Captain Marvel # 1 2012 Reprint 2023 NM

Captain Marvel # 1, released in July 2012, is a landmark issue where Carol Danvers officially takes up the mantle and costume of Captain Marvel for the first time. Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick with art by Dexter Soy, the issue balances action with deep character introspection as Carol decides to embrace her new heroic identity and legacy. 

• A New Name and Costume: The issue opens with Carol Danvers, in her newly designed practical flight suit (designed by Jamie McKelvie), fighting the Absorbing Man alongside Captain America. After their victory, Captain America encourages Carol to stop being an "adjunct" and assume the name Captain Marvel, a legacy left by the original Kree hero Mar-Vell.
• The Pilot's Legacy: The main storyline is driven by Carol's reflections on her life as an ace pilot and her female mentor, Helen Cobb, a record-breaking flier. The narrative heavily features a letter from Cobb to Carol, urging her to "strive for every opportunity" and reach her full potential.
• A Decision in the Sky: As Carol struggles with the decision to take a "dead hero's name," she spars with Spider-Man and eventually flies to the very edge of space. Inspired by Helen's words and her own internal drive, she decides to "take the damn name" and embrace her future as Captain Marvel.
• Personal Stakes: Outside of her heroics, Carol deals with the grounded reality of her friend, reporter Tracy Burke, who is battling cancer. Carol attends Helen Cobb's funeral, further solidifying the themes of legacy and purpose that permeate the issue. 

The issue received strong reviews, praised for its character-driven story that provided a fresh, accessible starting point for new readers. 

• Heart and Characterization: Reviewers on IGN noted that Kelly Sue DeConnick's script was full of heart, balancing action, humor, and self-reflection to create a genuine and relatable Carol Danvers.
• Art Style: Dexter Soy's art was described as dynamic in action sequences, but some reviewers found the coloring to be a bit murky in certain panels.
• Feminist Themes: The comic was lauded for featuring strong, realistic female-to-female interactions, which were considered rare in superhero comics at the time.