REVIEW: ‘Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel,’ Issue #1

Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Peter David, art by Juanan Ramírez, colours by Federico Blee, and lettered by Ariana Maher. Both Genis-Vell and Rick Jones are alive at the same time. Trying to retrace their lives, their bond may still be connected.

Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel #1 is great for classic Marvel fans as it brings two huge characters back to the fore. Genis-Vell was a big character when he was alive, and whilst this is not necessarily that same Genis, having the name live on is fantastic to see. But Rick Jones was practically the backbone of the Marvel Universe for a while, bringing groups together and being the Hulk’s best friend. His importance in the comics has been reined in over recent decades, but I long for the day when he reclaims his spot as an integral part of the universe again. It is really touching how this series seems to want to find and check in with figures that have been forgotten by the rest of the continuity, like an old friend that has fallen aside. David brilliantly taps into friendships with heroes as he simply swans into one of their headquarters. One of the great parts of this pairing is that it connects both the Earth heroes and the far reaches of the cosmos. It increases the potential for who may appear in further issues.

There is a fragmented structure to the plot, as the story exists in multiple points in time. There is the present-day story that follows both Genis and Rick in different parts of the universe, trying to make sense of the new world. This is relatively easy to follow and very interesting. The potential of the duo meeting again for the first time in years is exciting enough to draw me in. There are also the stories in the past, showing past adventures. These all have direct influences on the current events, often being resolved within pages of each other. David is trying to carry on plotlines that stopped a very long time ago, and that gap is acknowledged. The second half of the comic has many different plot threads and all of them are fascinating, whether it be the complications the heroes face or the villains that make their presence known by the last page.

The art is fantastic. Ramírez is able to brilliantly depict the two worlds the heroes live in with a distinct contrast. The space elements are the really interesting parts, with the artist filling these areas with brand new creature designs. This location is seedy and the beings are monstrous and creative. There is a clear Star Wars influence. Genis is an awesome design and Ramírez captures that expertly in both the past and present. They are different but the original remains the best. The artist also depicts brilliant facial expressions that superbly convey the mod of the scene. The fight scenes in this comic are few and seem quite static, so hopefully they speed up later in the series.

The colours are fantastic. The shading by Blee is excellent, especially on the faces. It adds more dimension and depth to objects, helping with perspective. The tones are largely naturalised, not leaning into classic cosmic eccentricity. There are fantastical skin tones, but they are light. The colour effects on Genis are perhaps where the most vibrancy can be found, although it was much cooler when you could see the whole cosmos within him. There is a still cool and sleek black sheen, though. The lettering is easy to read and there are some great custom word balloons.

Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel #1 is a brilliant reunion with some old friends. We relive these old characters and follow their new adventures at the same time. And this is being created by David, a man who knows these figures like the back of their hand. This blend of classic and modern is fused wonderfully as so much of this area of the Marvel Universe felt lost and forgotten. The issue isn’t obsessed with history nor does it ignore it. Instead, it uses it to enrich the present.

Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel #1 is available where comics are sold.