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Captain Britain and MI-13 Issue Three
... is out today in the States, tomorrow in the UK (having been pushed back a day by the Fourth of July celebrations). And this shall be, as always, the letters page.
Here are the first six pages:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=635&disp=table
And here's me talking about the arrival of Blade, who joins the team in issue five:
http://comicbookresources.com:8080/?page=article&id=17106
Hope you enjoy it. And, given the speed with which the last two issues sold out, if I may be so bold, it might be an idea to get to the comic shop early. Cheerio!
Here are the first six pages:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=635&disp=table
And here's me talking about the arrival of Blade, who joins the team in issue five:
http://comicbookresources.com:8080/?page=article&id=17106
Hope you enjoy it. And, given the speed with which the last two issues sold out, if I may be so bold, it might be an idea to get to the comic shop early. Cheerio!
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Captain Britain
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In the UK, and managed to get a copy of #3 today, so I'd recommend UK readers don't leave it to Friday to pick it up.
SPOILERS for anyone who hasn't got it yet.
...Is it just me, or is Merlin's look in #3 based on his appearance in Doctor Who Magazine? 'Cause it definitely /looks/ like it.
oooo, pretty. and fab.
<--resigned to the fact that every time I get the time to get near a comic shop, it's sold out. fingers crossed for a trade.
My bastard friends keep taunting me with it.
I picked up a copy today too. I always forget to leave an extra day after holidays - Thursday=comics is too deeply ingrained.
So #3...
"We just don't like to make a fuss."
*nods approvingly* :D
Good work, Paul.
A little bit more serious in tone than the past two issues, but in a proper sense of gravitas kind of way. I really enjoyed it a lot.
And if that one panel is anything to go by we now have some big nasty demon-type players of the Marvel Universe running around in the minds of every person in Britain!
Now THAT has some interesting potential...
"The Guns of Avalon"... does that mean we can look forward to a sequel entitled "Force Ten from Avalon"?
I just picked up issue#2 here in the States last week... I'm too slow for you, Paul!
>"The Guns of Avalon"... does that >mean we can look forward to a >sequel entitled "Force Ten from >Avalon"?
It's a literary allusion. 'The Guns of Avalon' was the title of one of Zelazny's excellent 'Amber' novels.
And, Paul, like several others I bought this issue today here in London, so the 4th jhuly holiday doesn't appear to have affected things at all.
- Rob Hansen
SPOILERS, SPOILERS, SPOILERS...
Like Narm00, I was reminded of the Merlin in 'Tides of Time' in 'DWM'. Is that because 'DWM' used a Marvel version of Merlin? I dunno.
Still, great issue, lovely last couple of pages. d
Got my copy of issue 3 today here New Jersey USA and really enjoyed it. You said in early interviews that you wanted readers to cheer (like in a movie) and after seeing that last panel, I did!
I'm not normally one for gushing but.. when tink says "he has the sword" I felt a lump in my very manly throat.
One word Paul... brilliant. Best issue thus far. I talked a lot of my customers who are fans of Neil Gaiman into buying issue #3, due to its very lyrical writing. The words just seem to flow very smoothly when reading it. It reminded me of the first 2-4 pages of issue #2, but throughout the entire issue.
I really like the direction that you're taking the Black Knight. I remember reading Avengers back in the late 80s-early 90s when he was a member. It's great to see someone further a character that hasn't been done properly in forever.
Keep up the awesome work and I can't wait til issues 4 and 5!
SPOILERS!
Alright, mental picture-
I almost run through the door of my local shop, quick wave to my buddy who runs the place, and bee line for you-know-what.
Grab, flip flip flip flip. No way am I waiting to actually read to see what's going on this issue. I must know: Is he back?
He's back! The images in this issue were slamming into my mind. Brian's body on a ship headed for the pyre, flags flying around, making a human shape, and then that shape reveals my old friend Captain Britain. With a big sword and a sharp new costume. It really made my day.
