Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel #1: Can You Tell Me Where the Lost Boys Are?

Fan favorite writer Peter David (affectionately known as PAD) returns to the character that he became synonymous with in the late 90’s/early 00’s, and no, I’m not talking about the Hulk. It’s GENIS! A genetic clone of the original Captain Marvel, and the third to take up the mantle. Genis has unfortunately been dead for the better part of the last two decades, and as a huge fan of the character, it’s a much welcome surprise for me. Genis recently returned to the land of the living in the pages of Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel title, bereft of any memories of his life before his death at the hands of a souped-up Baron Zemo. So let’s see what this team has in store for us. 

PAD’s not only bringing back Genny, but also Rick Jones, a staple of the character, and someone who PAD has had more than a decade in helping mold and shape for the rest of the Marvel universe. Unfortunately after leaving Captain Marvel, Jones’ was left without direction, and it didn’t seem like Marvel knew what to do with him. He was transformed into a new version of the Abomination (ugh A-Bomb was such a heinous time for Rick), and even died. Much like any comic character, death doesn’t seem like it lasts forever, unless your name is Uncle Ben, and it looks like he’s trying to reconnect with those who matter most to him, who just so happens to be his estranged wife, Marlo. Last Rick had seen Marlo, he left her with Moondragon, who was trying to begin a relationship together. 

PAD is bringing us a story filled with his signature irreverent humor, and chock full of continuity tidbits that you’d have to at least have a passing knowledge of what has happened in the past, and that seems like it’s the biggest roadblock that is hindering this story. I understand why PAD brought back the old crew, because they were such a big part of his time with the character, but given Genny’s recent return to the land of the living, it just makes it not as accessible to newer readers. Sure,  I know what’s going on, but not everyone is a walking comic wiki nerd, like myself, so it’s a bit of an obstacle for new fans. 

Joining PAD is rising star Juanan Ramirez, whose style really works with the story here. It’s not too cartoony that can distract from what’s going on, with an energy that makes it pleasing to the eye. Genis looks great here, both in his original form, as well as in his post Avengers Forever look. My biggest complaint with the art is that I prefer the way Ramirez depicts Genny when he’s not stuck in his cosmically aware form. Also, Moondragon is dressed like she was during her run in the Captain’s title, so I’m assuming the scenes with her are from her time then, but the story’s a tad confusing on when exactly she is.