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Marvel Graphic Novel #1
A Morte do Capitão Marvel
Como protetor do universo e verdadeiro defensor da Terra, o guerreiro kree Capitão Mar-Vell triunfou contra adversários grandes e pequenos. Mas, ao receber o diagnóstico de que está com câncer, o herói se vê diante de um inimigo que nem mesmo seu vasto poder é capaz de derrotar. e tanto ele quanto o universo que o ama terão de lutar para aceitar o inevitável. E mais, confira a batalha seminal contra Nitro que adoeceu o Capitão Marvel muitos anos antes - e, em meio a um confronto com o descomunal sistema de computadores de Titã, agora corrompido pela loucura de Thanos, testemunhe o nascimento do romance entre Mar-Vell e seu verdadeiro amor, Elysius.
"A morte toca todos nós de maneiras diferentes. Alguns mal sentem sua chegada. Outros, ela atinge bem de frente. E há os que sentem sua lâmina afiada cravar-se no coração."
"A morte toca todos nós de maneiras diferentes. Alguns mal sentem sua chegada. Outros, ela atinge bem de frente. E há os que sentem sua lâmina afiada cravar-se no coração."
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
About the author
Jim Starlin
1,348 books456 followersJames P. "Jim" Starlin is an American comic book writer and artist. With a career dating back to the early 1970s, he is best known for "cosmic" tales and space opera; for revamping the Marvel Comics characters Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock; and for creating or co-creating the Marvel characters Thanos and Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. Death and suicide are recurring themes in Starlin's work: Personifications of Death appeared in his Captain Marvel series and in a fill-in story for Ghost Rider; Warlock commits suicide by killing his future self; and suicide is a theme in a story he plotted and drew for The Rampaging Hulk magazine.
In the mid-1970s, Starlin contributed a cache of stories to the independently published science-fiction anthology Star Reach. Here he developed his ideas of God, death, and infinity, free of the restrictions of mainstream comics publishers' self-censorship arm, the Comics Code Authority. Starlin also drew "The Secret of Skull River", inked by frequent collaborator Al Milgrom, for Savage Tales #5 (July 1974).
When Marvel Comics wished to use the name of Captain Marvel for a new, different character,[citation needed] Starlin was given the rare opportunity to produce a one-shot story in which to kill off a main character. The Death of Captain Marvel became the first graphic novel published by the company itself. (
In the late 1980s, Starlin began working more for DC Comics, writing a number of Batman stories, including the four-issue miniseries Batman: The Cult (Aug.-Nov. 1988), and the storyline "Batman: A Death in the Family", in Batman #426-429 (Dec. 1988 – Jan. 1989), in which Jason Todd, the second of Batman's Robin sidekicks, was killed. The death was decided by fans, as DC Comics set up a hotline for readers to vote on as to whether or not Jason Todd should survive a potentially fatal situation. For DC he created Hardcore Station.
In the mid-1970s, Starlin contributed a cache of stories to the independently published science-fiction anthology Star Reach. Here he developed his ideas of God, death, and infinity, free of the restrictions of mainstream comics publishers' self-censorship arm, the Comics Code Authority. Starlin also drew "The Secret of Skull River", inked by frequent collaborator Al Milgrom, for Savage Tales #5 (July 1974).
When Marvel Comics wished to use the name of Captain Marvel for a new, different character,[citation needed] Starlin was given the rare opportunity to produce a one-shot story in which to kill off a main character. The Death of Captain Marvel became the first graphic novel published by the company itself. (
In the late 1980s, Starlin began working more for DC Comics, writing a number of Batman stories, including the four-issue miniseries Batman: The Cult (Aug.-Nov. 1988), and the storyline "Batman: A Death in the Family", in Batman #426-429 (Dec. 1988 – Jan. 1989), in which Jason Todd, the second of Batman's Robin sidekicks, was killed. The death was decided by fans, as DC Comics set up a hotline for readers to vote on as to whether or not Jason Todd should survive a potentially fatal situation. For DC he created Hardcore Station.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2019
All of the additional material added, Captain Marvel's origin and the random issues contained within were just OK. But The Death of Captain Marvel itself was fantastic. He's probably the only character Marvel has actually left dead. He's not brought down by Thanos or some other big, bad villain, but cancer. Something most families have had to deal with. It's tough seeing Mar-vell waste away as he waits to die. It's tragic. It's poignant. All the Marvel heroes of the time come out to say goodbye. It's everything you could want in Marvel's first original graphic novel.
May 1, 2014
Sometimes the comic media gets lost in the superheroics and forgets to be relatable. This book is the best case of remembering the people involved in the heroics and to make them relatable to their followers.