So he's alive, and I'm grateful. But still, trepedation. Because as a fan, I've been through a whole lot of "new directions" that were one way dead end streets. You can count them back through the years- just look for all the costume changes. And note how many times you saw him wearing each costume following every "reinvention" before the next guy decided to have a go at leaving a mark. There was even already one with a big sword. that one was so short lived, it only made it through one big splash page. The big line that time around was "Use the sword not to hack, but to heal." Draw your own conclusions.
I'm really digging this so far, it's the first time in a long time I've been so psyched about a book. Not a huge fan of magic as such a major story device beyond an origin, alot of mumbo jumbo that becomes a continuity black hole. Merlyn especially over the years makes no sense at all. Every writer wants to be the guy who writes the Big Story, the one where it's made clear what the epic mystic manipulation of Captain Britain was all about all along back to issue 1. And before, even. What Merlyn was doing under what guise or whatever. Merlyn is like having a dad who is a meth head and habitual liar. Or worse- like something out of post-Crisis DC. I'm looking at you here, Hawkman.
Anyway, none of this is Paul's fault. Here's hoping that this truly is the start to a great, brilliant, long and strong run for the long suffering Captain. And for his devoted fan(s).
(SPOILERS, etc.)An excellent continuation to what's been an excellent series so far. The pace was appropriately hectic, and the stakes were set appropriately high. Characterisation was spot on, though it took me a moment to realise why Excalibur still refusing to be drawn was a good thing...
Can I just say that I really like the rescuing of Merlin from the "ambiguous bad guy" realm he's been in since Alan Moore put him there. Also, his new look is very fitting to the "British" feel of the book so far.
Another superb issue Paul 'Well done that man'.I had seen the new uniform on a preview of next issues cover and to be honest I was not exactly won over by it but in the book itself it looks fantastic. One tiny thing. I have a bit of a soft spot for Brian's helmet (Matron) and would hate to think it's gone forever. If you dont want Cap himself to wear it maybe there's a new young British Superhero who could take it up? Possibly one who is able to take people apart and put them together again and is in need of a superhero uniform? Anyone fit that bill?
This is the first time I’ve ever posted anything on the internet, but I felt obliged to pass on my sincere thanks to Paul and the rest of the team for the great job they’re doing on this title and for the resurrection of my favourite character.
To put this into context I left the world of comics when the original Excalibur was cancelled. Thought perhaps I was too old for that kind of thing now and the simple fact my favourite character Captain Britain would be leaving mainstream continuity helped me kick my habit.
Now I must admit to my shame I bought the trades of New Excalibur out of some kind of misplaced loyalty to Cap, and even suffered through the pain and anguish of what was Die by the Sword, it should have read die by totally messing up a good characters back story (maybe not as catchy I grant you).
Now I bought Captain Britain and MI:13 out of that same loyalty to my favourite character, and whilst I loved the book I was a bit upset at the end of issue #1 as you can imagine, but hoped based on the title of the book that things would be put right, and boy were they.
Issue 3 was superb and the last few pages put a lump in my too old for comics throat.
Now after die by the sword I’m just learning to trust again, so Paul please don’t betray my trust and mess up Brian.
Please don’t have his powers tied to Britain anymore, or something equally as limiting and lame and let him shine as a character for a while.
Yours trustingly
Someone who’s maybe not too old for comics after all
I only just bought the book today and absolutely adored it. A smile appeared on my face upon Cap's return and the scene with all of the Union Flags was fantastic. I swelled with patriotic pride. It totally defined Captain Britain for me and really made him feel like "our hero". Honestly Paul, this may have overtaken Captain America as my favourite book, which you really have to be commended on; that is something that would never happen with any other book, writer or artist in three issues.
I love Cap's closing line. "We just don't like to make a fuss". It was so excellent. So British. I was cheering when Cap said that. A lesser character (and a lesser writer) would've gone for something a bit more tough-talking but I loved how understated it felt. Particularly since the Dr Strange Skrull had chosen that moment to talk smack about the UK. He should've thought that through a bit more, really.
