Marc
03-10-2003, 06:31 PM
CAPTAIN MARVEL #6
COVER ART: Andy Kubert
WRITER: Peter David
PENCIL ART: Paco Medina
COLOR ART: Chris Sotomayor
Greetings everyone!
Captain Marvel #6 has arrived! Here’s the story so far:
Genis (Captain Marvel) has gone insane due to his overwhelming powers of cosmic awareness. He left Earth, and would set out on an adventure across the galaxy in an attempt to master his abilities. Among the things he has accomplished: He fashioned himself as ruler of a small alien world; joined the Kree Imperial Army; and eventually “murdered” his own father in a viscous spectral brawl. He then became acquainted with Entropy, son of the cosmic being known as Eternity. Entropy wishes to end his father’s life and thus, all of creation, and he has asked Captain Marvel for help. Genis has agreed.
In the meantime, Epiphany, the sister of Entropy, has befriended Rick Jones. Rick knows he must stop Genis, even if it means killing him.
That’s where we stand. Let’s take a look at issue #6, shall we?
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
ISSUE SYNOPSIS:
Our story is entitled, “Four Characters in Search of Creation”.
Captain Marvel is pleased. One month has passed since he succeeded in ending all life throughout the cosmos, and he finds the nothingness enchanting. Entropy, Epiphany, and Rick Jones accompany Genis, and these four are the only living beings left in existence. The end of space and time is not a blank slate it seems, but an eerily beautiful mish-mash of watercolor. Rick is curled in a fetal position, and Genis is curious why his longtime friend is so quiet. Genis attempts to console Rick by reminding him of all the good he has done, all the times he helped to save the universe. Just because Rick failed to prevent the end of the universe here and now, that doesn’t invalidate his past accomplishments. Genis goes on to explain that Eternity wanted to die, and that he was grateful when the end finally came.
Rick, silently outraged at his partner’s taunting, turns and discharges some sort of energy through the psychic link he and Genis share. This causes intense pain in both men. Genis is impressed, but not beaten. He claims he still cares for Rick, thus the reason he spared his life when the universe ended. Rick doubts Genis’ sincerity. Rick pleaded with Genis for months with no reply, and he was forced to watch as Genis killed thousands without hesitation. Genis considers himself a “God” and asks Entropy for a second opinion, but Entropy is silent. Entropy hadn’t anticipated the nothingness that oblivion would bring, and he regrets his decision. All he wanted was to destroy his father, and now that he has, he is empty and alone. Captain Marvel is frustrated by Entropy’s behavior. Rick reasons that Entropy could try to create something. Entropy is intrigued, but all he has ever known is death and destruction, and does not know what to create. All he knows is what his father was, and he wouldn’t know where to begin. Captain Marvel draws his blaster pistol, aims it at Entropy’s head, and tells exactly him where to begin: “In the beginning.”
The trigger is pulled, and we witness the Big Bang. A new Big Bang that is, and it is a dazzling explosion of color and light, as news stars and planets take shape where the empty void once was. We rejoin our heroes, and they bear witness to this new universe, exactly as the old one was. Rick has returned to the Microverse, and Genis and Epiphany gaze upon the new creation, where Entropy has evolved into the new “Eternity”. In essence, he has become his father. Genis understands the symbolism, and Epiphany explains that everything has returned to how it was, before Genis lost his mind.
Now, the chance to change things…
We’re transported back to the events that happened during issue #1, as Captain Marvel now disarms the woman who originally shot and killed the attempted suicide bomber. Next, Genis is able to save the alien girl who would grow up to become the intergalactic messiah. However, now, as before, Genis sees possible futures that may come to pass based on his actions. The suicide bomber who he just saved goes on to commit suicide while in police custody and her accomplices then bomb the police station, killing 27 people. Also, Marv sees that when the future messiah dies, her death leads to a galaxy-wide war ravages countless planets.
Genis now stands at the precipice, just as he did at the conclusion of issue #1. As before, his mind races with alternate futures, possible choices he could have made and different paths he should have taken. Again he plummets to the Earth, all the while Rick shouting, pleading with Marv to snap out of it. Once on the ground, Captain Marvel begins to chuckle and that soon erupts into full-blown laughter. Rick is confused, and it seems Genis is no longer on Earth, for he now hovers in outer space and is dressed in his Kree uniform.
The End?
THOUGHTS & REACTIONS:
Starting with the cover…
The always delightful Andy Kubert produces a fairly menacing Captain Marvel. Great detail and another addition to a superb run of covers on this title.
Paco Medina arrives as guest-artist, and like all before him he does a terrific job. His style is very Ed Mcguinness-esque. And Chris Sotomayor, I can’t praise him enough. His colors are unbelievable, especially on the watercolor effects at the end of existence, as well as the “Big Bang” scene.
This storyline “concludes”, and we’ve gotten some answers to questions that have been plaguing us these past few issues. First, the state of Genis’ mind. Entropy revealed last issue that he was the one behind Captain Marvel’s insanity. However, it seems that with his sanity restored, Genis is still intensely malevolent. Will this hatred continue into upcoming issues? I’m curious to find out.
