CAPTAIN MARVEL

Vol 2, Issue No.15

"micro-management"

Writer: Peter David

Pencils: ChrisCross

Inks: Rodriguez/Livesay/Candelerio

Colors: Steve Oliff

Editor: Tom Brevoort

� � � � Battle of the sexes, haughty villains who find themselves repeatedly deflated whenever they wax pompous in their villainy, an alien analogue to female circumcision practices, sarcasm... this must be a Peter David comic. Sure, Steve Gerber carried off much the same tone and did it better a long time back, but that was then, this is now, and the likelihood of Steve G. writing a Marvel comic anytime soon doesn't seem, well, very likely, does it? None of this is meant to disparage Peter David, though, at least not in this instance.

� � � � While I had more serious doubts early in this series, I've come to enjoy and even look forward to each issue. Is it one that shoots to the top of my pile when it's in a given box of comics? No... but I do buy it and read it. �It's a light-hearted romp through superherodom that keeps dancing even when it slips in issues worth thinking about. This can be fun or it can be an annoyance, depending on how one takes it. I choose to take it all in a light vein. My view is that David has little right to expect us to take the serious bits very seriously since so much else seems contrived to blow off readers who might be bothered by some of the plot twists or the tendency to make the men a little sillier than the women when they argue.

� � � � This issue sets up a matter that I'm sure we'll see picked up in an issue or two, but then takes us into an adventure in the Micro-Verse, including a run-in with an old Fantastic Four foe, the Psycho-Man. David ably and amusingly handles the complications posed by having a power to control emotions; this isthe sort of touch that reminds me what I enjoyed in much of his run on The Incredible Hulk and even X-Factor.

� � � � Hey,we even see some of the Micronauts in here. Hmm That might not be much of a selling-point for some of you.

� � � � I'm not quite sure I care for the portayal of Rick and Marlo, but when I try to put my finger on why, the reasons seem to evaporate. I think it has something to do with making them more mercurial and childish than I remember them or think they should be... but after all this time and all the other contortions Marvel continuity's been put through it's open to discussion at least. Besides, Rick seems to be acting more his old self these days.�All things considered counsel withdraws the complaint for now, though Marlo seems to have lost more than a few brain cells in the past seven or so years.

� � � � �The relationship between Genis (Captain Marvel) and Rick is a central and interesting aspect of the series. Rick shared this same relationship with the father that Genis really never got the chance to know, which makes Rick more important to him than he might otherwise be. Being tied to each other the way they are, with only one of them able to be on Earth at a given time, there's more than one reason they have to get along. As time goes on there's a blurring of traits, which is interesting, too.

� � � � �ChrisChross & Co. do a nice job on the artwork. Everyone's appearance is at least internally consistent and emotions are expresed clearly in both posture and faces. The layouts are clear and interesting, and the pace is crisp.

� � � � �What's more to say? I think I'm probably a little off-center of the bullseye demographic for this one, so I'm not a fanatical fan. I enjoy it enough to pick it up. Were I to have to cut my buy-list to under 10 titles... this wouldn't survive. Fortunately I have a freer hand than that.

� � � � � � � � � � � � MJN

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Agree? Disagree? Comments? Let me know on the Embassy Messageboard