Captain Britain: crooked world

As I mentioned in a previous review, in 1976 Marvel attempted to break into the UK market by creating a British character, loosely based on Captain America/Daredevil, and called Captain Britain - who perhaps undeservedly faded into comic book obscurity.  One of the reasons Cap failed to make it in the British market was a brand new sci-fi comic that took Britain by storm - that comic was "2000 AD", and not only did it showcase British talent, but it accurately reflected the mood of Britain at the time (just before the Punk era).  Strips like "Judge Dredd", "Flesh" and "Harlem Heroes" made the American strips look tired, dated and lifeless. 

One of Marvel's responses was to rethink their approach to the British market, so they decided to revisit Captain Britain once more, relaunching him in 1981 using British talent. Out went the "Daredevil" inspired red uniform and Star Scepter, and in came a new look by artist Alan Davis which took a more militaristic approach. David Thorpe was brought in on writing duties, but left just 10 issues in.  Marvel needed a new writer, so they approached a freelance writer known for his work in “2000 AD” - that writer was none other than Alan Moore, destined to be later recognized as one of the most influential graphic novel writers of our age.  "Captain Britain" would be Moore's one and only work with Marvel - no pressure then...  :).  Could it work?

The answer is an emphatic "YES"!  THIS is how Captain Britain should have been from day one.  A quintessentially British comic, full of dark pythonesque humor, pathos, magic and mystery.  Moore's take on the character makes him a darker, slightly flawed but more human hero than before, a man who has known bitter tragedy and despite his enormous power continues to do so - in short, Brian Braddock has grown up.  Alan Davis's artwork contributes a very British feel to the piece, and for some reason, reminds me of some of Terry Gilliam's work.  Sometimes he loses his way but the pace of Moore's writing is such that you never really notice.  When the story was first published the pair only had eight pages per issue to progress the story, something that both were used to from the British industry where this was the norm, rather than the exception.  The result is a story that's very condensed, but moves along quickly.

"Crooked World" is then one of Marvel's masterpieces.  Because of it, Cap went on to bigger and better things (namely "Excalibur", "Knights of Pendragon" and "The Avengers") and other British Marvel characters such as Union Jack and Psylocke got their chance.  It's historically important, it's written by a comic book legend, and it's a bloody good read.  I thoroughly recommend it.