawn. how this book isn’t selling better is entirely lost on me.
the previous series worked because we cared about the characters, they were engaging and we wanted to know what was going to happen to Genis and Rick, Marlo and Moondragon, hëll even Drax the Destroyer. i was concerned with the news that the restart would focus much more on Genis at the expense of the rest of the cast. for me this series seems to work because i’ve got no clue what’s going to happen next, but i want to find out.
The opposing black/white color scheme of Entropy’s design at first had me thinking that it was a new interpretation of the Inbetweener. Glad I was wrong.
The last use of the Inbetweener was a pretty weak start to what appears now to be a great run by Geoff Johns on the Avengers.
Can’t wait to see how the Magus figures in to all of this.
While I can’t say I miss the Microns, I can’t believe PAD isn’t using them now that an appearance by the former Micronauts might actually generate some interest and sales.
Very disturbing issue in a lot of ways (especially if you do the meta-realization that Peter was about to become a new father when he was writing this…and didn’t know if the kid’d be his first son). Which does lead to the question of who Entropy’s mother is.
Love the new style. It’s a side of PAD’s writing I hadn’t quite seen before. It feels less constrained by the standard comic book ethics: it seems like it’s completely unpredictable (and considering how unpredictable PAD’s stories used to be anyway, that’s saying a lot). I very much enjoy seeing the solid dialogue and characterization that’s representative of Mr. David combined with a new artistic twist. I mean, I love the YJ/Old Captain Marvel/Spidey 2099 humor, but the other titles still offer us that tone. I like the diversity that’s been created with Captain Marvel. In short, it’s my favorite read every month.
For the second issue in a row, I can’t really say anything except, “Wow! Can’t wait til next month!”
I really, really liked this issue’s cosmic gulf between fathers and sons, and how it relates to the individual gulf between Genis and his own father. Very well done.
Great issue, as always.. your narrow minded view of Bush caused me to guffaw, but great otherwise.
Awesome issue…great title…now quit Marvel and go make more New Frontiers books and comics…
First book I read this week. Wasn’t sure about the opening sequence but Peter didn’t disappoint. As stated by other posters, how much of this is in Genis’ head and not the physical world. Will Rick and Genis be side by side next issue as Entropy seems to have no problems “crossing over”. Only disappointment is realizing this six issue arc is tied into that ridiculous U-Decide contest which really wasn’t much of one at all. Keep writing PAD, I’ll keep reading.
Just peeked at Marvel’s website. New Avengers costume designs are posted by the new artist. I noticed Captain Marvel’s picture is in with the group. Any one have a thought about that?
WOW! Just WOW!
Col
More Marv works for me. Interesting that if he’s there, he’ll be written by same person taking over the YJ kids…Anyway, I’m looking forward to Copiel’s art – It’s fun and distinctive, which is something I think they’ve been missing since George Perez and Alan Davis worked on the current run.
The costume designs are pretty interesting for the most part. I don’t really get Warbird’s new outfit – not bad, just doesn’t seem to fit her…Also, I was hoping Thor would hang on to his Lord of Asgard regalia – I liked the twist on his traditional outfit.
And so I’m not completely off topic – CM #5 was great, as usual. I was really pretty disturbed by a lot of it, but in a good way. I wasn’t hugely surprised by Entropy’s origins – but that’s probably mostly ChrissCross’s fault – to me, he looked like a sketchy, incoherent version of Eternity right off the bat. At any rate – you guys have outdone yourself with this arc. I can’t wait for the conclusion.
I’ve loved both volume 3 and Volume 4 with equal glee. I do miss the buddy-buddy tone that the previous volume had, but I also enjoy reading where this book is going.
I do not know what’s going on-but I do want to find out.
I’m surprised and shocked by each issue-but wouldn’t give it up to save my foot.
I’m thoroughly disturbed and horrified by Genis’ actions and manner-yet I’ll reread the issue several times to make sure I have the story down.
In short, Captain Marvel continues to evolve and change, i.e., PROGRESS! in a fashion that won’t return to any kind of status quo any time too soon.
Thanks for the work and effor that goes into CM, one and all.
Just a note to all the “disappointed” fans of the relaunch: If you really know Peter’s writings on other titles (like “Incredible Hulk”, “Supergirl” and even “Young Justice”), then you certainly must know that he likes to shake things up just when the readers get used to it. I like the current dark storyline – because it is well-written – but I do not think that everything stays that way. Marlo will return, that’s for sure. There will be more humor again. I just know it. Just wait and get surprised by every new twists future stories will deliver. That means, IF there ARE issues after #6…
Pascal
I think CM should join the Avengers. Cap, Iron Man, and Thor have their own books and are able to do their own thing while also being in the Avengers. I don’t think it’ll be a hindrance, and it would be a profile boost. JMO.
I haven’t gotten issue 5 yet, as I get all my comics mail order (cheaper but later), but I will say that so far every issue has had me on the edge of my seat. Recently both Captain Marvel and Supergirl have really wowed me, and I think in part this is because neither comic is playing it safe and it really seems like anything can happen. I don’t think any Marvel series has broken so many rules regarding how a protagonist should act since Starlin’s Warlock in the 70s. Meanwhile, I’m hoping that the new Supergirl trade is a huge hit and that title makes a comeback.
PAD,
I’m loving the new slant on Captain Marvel. Someone (writing above) said that the title needed to change and evolve. As much as I liked the humour of the ol’ Cap, I’m starting to warm to this style.
It’s got me asking the one question that GREAT comics always do: *What happens next?*
Maybe it’s because he’s my namesake, or maybe I’m his (he did appear a couple of years before me) but I miss the focus on Rick.
Other than that, I am really loving the new direction. Setting up an amusing status quo and then shaking the whole thing to pieces is what PAD does best.
It’s not often that I’m left in slack-jawed amazement at the end of a comic book, but this book has done it to me for two issues in a row.
Great job.
If eternity has a son does infinity have a daughter?
Um, while I am a Peter David fan, enjoying his work on Hulk, YJ, most of Supergirl, and other titles, I have to say I’m not enjoying Captain Marvel. I’ve read it since the first series David wrote, but the relaunch has lost me. Maybe issue #5 (haven’t read it) will change my opinion.
Great issue as always. I’ve been a cosmic fan for years and I love this series. Keep up the good work, PAD! This is the best comic title I’ve read in years!
My first reaction to the beating scene was that it was a little over the top, a little too much shock value, a little too much like the crap Millar turns in in the Ultimates and his other projects. Then I realized, this beating served a purpose. Genis is obsessed with living up to his father’s status, yet he’s living in his shadow. Pushed as far as he has, why wouldn’t he kill him if he had the opportunity?
I didn’t like CM before the relaunch, but now I think it’s very amazing. I have a little problem with the quick jumps in time frame and wish each “status quo” could be delved into more, but otherwise, amazing stuff.
By the way, I love Entropy. I had a feeling his revelation would be something very lame and generic, but it was much more pleasantly surprising than I had ever expected. Keep the good stuff rolling.
Characterization – great
Character Design – great
Art – great
Plot – great
I like the book, although the phrase “Pearls before swine” comes to mind.
I liked it before the the big change, and didn’t see the need for it IN THE BOOK ITSELF.
Yes, it was underappreciated by a large portion of the comics-buying public — but I think it’s pretty clear by now that a large portion of the comics-buying public are torpid morons. Why dumb down a perfectly good concept to cater to mouth-breathing idiots? I know, I know: Asked and answered – sales.
But now that the changes have been made, I’m interested in seeing how this plays out.
I do like the new art style quite a lot.