ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain,’ Issue #1

With the recent war in Otherworld finally over, Betsy Braddock might have hoped for some rest to fully acclimate to her new role as Captain Britain. But when you’re the head of a multiversal order of knights, and the nation in your own world you are optimally intended to protect doesn’t care for you, it seems the days off are few and far between as Betsy gets reminded in Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1, published by Marvel Comics, written by Tini Howard, art by Vasco Georgiev, Colors by Erick Arciniega, and letters by Ariana Maher.

Putting Captain Britain on the cover of a comic brings with it a lot of history. From its connections to Marvel’s take on Arthurian Legend and Otherworld to its long connection to the Mutant corner of the Marvel Universe, there are a lot of elements to the character that can appeal to a fan. And that’s all before Betsy took the title during the Krakoan Age of Mutants which has seen even greater relevance brought to the character.  Needless to say, trying to craft a story that will appeal to the bulk of fans who may be drawn to this book for any of these elements and more seems like a herculean task. Happily, it’s one that writer Howard and her team are up to if Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 is any indication.

There are two key threats presented in this inaugural issue. The upfront one follows Betsy and Racheal’s battles with an expanding threat from the Furies. As they attack various realities that are home to the Captain Britain Corp, the duo must provide support to each world’s defenders. These battles do a great job of establishing a high level of threat as the already challenging opponents have seen some significant upgrades since their recent clashes with Betsy and company in Knights of X. These clashes serve to both offer a generous helping of action to keep the 36-page story exciting, as well as serving to distract the good captain from threats closer to home.

An element of the Furies I appreciated, in particular, is how Maher designs the group’s dialogue boxes. The white-on-black lettering, along with the balloon’s design that evokes a mechanical and threatening quality to the words is a wonderful example of how much great lettering can lend to characters’ voices in a story.

The best part about this primary threat is the wonderful alternate realities the book takes us to. Howard clearly had a lot of fun crafting some of these, while the art duo of Georgiev and Arciniega do a great job of bringing each locale to life. The first reality jump in particular is perfect. The local Captain Britain is a treat that I dearly hope we’ll be seeing again.

The second threat Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 introduces is the classic villain Morgan Le Fey. She has her own plans for Betsy and the role of Captain Britain. But like all the great masterminds in comic books, there is no need to show her hand right on page one. Rather, Howard allows Le Fey’s menace to build throughout the book. As she observes and monologues as only great villains can, Le Fey’s presence on the stage is further aided by her wonderful design. Cloaked in black with sparse but effective ornamentation, she gives off a powerful vibe that is confident enough that she doesn’t need to overdo it with over-the-top accessorizing.

But while the enemies and dangers of Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 are wonderfully implemented, the true highlights of this book are Betsy and Racheal. As someone who audibly cheered when the duo shared their recent first kiss, I was never disappointed with how Howard delivers the playful banter and kind support the two constantly shower on each other. As characters who have a long history of struggle and adversity throughout their publication histories, it is wonderful to see two of my favorite X-Ladies in a spot that looks to be so wonderful, even if the world around them seems ready to implode.

Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 has me truly thrilled for what comes next. It has threats, both present and insidious that feel real and viable, coupled with amazing character writing and a gorgeous visual presentation. If the creative team can keep this up it looks like the X-Office’s current run of hits will only continue.

Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 is available Wednesday 22nd wherever comics are sold.