This issue felt like a Star Trek “bottle-show”. We never drifted from the central location, and it was really just a whole lot of talking. That’s fine. I’ll take good conversation over big explosions any day of the week. As I mentioned, Genis seems closer to pure villainy than anti-heroism. He felt evil, and it seemed to me that he meant the things he said. Whatever the outcome of his laughing-fit, his relationship with Rick will never be the same.
The way that this storyline really worked was that it revealed the point of it all at just the right moment, towards the middle of this issue. That point being that fathers and sons are united in their destiny and their blood. As explained last issue, the son ultimately becomes the father. Whether that journey is by choice or met with resistance, the outcome is unavoidable. You cannot change your heritage. Entropy has become Eternity. THAT was the point of this entire storyarc, and David hammered the message pretty hard last issue, when Genis “killed” his father. Genis must accept his destiny; who he is, and who his father was. Whether Genis chooses to follow his father’s path is up to him, but he cannot escape his bloodline, and what he was created for.
A bit of sad news, ChrisCross has left this title. He’s been with this book since issue #0 of Volume 3, and I will sorely miss him. Rumor has it his inability to meet deadlines was the deciding factor in this decision. I guess I can’t argue with that, but so long as Marvel continues to provide the high caliber of guest-artists that they have been, we shouldn’t be too worried.
The state of reviews by me...
My friend and mentor EmeraldArcher had a post like this not too long ago. While I have no intention of giving up the reviewing business, (believe me, I’ve only just started!) but I’m thinking about changing my methods. The method I’m using here is very time-consuming and I can only really review about one title a month this way. Ultimately, I’d like to review more titles each month, and there’s no way I could duplicate my current approach for more books. I’d rather my reviews have a uniform feel to them. I want you to read a few lines and say; “Hey, that’s a CaptainInfinity review right there!”. All this came about because I had to give up reviewing DC’s Legion due to time constraints, and I’ve missed it ever since.
So anyway, I’m thinking about cutting back and/or omitting the “Issue Synopsis” section of my reviews. The reason is because that part is the most time consuming to write, and I’m guessing the only people you read my reviews have already read the issue themselves, so the recap is pointless. I usually write the “Thoughts & Reactions” section first, and then I go back and do the synopsis simply for anyone who hasn’t read the issue. But who knows, I may keep doing things this way. We’ll see. I haven’t made a final decision, I’m just thinking as I type.
Well, stay tuned for next issue when Captain Marvel confronts Thor! Should be fun. I’ll definitely be here one way or another. See you then!
- Cap
COVER ART: Andy Kubert
WRITER: Peter David
PENCIL ART: Paco Medina
COLOR ART: Chris Sotomayor
Greetings everyone!
Captain Marvel #6 has arrived! Here’s the story so far:
Genis (Captain Marvel) has gone insane due to his overwhelming powers of cosmic awareness. He left Earth, and would set out on an adventure across the galaxy in an attempt to master his abilities. Among the things he has accomplished: He fashioned himself as ruler of a small alien world; joined the Kree Imperial Army; and eventually “murdered” his own father in a viscous spectral brawl. He then became acquainted with Entropy, son of the cosmic being known as Eternity. Entropy wishes to end his father’s life and thus, all of creation, and he has asked Captain Marvel for help. Genis has agreed.
In the meantime, Epiphany, the sister of Entropy, has befriended Rick Jones. Rick knows he must stop Genis, even if it means killing him.
That’s where we stand. Let’s take a look at issue #6, shall we?
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
ISSUE SYNOPSIS:
Our story is entitled, “Four Characters in Search of Creation”.
Captain Marvel is pleased. One month has passed since he succeeded in ending all life throughout the cosmos, and he finds the nothingness enchanting. Entropy, Epiphany, and Rick Jones accompany Genis, and these four are the only living beings left in existence. The end of space and time is not a blank slate it seems, but an eerily beautiful mish-mash of watercolor. Rick is curled in a fetal position, and Genis is curious why his longtime friend is so quiet. Genis attempts to console Rick by reminding him of all the good he has done, all the times he helped to save the universe. Just because Rick failed to prevent the end of the universe here and now, that doesn’t invalidate his past accomplishments. Genis goes on to explain that Eternity wanted to die, and that he was grateful when the end finally came.
Rick, silently outraged at his partner’s taunting, turns and discharges some sort of energy through the psychic link he and Genis share. This causes intense pain in both men. Genis is impressed, but not beaten. He claims he still cares for Rick, thus the reason he spared his life when the universe ended. Rick doubts Genis’ sincerity. Rick pleaded with Genis for months with no reply, and he was forced to watch as Genis killed thousands without hesitation. Genis considers himself a “God” and asks Entropy for a second opinion, but Entropy is silent. Entropy hadn’t anticipated the nothingness that oblivion would bring, and he regrets his decision. All he wanted was to destroy his father, and now that he has, he is empty and alone. Captain Marvel is frustrated by Entropy’s behavior. Rick reasons that Entropy could try to create something. Entropy is intrigued, but all he has ever known is death and destruction, and does not know what to create. All he knows is what his father was, and he wouldn’t know where to begin. Captain Marvel draws his blaster pistol, aims it at Entropy’s head, and tells exactly him where to begin: “In the beginning.”
