Marvel Masterworks: Captain Marvel, Vol. 2

Marvel Masterworks: Captain Marvel #2

by Roy Thomas, Arnold Drake, Gary Friedrich

Collects Captain Marvel (1968) #10-21.

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime with another all-out cosmic classic Captain Marvel Masterworks! The space-born hero, Mar-Vell's continuing battle against the vicious Kree Col. Yon-Rogg continues this second sensational volume. But Yon-Rogg's attempts to destroy the good Captain only send him to higher levels of power and consciousness-and to the great Zo-in one of the most psychedelic happenings four colors can capture! But the true transformation comes when the titanic team of writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane combine to take the man long torn between two planets and two loves, and tear him between two people! You'll see the truly cosmic Captain don the Nega-Bands that bond him to Rick Jones for the first time in one of Mar-Vell, and Marvel's, greatest moments! Guest-starring Black Widow, Captain America and the Incredible Hulk!

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Science Fiction, Collections, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Graphic Novels

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2007

About the author

Roy Thomas was the FIRST Editor-in-Chief at Marvel--After Stan Lee stepped down from the position. Roy is a longtime comic book writer and editor. Thomas has written comics for Archie, Charlton, DC, Heroic Publishing, Marvel, and Topps over the years. Thomas currently edits the fanzine Alter Ego for Twomorrow's Publishing. He was Editor for Marvel comics from 1972-1974. He wrote for several titles at Marvel, such as Avengers, Thor, Invaders, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and notably Conan the Barbarian. Thomas is also known for his championing of Golden Age comic-book heroes — particularly the 1940s superhero team the Justice Society of America — and for lengthy writing stints on Marvel's X-Men and Avengers, and DC Comics' All-Star Squadron, among other titles.

Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this volume begins the Captain Marvel I remember collecting as a kid. He goes from a SiFi comic to a superhero with SiFi adventure overtones. The fantastic Gil Kane art (one of my favorite comic artists) just makes this an amazing read. One of my all time favorite Silver Age series. Very recommended.

[Trevor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not a good sign when a comic is relaunched with a new premise twice in 5 issues.

Initially, Captain Marvel was about Mar-Vell infiltrating Earth while avoiding the attacks of his jealous commander Yog-Ronn and struggling with the conflict between his growing affection for Earth and his loyalty to the Kree Empire.

In issue #11, Mar-Vell's love Una dies and he ends up betraying both the Kree and the people of Earth. While burying Una on an asteroid he meets an alien god called Zo, whom he pledges his loyalty to in exchange for helping him obtain revenge on Yon-Rogg. To assist him in this, Zo gives him the power to teleport and create illusions. This is the most comics Captain Marvel has been so far and becomes pretty fun towards its end.

However, in issue #16, Mar-Vell discovers that Zo is not what he appeared to be and fights against him. He ends up being stripped of his powers and trapped in the Negative Zone.

Meanwhile, Rick Jones finds some ancient Kree armbands that allow him to switch locations with Mar-Vell, while also allowing then to communicate telepathically. This is the most traditional super hero the comic has been, and is an obvious homage to Fawcett Comics' Captain Marvel, which would be revived as Shazam three years later by DC.

Neither of these soft reboots worked in making Captain Marvel successful and it was canceled after issue #21 (though it would be revived two years later to hold onto the trademark).

It might not be surprising to learn that this comic is pretty mediocre. And frustrating. Pick a concept and go with it.

I liked issue 15 a lot though.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another example of Marvel taking a while to find what’s unique about a character. In this, ironically, the uniqueness is taking a leaf from his namesake’s bag of tricks and having Captain Marvel switch with a regular guy (or, as regular as Rick Jones might be). It adds an element (and costume change) that’s more interesting than the alien longing for his lost love. I wonder how many volumes before Jim Starlink comes aboard and really finds Mar-Vell’s uniqueness?

[ISMOTU · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this volume we see a new direction for Captain Marvel, and then another new direction complete with a new costume and a premise that brings Mar-Vell closer to his Big Red Cheese namesake by bonding the hero with Rick Jones. Gil Kane brings the new look to life for only a few issues. This collection is a bit of a mixed bag despite some gorgeous art.

[Mhorg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still not so hot

A death. A new uniform. Exiled to the negative zone (and why didn't the FF pull him out?). Rick Jones. Nega bands! Is it me or does Rick know every hero in the marvel universe? But once again, lame stories!

[Shawn Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent

Here is where the reader can see the quality slip. While not an A-lister, the series is typical of Marvel at the time. However, this batch of tales comes as though no one has any ideas. Sure hope it picks up. Oh Gil Kane tools!

[Kenneth Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Improvement

Issue 16 is especially great because it puts a spin on everything that has been written in this series thus far. Thanks to this issue

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Marvel at his best

The title line says it all. A character designed to win a copyright for Marvel turns into a well written tale of an awesome hero

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

These issues threaten being of quality but are waylaid by rotating creative teams and unfinished ideas.

[Brian Callahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Gil Kane's art. Captain Marvel's new uniform is much more visually appealing, also.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

L

[Robert Kimberlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION. FANTASTIC CHARACTERS AND STORIES. MY FAVORITE ART WAS DONE BY GIL KANE, WHO WAS FABULOUS ON GREEN LANTERN. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT COLLECTION.

[Anne]

Collects Captain Marvel (1968) #10-21.