Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Judge Not – Coven: Part 1
Written by: Peter David
Pencilled by: Ivan Reis
Inked by: Chris Sotomayor
Colored by: Chris Sotomayor
Lettered by: Cory Petit
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Ever since the relaunch of CAPTAIN MARVEL, Peter David has built the title character into an out of control all knowing being that considers himself a god. The first six issues of the series followed Cap joining the Kree Army; the next two followed him storming the gates of Asgard and declaring himself superior to the inhabitants. The direction never really clicked in my eyes, and the book was hit really hard when longtime CAPTAIN MARVEL penciler ChrisCross left after issue five. To say I was extremely down on the book would be fair.
How quickly things can change. The answer to the question I posed in the teaser is a resounding Y-E-S! Peter David’s latest issue of CAPTAIN MARVEL may be his best, which including the last series encompasses 44 issues. The interaction between Rick Jones and Captain Marvel hasn’t been there recently, which is what I’ve missed more than anything. Captain Marvel has been chewing scenery and spouting villainous dialogue for a number of issues now, but PAD finally gets it perfect. Like any well-written villain, what he says should almost sound reasonable. It’s also great that Rick isn’t relegated to an uninteresting role in the Microverse for a change; instead he’s the center of attention again.
The story begins with Karl Coven, a muscle bound giant that looks a little like Guy Gardner in his Warrior guise, about to be executed for the murder of a family three years ago. Cap’s sidekick Rick Jones witnessed the crime, but was unable to intervene due to a nerve gas used by Coven. Coven is pronounced dead, but reawakens and asks to be freed. The matter goes before a judge, and although Rick protests vehemently Coven is released on a technicality. Since he already served his death sentence it would be cruel and unusual punishment for him to face it again. Of course Coven threatens to come after Jones, and soon does leading to the conclusion of Part 1, where Captain Marvel and Coven face off. The end isn’t what you would expect, and the next issues promise to be entertaining.
Ivan Reis joins CAPTAIN MARVEL as the new regular penciler, and I’m gushing! Reis’ work is beautiful; the characters are rendered so gloriously it’s hard to put into words. Rick Jones looks better than he’s looked in years; Captain Marvel has a commanding presence, and Coven is the epitome of evil. Chris Sotomayor’s computer ink/color technique melds beautifully with Ivan Reis pencils; to think I was bashing Sotomayor just a couple of months ago.
While I’m still not 100% thrilled with the idea that CAPTAIN MARVEL for all intents and purposes follows a super villain, if the stories remain this good I won’t care. While the title doesn’t appear to be returning to the quirky little book it was in its previous incarnation that may not be such a bad thing. PAD’s writing is nothing short of extraordinary; this is his best work since the glory days on THE HULK.