Oh yeah, something I meant to ask was whether you knew about the Black Knight's sojourn in the Ultraverse, an alternate comics universe in which he briefly led their premier supergroup, Ultraforce, when Marvel bought the Ultraverse titles from Malibu. I don't imagine it actually matters since Marvel doesn't acknowledge this stuff due to JoeQ's apparently
mistaken belief there are wnership problems involved (see former Malibu president Scott Rosenberg's
dismissal of this belief at: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=14961). A great pity, actually. I have all the Ultraverse comics in two longboxes (all it takes to contain them, alas).
- Rob Hansen
Thanks very much, all. I did nick the title from Zelazny, because of sheer aptness, and was meaning to find somewhere in the book to say that! Cheering is very much what we're after. And I haven't read the Ultraverse books, sorry. By the way, all very lovely letters, but a couple of you guys do get close to criticising other writers/projects, and I don't generally print those, because I'm happy to allow negative reviews of my own stuff here, but not take responsibility for that about other people. Just something to bear in mind next time. Glad you liked the issue! As far as Cap's costume goes: no, that's it, we're not going for the helmet, because I like heroes who stand up for something to the extent Cap does to show the world their face too. And Leonard does expressions so well, I want us to see Brian's emotions in detail. Cheers all!
I know that some people may find the idea of Brian without the helmet a little bit odd, but then the original costume that Claremont and Trimpe came up with certainly didn't have one of those, either. There was the scarf across his face, sure, but you still had room for a lot of expression. You'll also notice that Alan Davis kept the helmet off Brian's face a heck of a lot in Excalibur too.
I like the idea. The new costume reminds me a lot of the costume which was introduced in the Excalibur series from 2000. That costume had belonged to Brian's father, and was all about his ascendancy from just being another Captain Britain, to being something much more individual. From Merlyn's speech in #3 it certainly sounds like this might be the kind of direction you're taking Brian in, and I think that the costume fits that very well.
That last page might *just* have edged itself into the position of "Best Comics Moment Of The Year" for me. And I *love* the new costume. Quite similar to Bucky's Captain America outfit, but the pointy shape thingy actually suits the Union flag better!
I'm sure Brian will get his helmet out again one day.
Anyway, another great issue, and yes indeedy, I felt like cheering at the enveloping of the flags - it was creepy and powerful. I wonder if any other symbols of Britishness hit Brian - teacups? Royalty? The (yechh) Sun?
And I wonder if his powers have been tweaked - can he do now great regional accents? Britain needs answer.
A tiny request - may we have Meggan in the book, please?
Sorry I cast a bad light on anyone else's stuff, that's a bad habit that's easy to get into on the internet, where complaints usually beat praise 3 to 1. It's more fun to be excited about things you like instead of indignant about things you don't.
Along that line, big Ups for promoting some of my favorite CB stuff in the back of the book. I miss when Marvel would have the old editorial astreix. I'd love Faizia saying "This is as good as when Cap battled Lord Hawk!*" with an "*-That was back in CAPTAIN BRITAIN WEEKLY #23. True Believer! -Polite Paul" in the lower part of the panel.
I think the first thing that did strike me about the new costume is that there's no mask. Brian's ID was still a secret, I believe, but never a very closely guarded one. He has no family that's not superpowered and thus able to defend themselves, so he's got nobody to protect. Secret IDs feel very 20th Century, don't they?
Mr. Cornell, Mr. Kirk, and the rest of the creative crew, thank you. I've very much enjoyed the first two issues of CB&MI13 but number three hit it out of the ball park, for me. An emotionally intense and satisfying story, that emphasized the heroism and tenacity of a group of people, instead of the lone individual. And the scene with the Union Jacks was perfect.
Keep up the good work, and I am eagerly looking forward to issue #4.
Sheer genius! Now that is a last page to make you proud. Even my stiff upper lip slightly trembled and I almost cancelled tea and crumpets on the lawn. More please.
