CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
MICHELE FAZEKAS & TARA BUTTERS (W) • KRIS ANKA (A) • MATT WILSON (C) • JOE CARAMAGNA (L)
Editor Sana Amanat writes in her closing editorial to the issue:
I'd also like to give a special shout-out to my Alpha Flight fans. You've been asking for Alpha Flight for a while so we've answered the call, but with a slightly different spin. This version of Alpha Flight pays tribute to what's come before while elevating them to a higher status - The International Conglomerate For Inter-Galactic Space-Keeping. Basically, it's a promotion.
While Alpha Flight are rooted in Canada and Canadian folklore that doesn't mean that they're only good enough to protect just Canada, and that's something that has caused them to be the butt of fanboy jokes for a long time now.
This title gives AF an elevated status within the Marvel Prime, and gives new readers a glimpse of a team they had no idea existed. And this promotion doesn't stop them from being able to protect Canada too.
We've previously seen cameos of the team in Spider-Woman #2 and Ultimates #3 but this issue(/arc) is set before those.
Writers Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters have created a storyline that is easily accessible, even to readers unfamiliar with the characters, meaning the title appeals to both Captain Marvel and Alpha Flight fandoms, and isn't confusing for completely new readers, who may come to comics because of the upcoming film. For a major comics debut this is great stuff. There is just the right amount of dialogue throughout, playing up to Kris Anka's strengths throughout the issue.
Puck shines within this issue, playing up to the roguish charm that Byrne installed in him, and most recently seen in his time in Uncanny X-Force, and the writers' gel with Anka and colourist Matt Wilson from the very start - the expressions of the characters perfectly fit with the dialogue and hit home the humour.
There's a great scene where he meets Captain Marvel for the first time and just like other major players in the Marvel Universe, such as Captain America was, she's aware of his reputation and respectful of him.
It's also mentioned later on that Puck has had adventures with Abigail Brand before, which again fits perfectly with his character and having history with a range of characters within the Marvel universe, such as Domino, off-panel.
They also briefly touch on his dwarfism and the constant pain it keeps him in; all being respectful to Byrne but without being heavy-handed and ruining the flow of the story for newcomers - the nod is there for those that have read the issues.
Aurora and Sasquatch don't get as much face-time, but are shown competently dealing with space-threats and don't make the mistake of having the characters being all over each other once again. Hopefully that won't happen later.
And let's not forget; the title isn't Alpha Flight - the characters are supporting characters here. Although this is definitely a big push and set-up for a spin-off title.
Anka's redesigns for the team are a thing of beauty - a unified space-station costume that features an Alpha Flight insignia, that's prominently shown throughout the issue(and I think this issue features the words 'Alpha Flight' more than all the Marvel books of the past few years combined), and also allows for individualism - Aurora has her starburst design (and pointed ears), and Puck looks great with a jacket and full beard. The issue also continues the running theme of a shirtless Puck that artists have picked up on within AF lore, although Eugene has definitely been working out lately!
There's only so much you can do with a costume for Sasquatch - he's never been the Hulk-esque 'purple pants' wearing guy and I wouldn't want him to be, so a space-harness(?) to allow a helmet for breathing in space is a sensible touch. Not messing with a classic.
As mentioned earlier Anka's expressions throughout the issue are immensely good, from Brand's scowl, to Puck's work-out face, to Danvers' frustration, joy and humility. This is definitely the best work of his career so far IMO, and he's a great choice to be on this title.
His pairing with Matt Wilson's colours works amazingly; Matt too is a great talent whose work just keeps getting better - a book set in space could take a lazy approach and just slap a black space scene with a few duplicated stars throughout but the space scenes are some of the most vibrant pages I've seen in a long time, with hues of red and blue within space and the neon glow of lazers, explosions and spaceship-trail.
And that's not to say the issue is completely within space - the huge space-station designs by Anka show the scope of just how big and important this operation is within the Marvel Prime and would not be out of place on the big screen, and again Wilson's palette is used to full effect here in the reflections on the floor and the holographic technology used within it, as well as the stark contrast between the man-made architecture and the starkness of space.
All in all, this is a VERY strong debut from all the team, and a great use of Alpha Flight.
It may not be an Alpha Flight I expected, but it's definitely one I like and want.
As Carol herself says - "Alpha Flight... ASSEMBLE."
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