Wednesday is Comic Day!

Writer: Paul Cornell Penciler: Leonard Kirk Inker: Jesse Delperdang with Scott Hanna Colorist: Brian Reber Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $15.99

Being British, I have a strong affection for Captain Britain. Unfortunately he is a character that I think has long been handled poorly. It looks like he is back, and in the hands of a British writer.

I didn't pick up this story in issue format because I wasn't exactly impressed with the preceding Pete Wisdom and MI13 mini-series, also by Paul Cornell. It had its moments, but half the time I felt like I'd missed something and didn't know what was happening. There is a little bit of that feeling reading this trade paperback collecting the first four issues of the ongoing series. Paul Cornell's non-comics work may be more familiar to some, he is one of the writers on the Dr. Who television series.

The first thing that jumps out is of course the art. Leonard Kirk is a great comic book artist. He first came to my attention during his arcs on JSA. The style does seem to vary a little throughout the book, but that is likely the result of there being two inkers. Kirk depicts strong heroes and vivid action. I am glad that someone of his caliber is taking on this character.

The story begins with the Skrulls having infiltrated the British government and invaded Britain. There is probably more action and plot in this four issue story than appeared in the eight issue Secret Invasion. The team is assembled and consists of Captain Britain, The Black Knight, Spitfire, Peter Wisdom, John the Skrull, and new character Dr. Faiza Hussain. The Black Knight and Spitfire both evidence characteristics that I was unfamiliar with. I guess I need to go figure out where their recent appearances have been. Spitfire, to the best of my knowledge, reappeared in New Invaders and Captain America a couple of years ago. The Black Knight was most recently in New Excalibur, although I haven't seen him since he was in the Avengers.

Who can't like a series where the heroes include the living embodiment of the magic of Britain, a WWII speedster, and a Skrull that looks like John Lennon? I like that Cornell is keeping the "Otherworld" magical aspects of Britain and the Arthurian mythology. Merlin and Excalibur both make appearances.

Secret Invasion is used as the catalyst to assemble this team of British superheroes. It really isn't that critical to have read Secret Invasion. All you need to know is that the Skrulls have invaded. Pretty much the bulk of this four issue arc is assembling the team. I'm looking forward to the next arc, where the team gets their first mission.

The trade paperback also include Marvel Team-Up issues #65-66, from 1978, which is a Captain Britain and Spider-man story, written by Chris Claremont and drawn by John Byrne.