I have always loved how science fiction can give us the oportunity to focus on an issue from an extrapolated point of view, and what better way to speak of the sadness, the tragedy and the anger in the face of the absolute impotence of figthing cancer than to make it happen to one who can fight intergalactic battles against forces that dwarf the power of gods? To see the people that love him fall short when they always come out victorious?
It's a powerfull story and it reminds us all that we're all mortal and vulnerable.
Beautiful.
I have always loved how science fiction can give us the oportunity to focus on an issue from an extrapolated point of view, and what better way to speak of the sadness, the tragedy and the anger in the face of the absolute impotence of figthing cancer than to make it happen to one who can fight intergalactic battles against forces that dwarf the power of gods? To see the people that love him fall short when they always come out victorious?
It's a powerfull story and it reminds us all that we're all mortal and vulnerable.
Beautiful.
April 11, 2019
4.5 stars
Wow!! What an amazing read!! Rarely do comic books address the topics of cancer and dying so gracefully as this. Stands on it's own if you aren't too familiar with Captian Marvel. I would even go as far as to say it should be required high school reading
Wow!! What an amazing read!! Rarely do comic books address the topics of cancer and dying so gracefully as this. Stands on it's own if you aren't too familiar with Captian Marvel. I would even go as far as to say it should be required high school reading
May 7, 2017
I started reading expecting what I got only in the last story, and so I've complained through the book about the collected issues in this GN.
I only bought it to complete the major appearances of thanos, and knew little about the plot, but I was "caught" in the middle of mar-vell stories that I really liked but didn't knew too much (I only read Avengers vs Thanos)...but the story that gives the title is something to remember, it stays with you and is very touching, it gives a new "category " to comic books and you learn that everyone is mortal (ok not Deadpool or wolverine) its sad, nostalgic, and very dramatic the way things happen and the way everyone feels and gather to pay tribute to Mar-vell! It's so "innocent" almost like you feel when see some animals (I.ex: elephants, monkeys) gathering around a death family member.
I also wanna put a side note on the way we spell Marvel / Mar-vell through the TPB Avengers vs Thanos you learn that Mentor (?) thinks the earthlings misspelled Captain Marvel's name but he just keeps silence, like he doesn't care about that, well I'll left that to your interpretation...
I gotta say I got emotional and thought very touching the way Spider-Man reacted and couldn't stay in the room and the panel were "Ben Grimm" remembered to Elysius the time he fought with Mar-vell while you see a weak Marvel laying in bed and when Rick entered the room, boy what a scene...it was so natural and felt rea, if you'd experienced that kind of situation with that kind of feelings you will know what I'm talking about...
Long story short, get the book you won't regret it...
Farewell Cap Marvel.
I only bought it to complete the major appearances of thanos, and knew little about the plot, but I was "caught" in the middle of mar-vell stories that I really liked but didn't knew too much (I only read Avengers vs Thanos)...but the story that gives the title is something to remember, it stays with you and is very touching, it gives a new "category " to comic books and you learn that everyone is mortal (ok not Deadpool or wolverine) its sad, nostalgic, and very dramatic the way things happen and the way everyone feels and gather to pay tribute to Mar-vell! It's so "innocent" almost like you feel when see some animals (I.ex: elephants, monkeys) gathering around a death family member.
I also wanna put a side note on the way we spell Marvel / Mar-vell through the TPB Avengers vs Thanos you learn that Mentor (?) thinks the earthlings misspelled Captain Marvel's name but he just keeps silence, like he doesn't care about that, well I'll left that to your interpretation...
I gotta say I got emotional and thought very touching the way Spider-Man reacted and couldn't stay in the room and the panel were "Ben Grimm" remembered to Elysius the time he fought with Mar-vell while you see a weak Marvel laying in bed and when Rick entered the room, boy what a scene...it was so natural and felt rea, if you'd experienced that kind of situation with that kind of feelings you will know what I'm talking about...
Long story short, get the book you won't regret it...
Farewell Cap Marvel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2012
This volume collects Captain Marvel #34, Marvel Spotlight #1-2, and Marvel Graphic Novel #1.
In the first reprinted issue, Captain Marvel battles the exploding villain Nitro to recover a stolen canister of deadly nerve gas. This is a key issue as it sets up the situation that would result in Mar-Vell's eventual death, but other than that it's unremarkable. The script is cheesy (never was an Englehart fan) and Starlin's art isn't at its best. Nitro is such a cliche dastardly villain I was surprised he didn't tie Carol Danvers to the tracks or complain that he would have gotten away with it if it weren't for that blasted Kree soldier.
