The Secret of the Wednesday’s Haul

The idea of bringing Captain Marvel back just wasn’t a good one. The ridiculous and tedious way that Marvel brought him back during Civil War is one of the worst comics of the past 10 years and didn’t bode well for the success of the promised series. Brian Reed has established himself as a good writer on Ms. Marvel so that was a good sign for the Captain Marvel mini but, for me, Lee Weeks has been the real reason I’ve been reading this book. Don’t be fooled by the lack of any notice on the cover, Captain Marvel #3 is a lead in to Marvel’s upcoming Secret Invasion crossover. There are Skrulls and threats of Skrulls all over this book.

Captain Marvel begins to learn just how deep the Skrull threat has become and he also gets caught up in the mistrust that is so prevalent in the Marvel books right now. There’s no one that he can trust but himself. At least, that’s what he thinks. After being attacked by Kree soldiers on a SHIELD helicarrier, trying to get back in touch with his cosmic awareness and accusing Ms. Marvel of being a Skrull (hey, isn’t that happening in her own book?,) Captain Marvel is just as confused and misdirected as the rest of us are.

Despite the dependence on Skrulls and current Marvel continuity, Captain Marvel feels like an old 70’s Marvel comic. Between Brian Reed’s writing and Lee Weeks’ artwork, this book feels… strangely comfortable. Now I grew up on a healthy dose of Marvel’s bronze age (I hate that term) output. Maybe it’s the use of intertwining plots. Maybe it’s the references to old continuity. Maybe it’s the great blue, red and gold Captain Marvel costume that makes this book feel like something that could sit beside old Marvel books.

I’m still not thrilled by the return of Captain Marvel but I guess I can learn to live with that. I just hope that they’ll move him beyond the sulking navel-gazer that he’s been for a large portion of this series so far. There’s been little to establish Captain Marvel yet as a hero worthy of returning. We’ve heard how great a hero he was but it’s still unclear why he was needed to be brought back. The Captain Marvel I remember was a warrior and a fighter. He stood up to everyone from Yon Rogg to Thanos. He was a survivor. This Captain Marvel? He’s lost and it shows throughout Reed’s story. I guess that being flung into a near future where you’re dead can do that to a person. And the ending of this issue doesn’t help any bit to give the Captain a bit more stable ground to stand upon.

If you enjoy the current atmosphere of Marvel books then pick up Captain Marvel #3. It’s a link that leads to the upcoming Secret Invasion mini and plays nicely off of the shared continuity. But if you’re sick of books that tie into every other book, stay away from this one because it does tie into nearly every other book.

Captain Marvel #3
“3: Deep Background”
Written by: Brian Reed
Pencilled by: Lee Weeks
Inked by: Stefano Gaudano w/Butch Guice
Colored by: Jason Keith
Lettered by: Todd Klein

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