The trigger is pulled, and we witness the Big Bang. A new Big Bang that is, and it is a dazzling explosion of color and light, as news stars and planets take shape where the empty void once was. We rejoin our heroes, and they bear witness to this new universe, exactly as the old one was. Rick has returned to the Microverse, and Genis and Epiphany gaze upon the new creation, where Entropy has evolved into the new “Eternity”. In essence, he has become his father. Genis understands the symbolism, and Epiphany explains that everything has returned to how it was, before Genis lost his mind.
Now, the chance to change things…
We’re transported back to the events that happened during issue #1, as Captain Marvel now disarms the woman who originally shot and killed the attempted suicide bomber. Next, Genis is able to save the alien girl who would grow up to become the intergalactic messiah. However, now, as before, Genis sees possible futures that may come to pass based on his actions. The suicide bomber who he just saved goes on to commit suicide while in police custody and her accomplices then bomb the police station, killing 27 people. Also, Marv sees that when the future messiah dies, her death leads to a galaxy-wide war ravages countless planets.
Genis now stands at the precipice, just as he did at the conclusion of issue #1. As before, his mind races with alternate futures, possible choices he could have made and different paths he should have taken. Again he plummets to the Earth, all the while Rick shouting, pleading with Marv to snap out of it. Once on the ground, Captain Marvel begins to chuckle and that soon erupts into full-blown laughter. Rick is confused, and it seems Genis is no longer on Earth, for he now hovers in outer space and is dressed in his Kree uniform.
The End?
THOUGHTS & REACTIONS:
Starting with the cover…
The always delightful Andy Kubert produces a fairly menacing Captain Marvel. Great detail and another addition to a superb run of covers on this title.
Paco Medina arrives as guest-artist, and like all before him he does a terrific job. His style is very Ed Mcguinness-esque. And Chris Sotomayor, I can’t praise him enough. His colors are unbelievable, especially on the watercolor effects at the end of existence, as well as the “Big Bang” scene.
This storyline “concludes”, and we’ve gotten some answers to questions that have been plaguing us these past few issues. First, the state of Genis’ mind. Entropy revealed last issue that he was the one behind Captain Marvel’s insanity. However, it seems that with his sanity restored, Genis is still intensely malevolent. Will this hatred continue into upcoming issues? I’m curious to find out.
This issue felt like a Star Trek “bottle-show”. We never drifted from the central location, and it was really just a whole lot of talking. That’s fine. I’ll take good conversation over big explosions any day of the week. As I mentioned, Genis seems closer to pure villainy than anti-heroism. He felt evil, and it seemed to me that he meant the things he said. Whatever the outcome of his laughing-fit, his relationship with Rick will never be the same.
The way that this storyline really worked was that it revealed the point of it all at just the right moment, towards the middle of this issue. That point being that fathers and sons are united in their destiny and their blood. As explained last issue, the son ultimately becomes the father. Whether that journey is by choice or met with resistance, the outcome is unavoidable. You cannot change your heritage. Entropy has become Eternity. THAT was the point of this entire storyarc, and David hammered the message pretty hard last issue, when Genis “killed” his father. Genis must accept his destiny; who he is, and who his father was. Whether Genis chooses to follow his father’s path is up to him, but he cannot escape his bloodline, and what he was created for.
A bit of sad news, ChrisCross has left this title. He’s been with this book since issue #0 of Volume 3, and I will sorely miss him. Rumor has it his inability to meet deadlines was the deciding factor in this decision. I guess I can’t argue with that, but so long as Marvel continues to provide the high caliber of guest-artists that they have been, we shouldn’t be too worried.
The state of reviews by me...
My friend and mentor EmeraldArcher had a post like this not too long ago. While I have no intention of giving up the reviewing business, (believe me, I’ve only just started!) but I’m thinking about changing my methods. The method I’m using here is very time-consuming and I can only really review about one title a month this way. Ultimately, I’d like to review more titles each month, and there’s no way I could duplicate my current approach for more books. I’d rather my reviews have a uniform feel to them. I want you to read a few lines and say; “Hey, that’s a CaptainInfinity review right there!”. All this came about because I had to give up reviewing DC’s Legion due to time constraints, and I’ve missed it ever since.
So anyway, I’m thinking about cutting back and/or omitting the “Issue Synopsis” section of my reviews. The reason is because that part is the most time consuming to write, and I’m guessing the only people you read my reviews have already read the issue themselves, so the recap is pointless. I usually write the “Thoughts & Reactions” section first, and then I go back and do the synopsis simply for anyone who hasn’t read the issue. But who knows, I may keep doing things this way. We’ll see. I haven’t made a final decision, I’m just thinking as I type.
Well, stay tuned for next issue when Captain Marvel confronts Thor! Should be fun. I’ll definitely be here one way or another. See you then!
- Cap