The two Marvel Spotlight issues are somewhat confusing. Despite being the first two issues in a new series, the reader is dropped into the middle of what appears to be a story in progress. After some research, I discovered that this is the tail end of a story that had been going on in Captain Marvel's series when it was cancelled. I don't know why Marvel decided not to reprint those issues as well. The story and art are good, but they don't seem to have much to do with the centerpiece of this collection. Maybe they just wanted to give readers some familiarity with the world of Titan and Mar-vell's supporting cast.
Finally, there is the book that gives this collection its title. Several years after his exposure to the nerve toxin, Mar-Vell finds himself dying of cancer. The news spreads across the Marvel Universe, and all of Mar-Vell's friends gather to see him one last time. In the end, despite his physical incapacitation, Mar-Vell goes out like a warrior. This touching story earns the book four stars.
In the first reprinted issue, Captain Marvel battles the exploding villain Nitro to recover a stolen canister of deadly nerve gas. This is a key issue as it sets up the situation that would result in Mar-Vell's eventual death, but other than that it's unremarkable. The script is cheesy (never was an Englehart fan) and Starlin's art isn't at its best. Nitro is such a cliche dastardly villain I was surprised he didn't tie Carol Danvers to the tracks or complain that he would have gotten away with it if it weren't for that blasted Kree soldier.
The two Marvel Spotlight issues are somewhat confusing. Despite being the first two issues in a new series, the reader is dropped into the middle of what appears to be a story in progress. After some research, I discovered that this is the tail end of a story that had been going on in Captain Marvel's series when it was cancelled. I don't know why Marvel decided not to reprint those issues as well. The story and art are good, but they don't seem to have much to do with the centerpiece of this collection. Maybe they just wanted to give readers some familiarity with the world of Titan and Mar-vell's supporting cast.
Finally, there is the book that gives this collection its title. Several years after his exposure to the nerve toxin, Mar-Vell finds himself dying of cancer. The news spreads across the Marvel Universe, and all of Mar-Vell's friends gather to see him one last time. In the end, despite his physical incapacitation, Mar-Vell goes out like a warrior. This touching story earns the book four stars.
October 6, 2011
Collecting Captain Marvel #34, Marvel Spotlight #1–2 and Marvel Graphic Novel #1: The Death of Captain Marvel, this volume delivers the end of Jim Starlin's classic Captain Marvel run (which were not included in the third Masterworks volume) and his even more classic graphic novel, in which the consequences of his final issue force Mar-Vell to battle a foe unlike any other: cancer.
The inclusion of the two Marvel Spotlight issues almost seems somewhat out of place, however, as the Doug Moench-penned and Pat Broderick-drawn story, while certainly relating to Titan and the graphic novel that follows, does not seem on the same level as Starlin's material. It is not that it is bad, just that Starlin's material is so much better, and that the contrast becomes a bit sharp.
At any rate, if you want to read the end of Starlin's run, not to mention his excellent and quite famous graphic novel, this volume is an excellent option. And both are very well worth reading.
The inclusion of the two Marvel Spotlight issues almost seems somewhat out of place, however, as the Doug Moench-penned and Pat Broderick-drawn story, while certainly relating to Titan and the graphic novel that follows, does not seem on the same level as Starlin's material. It is not that it is bad, just that Starlin's material is so much better, and that the contrast becomes a bit sharp.
At any rate, if you want to read the end of Starlin's run, not to mention his excellent and quite famous graphic novel, this volume is an excellent option. And both are very well worth reading.
May 7, 2013
19th book read in 2013.
Number 71 out of 310 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://youtu.be/W_RAtGDlBDE
Number 71 out of 310 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://youtu.be/W_RAtGDlBDE
June 4, 2026
The once Kree soldier, now Earth's defender and Protector of the Universe, Captain Marvel and his cosmic awareness has for years fought the good fight, saving lives, adopted home worlds, and even the universe. But no amount of punching, kicking and blasting will help him overcome this latest foe - the cancerous cells of his very own body. The Death of Captain Marvel packages Starlin's original The Death of Captain Marvel graphic novel together with a few lead in issues from a similar time period which helps to highlight his relationship with Titan and how this malady got its grip on his body in the first place. The meat of the book is of course the incredibly solemn and serious Death of Captain Marvel tale, which stands out as being completely different from anything else you would expect to find in a Marvel comic at the time. There is no loudness, no action, no real violence, just a deep and thoughtful look at the journey of grief, acceptance, friendship and ultimately death. Although the material is a little dated, Starlin approaches this story with a welcome tenderness, and his pencils (though uneven at times) perfectly matches the tone of the tale being told. It's one of those classic Marvel tales from late 70's/early 80's that is well worth picking up and reading - even if you aren't the greatest of fans of that era's cosmic lines of books.
