Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Mark Waid, art by Clair Roe, colors by Mike Spicer, and letters by Joe Caramagna. Young Jenni Saito is a teen who, inspired by some of her favorite heroes, is trying to make a difference in her world. But lacking their superpowers, she does it by attending protests and speaking up in class. Which often brings the ire of her mom down on her. If only she could be a superhero. They never had it this hard. Right?
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It is an easy trap to fall into. To start believing that the heroes that inspire us aren’t real people. That they are just heroes. No faults, no struggles, and defiantly no parents nagging about getting in trouble at school. We see the public persona and allow ourselves to be tricked into believing that is all they ever were. Just one more reason to wish we could be them, just like Jenni. Well, until she meets Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel in Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1.
Our story opens with young Jenni in her room as her mother scolds her. Jenni cut class to attend a protest at her school to allow trans students to use whichever bathroom they identify with. While her mother has no problem with the cause, she doesn’t see why her daughter has to be the one to speak about this. She isn’t trans. Can’t she just go to school, get good grades and be the good daughter she used to be? Not a trouble maker.
This opening for Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1 does a good job of introducing a scenario that allows the reader to sympathize with Jenni while not resorting to making her mom a complete monster. She doesn’t come across as bad. It’s just that her priority is her daughter and her future. While it would be better if her mom supported her activism, her concern is understandable.
Once her mom leaves the now grounded Jenni, there is a distant flash that shines through Jenni’s window. Suspecting a rare superhero appearance, Jenni decides to risk her mother’s wrath for a chance to see her heroes in action. When she arrives, she finds the Avengers dealing with an alien spacecraft swarming with hostile troopers. While the enemy seems numerous, they are no match for the Avengers, and the situation is soon under control.
Once the situation is safe, Jenni hurries down and approaches Ms. Marvel while she awaits Captain Marvel’s return from inspecting the alien craft. Jenni and Khamala proceed to have a heartfelt chat about their parents and their faults and love. If there were one Avenger who would relate to Jenni’s struggles, it would be Khamala.
Once her inspection of the ship is complete, Captain Marvel returns, and Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1 sees the titular character takes her turn, supporting Jenni with her struggles. Since Carol knows all about a stifling parent, her experiences surprise Jenni and ultimately make who Carol is all the more impressive.
Like all the Marvel Snapshots, this book emphasizes the people and lives of those who inhabit the Marvel Universe over-excitement and adventure. There are some wonderful moments in this book, as Waid walks a fine line with its messaging. While it’s evident that the writer doesn’t wish to villainize parents for being restrictive of their children, he emphasizes the importance of individuals’ need to express themselves, especially when standing up for the right thing.
The art does a good job of delivering the story’s many emotional moments. From its opening argument to the final farewells, every moment in this book lands with a solid amount of emotion. This emotion is also helped by the good colorwork the art receives. Thanks to good contrasts, the reader’s eye is always drawn to the focus of each panel.
Wrapping up this book is Caramagna’s strong performance on letters. This is a very dialogue-heavy book. But despite that, Caramagna always manages to keep everything clear and easy to follow.
When all is said and done, Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1 delivers a beautiful narrative about the importance of becoming the person one wishes to be. Jenni’s lessons in this book can easily be applied to many of us. And just like Jenni, hopefully, all who read will be inspired to go higher, further, faster than ever before.
Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.
Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1
TL;DR
When all is said and done, Marvel Snapshots: Captain Marvel #1 delivers a beautiful narrative about the importance of becoming the person one wishes to be. Jenni’s lessons in this book can easily be applied to many of us. And just like Jenni, hopefully, all who read will be inspired to go higher, further, faster than ever before.