Oh and yes it is the appearance Merlin used in DWM. Back in the days when no one cared about how continuity would be become a jumbled mess because of lisencing, Marvel UK had the likes of the Doctor, Death's Head, the Transformers, Captain Britain and everyone else pretty much in one universe....check out marvunapp for the Doctor and Merlin's marvel encounters...
Now I know the classic costume has gone after 1 issue, the book has been cancelled. Shame and ruined it so early too.
ead it last night, very cool. I thought Merlin looked identical to the one in "Excaliber". Great book sir, I need to Wiki some of the characters like Wisdom, spitfire, etc. Love it.
OH, I know what I was going to tell you. There is this hilarious episode of "Ben 10" a cartoon here in the states, that is essentially a Dr. Who episode. It's called "Paradox", creepy and wonderful, and I don't just say that because a buddy of mine wrote it (an Avid Who fan himself), but because it's actually really good.
I managed to snag a copy here in Brum.
Excellent issue. Finally got around to listening to the iFanboy interview too. Good stuff! As they said your passion for the characters comes across both in the interview and the book itself.
I've also got some people into reading Cap purely based on your name.
Their reaction was something like
"Paul Cornell writes comics?! Get!"
Speaking of names I saw yours is dropped in the latest LITG. That's some gathering right there.
Looked like it was a fun night/morning.
Thanks, all. Actually, Mart, one of Brian's powers is that he does regional accents. Seriously. Okay, so the Pendragons heard him as upper class, but they were magic. I must check out that episode of Ben 10. And yes, had a lovely night out with Joe, a load of comic creator mates, and a bunch of the guys from Millarworld. Really appreciate all the kind words, guys. Cheers.
A glowing review for the latest issue over at AICN
AICN Review
Ah yes, the return of Merlin's DWM visage. It had been aluded to before that they were one and the same and was also the old Ditko Merlin from those old Silver Age Marvel tales. Back in the Alan Moore Captain Britain strips, Merlin revealed his many guises - and being a pan-dimensional being, he could easily appear in DW continuity and Marvel continuity without too much bother. (Now someone only has to explain how Deaths Head was able to pull the same trick).
Great news! Apparently #3 of Captain Britain & MI:13 has sold out too:
http://www.comicvine.com/myvine/g_man/captain-britain-and-mi-13-keeps-selling-out/87-33641/
Paul, is this true? Should we break out the champagne (yet again)?
Loving it so far, one of the very best comics out right now.
My only slight concern is that the new costume looks incomplete somehow, as if something's missing. Not sure what exactly.
My only slight concern is that the new costume looks incomplete somehow
I think the neck looks too long from the "turtle neck" of the costume.
To counter the argument of if he stands for something he should show his face, I'll say that as someone who represents a people and an idea, the mask/helmet makes him an everyman. With his face shown, he is one man. (and from a US perspective, he's just another rich blond, white guy.)
Anyone can dream of putting on the helm of Captain Britain and serving the realm...but only Brian can be Brian.
I always get antsy when Braddock changes his costume, because I thought the original and the Union Jack one are two of the all time best costumes in comics. But at least it's not Britanic! Yikes!
Thanks all, thanks for that review, and that doesn't quite chime with me Scavenger. Cheers.
Lovely piece of work, and as someone who's in another country entirely, and not particularly responsive to flag waving, I nevertheless got a lump in my throat at the end.
To my taste, the story worked so well because it solved the problem that it really needed to, which is how can one motivate a figure like Captain Britain without falling back on jingoism? And it did that by going in completely the opposite direction, and showing just why it's really not a bad thing to be British, "in spite of all temptations to belong to other nations." It isn't because the British are a special race, carrying the white man's burden, but because British culture fosters traits such as inclusiveness, eccentricity, and ordinary decency, plus a certain strength and style, and that shouldn't be lost.
Which is one reason that I don't miss the helmet. It was a bit too much Bulldog Drummond or Judge Dredd, and the openness is immediately appealing. And less embarrassingly 70s, for that matter.