December 9, 2019
Captain Marvel #34 + Marvel Spotlight #1-2
Not very good, really confusing to someone unaware of Captain Marvel's history. Kind of boring too but at least sets up Death of Captain Marvel. I don't reccommend this bit of the comic.
2/5
The Death of Captain Marvel
Surprisingly a really moving comic that ends up being one of the best superhero comics I've read. It does have that old comic cheesiness but it actually approaches it's subject well and in the end is very moving even to someone unfamiliar with the character. I highly reccommend this part of the comic, one of the best comic book stories I think I've read.
4.5/5
Not very good, really confusing to someone unaware of Captain Marvel's history. Kind of boring too but at least sets up Death of Captain Marvel. I don't reccommend this bit of the comic.
2/5
The Death of Captain Marvel
Surprisingly a really moving comic that ends up being one of the best superhero comics I've read. It does have that old comic cheesiness but it actually approaches it's subject well and in the end is very moving even to someone unfamiliar with the character. I highly reccommend this part of the comic, one of the best comic book stories I think I've read.
4.5/5
July 2, 2017
The curation of this collection is confusing. The stories themselves aren't terrible.
July 9, 2020
A superb tale, well put into context by this edition's contents. A philosophical book, with gorgeous art and fantastic storytelling. A must read for anyone.
July 27, 2019
An uncharacteristically sombre and serious graphic novel. This book tells the demise of Captain Marvel as cancer ravages his body, despite the universe's scientists trying to find a solution. Very touching book at times, albeit with a dated narrative style and tone.
March 6, 2017
The five stars is solely based on the strength of the Death of Story. It's very human, real and painful in it's reality.
April 12, 2014
The only thing that interests me about Captain Marvel, is his ties to Thanos. That is the reason the graphic novel contained in this collection stayed with me after all this time, it holds an interesting part of Thanos' past. But it is also a powerful story, that shows that even superhuman beings can die from a very human disease. And it shows how much Jim Starlin has grown as a writer from his earlier 70's stories. The emotions of the characters suffering to accept the reality of what is happening to Mar-vell is genuine and his own words voice a very human thought as well: "I just never figured it would happen to me."
The inclusion of CM 34 is quite relevant to the graphic novel, the 2 Marvel Spotlight issues are not. Both are nice bonuses, but the graphic novel is the reason this tpb is worth picking up. It is as strong as ever, even after more than 30 years. Highly recommended for any Thanos fan and those who love to read.
The inclusion of CM 34 is quite relevant to the graphic novel, the 2 Marvel Spotlight issues are not. Both are nice bonuses, but the graphic novel is the reason this tpb is worth picking up. It is as strong as ever, even after more than 30 years. Highly recommended for any Thanos fan and those who love to read.
July 3, 2015
The story "The Death of Captain Marvel" is a classic. It's a story of a great hero succumbing to death through the "regular" but still tragic disease of cancer. To show a superhero's life taken by a disease, rather than through fighting robots or a vampire stealing his soul or anything like that, is refreshing and brings realism to Starlin's already masterful use of the space opera genre. It's a must read in the canon of graphic novels. Why three stars then? It has too so with the other comics that were included in this particular edition. Beside the (well placed) inclusion of the issue of the Captain Marvel series showing how he initially contracted cancer, the other two issues included seemed totally unrelated. These other two issues of marvel spotlight both pale in comparison to the quality of Starlin's writing, and actually work against the power and purpose of the story "The Death of Captain Marvel."
June 8, 2011
This is a reprint of an early Marvel graphic novel, with a couple of extra issues of the 70s Captain Marvel series included for good measure. The main body of the book the reproduction of the graphic novel suffers horribly from terrible color. It really should not have been printed this way. Aside from that blunder in printing, the story is okay, I guess, for a super-hero dying from cancer. It's not particularly well written and the art is quite ugly by today's standards. Most noticeably tiny heads on huge bodies abound.
At the time, when this story first came out, I was dismayed and shocked Marvel killed off such a wonderful character, just to tell one single story. It wasn't worth it. The payoff is meager. I'd much rather have Captain Marvel still alive and well in the Marvel Universe.
At the time, when this story first came out, I was dismayed and shocked Marvel killed off such a wonderful character, just to tell one single story. It wasn't worth it. The payoff is meager. I'd much rather have Captain Marvel still alive and well in the Marvel Universe.
