Review by Frank Plowright

These stories are where the Jim Starlin who revolutionised the idea of what might be done with the Marvel universe finally emerges into his own. The material in Part 1 showcased ideas and energy, yet lacking other essential aspects of a quality story, but by the concluding chapters of Starlin’s cosmic epic lessons about pacing and suspense had fallen into place. The result is a thrilling final three chapters of Captain Marvel’s battle against Thanos, unimaginably powerful on his own, never mind with the additional boost of the reality altering Cosmic Cube.

The situation is so desperate the Avengers become involved, but it ultimately boils down to the fate of the universe hinging on Captain Marvel alone. This presentation differs from almost all other reprints of Starlin’s Captain Marvel work for also including an associated chapter produced by Steve Englehart and John Buscema focussing on the Avengers. You won’t find this in Captain Marvel: The Complete Collection by Jim Starlin, the almost identical The Life of Captain Marvel, or Marvel Masterworks: Captain Marvel Volume 3, but it is in Avengers versus Thanos. That being the case it would be nice to report it’s the restoration of an essential chapter, but it’s not. Englehart uses the Avengers taking on a space armada to progress his own plots about schisms between the Avengers, and a final panel of Thanos skulking behind a chimney is hardly credible. That final panel apart, it’s nicely drawn by Buscema.

Once Thanos has been defeated the first time Starlin and Englehart combine for the introduction of Nitro, the exploding villain, but there’s some sloppy art, and the only real item of consequence is how it sets up the later death of Captain Marvel.

This was considered such an event in 1982 that it was used to launch Marvel’s line of European style graphic novels in album form. The idea of a superhero dying from cancer remains a bold step, and Starlin avoids any insensitivity of trivialising cancer via the inclusion in a superhero story. A couple of action scenes occur at the start and finish, but it’s otherwise Captain Marvel coming to terms with what’s happening, saying his goodbyes and making his peace with the universe. Some elements date the story, but it’s still very readable, and this was an occasion of Starlin taking a path rarely followed.

For the most part this is a far better collection than Part 1, and if you only want to see where it all came together for Starlin, it’s all you need.