August 29, 2014
While the actual death of Captain Marvel is still a fairly moving story, this collection is a little weak compared to The Life and Death of Captain Marvel trade from several years ago. This one collects one issue of Captain Marvel where he's exposed to a deadly nerve agent, two rather forgettable issues of Marvel Spotlight by Doug Moench, and the original Marvel graphic novel depicting Marvel's death from cancer resulting from the exposure. Not as strong as it should be but if you've read the recent Avengers vs. Thanos collection, it's probably worth it to see Captain Marvel's story completed here, now that the Life and Death trade is out of print.
April 25, 2018
Graphic novel length.
Not the story I thought it would be. We get a lengthy recap of Captain Marvel. Frankly, one could read this and save some of the earlier readings and be caught up.
Death for Captain Marvel wasn't in some cosmic battle as has been his wont. Nope, plain ol' blackness/cancer. It's an interesting read. It's a reminder that "The Big C" used to be a death sentence. It's also interesting as just yesterday we buried my MIL who passed from cancer.
So, a la Michael Keaton, Cap records his thoughts and feelings. The Avengers are stricken with remorse that they haven't been able to solve the cure.
Thanos breaks free from his petrified state to battle Marvel once again only to be defeated again. And that is that.
Not the story I thought it would be. We get a lengthy recap of Captain Marvel. Frankly, one could read this and save some of the earlier readings and be caught up.
Death for Captain Marvel wasn't in some cosmic battle as has been his wont. Nope, plain ol' blackness/cancer. It's an interesting read. It's a reminder that "The Big C" used to be a death sentence. It's also interesting as just yesterday we buried my MIL who passed from cancer.
So, a la Michael Keaton, Cap records his thoughts and feelings. The Avengers are stricken with remorse that they haven't been able to solve the cure.
Thanos breaks free from his petrified state to battle Marvel once again only to be defeated again. And that is that.
July 5, 2018
Collects Captain Marvel (1968) #34, Marvel Spotlight (1979) #1-2 And Marvel Graphic Novel #1: The Death Of Captain Marvel
The original graphic novel closes out this collection, but there are a few Jim Starlin-written Captain Marvel stories that come before that famous story. "The Death of Captain Marvel" itself is a very moving story that summarizes Captain Marvel's history in Marvel Comics, but also allows the characters and the readers to come to terms with his passing.
I would give the original graphic novel 5 stars, but since there are a few weaker stories at the beginning of the collection, I have to go with 4 stars overall.
The original graphic novel closes out this collection, but there are a few Jim Starlin-written Captain Marvel stories that come before that famous story. "The Death of Captain Marvel" itself is a very moving story that summarizes Captain Marvel's history in Marvel Comics, but also allows the characters and the readers to come to terms with his passing.
I would give the original graphic novel 5 stars, but since there are a few weaker stories at the beginning of the collection, I have to go with 4 stars overall.
December 23, 2015
Starlin did something very important for the superhero genre by depicting grief in a stark, realistic fashion.
I would not say that this book aged particularly well, however. The author is very particular about spelling out everything for the reader: every feeling gets a dialogue or a soliloquy. Starlin does not take advantage of the format's opportunities for symbolism. While this choice may well be justified -- there's no rule which says that negative moods are best conveyed through metaphor -- it does make for laborious reading.
I would not say that this book aged particularly well, however. The author is very particular about spelling out everything for the reader: every feeling gets a dialogue or a soliloquy. Starlin does not take advantage of the format's opportunities for symbolism. While this choice may well be justified -- there's no rule which says that negative moods are best conveyed through metaphor -- it does make for laborious reading.
August 22, 2015
For such a mort, Nitro sure finds a way to finagle himself into some pretty important bits of Marvel continuity. More Starlin cosmic tales, this time featuring the end of one of the first cosmic heroes around. I gotta say, though, no way does a cosmic superhero die from cancer in a comic book universe. It's possibly the most unbelievable thing in a multiverse full of unbelievable things.
August 28, 2013
a jim starlin gem from 1982. probably hadn't read it since back then, too. i'm older, and mar-vell is still dead.
April 16, 2014
A confused anthology but surprisingly poignant
January 17, 2015
A great book, unexpected, emotional ending. Loved it.
June 28, 2015
I'm not sure I've ever read of a hero dying by ******, before. I'm not sure if this wasn't a precedent in 1982.
April 19, 2018
It almost garnered a 2, but Marvel's demise ended strong, tugging the heart strings before ending with a strong punch.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews