HISTORY
Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell) has been a prominent character in both the cosmic and earthly story lines of Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan in Marvel Super Heroes #12, in December 1967, Captain Marvel has been in and out of the mainstream for some time. Originally sent to Earth to determine whether they were a threat to the Kree Empire, Captain Marvel grew fond of the human race. However, after aiding humans time and time again, he was suspected of treason by the Kree and sentenced to death. But like most superheroes, he found a way out. Then, when trying to make his way back to Earth, he finds himself trapped into The Negative Zone.
FIRST GLANCE
Sculptor Sam Greenwell, also known for sculpting Daredevil, Silver Surfer and Ultimate Hulk, was tagged to bring Captain Marvel from the pages to plastic. Greenwell sculpted all three Captain Marvel figures and they all have the same packaging with the exception of the Kree uniformed Captain Marvel having a different green sticker on the front. All Captain Marvel figures feature the same articulation scheme and have the same wreckage base. The Kree Captain Marvel does come with a gun unlike the other two that just have the right hand sculpted to hold a gun.
ARTICULATION
360° head swivel with good vertical movement
Ball shoulders with no bicep swivel
Single direction elbows
360° wrists
360° waist
Leg movement is very restricted by sculpt, moving almost 45° in every direction with very little twist capability at the hip
No thigh swivel
Single knees
Single direction ankles
MAR-VELL
PROS: In all actuality, it's tough to draw any highlights from this figure. It's really the most basic of all Marvel Select figures to date. It does have basic articulation and really just seems like the beginning of the lower half of Marvel Select figures. The paint is applied well and doesn't bleed in many places at all. There is a wash that adds a slightly distressed look but doesn't come across as battle damaged.
CONS: There are some figures that distinguish themselves among others and unfortunately, this doesn't. The basic articulation scheme to this figure doesn't allow for dynamic posing and the sculpted right hand that doesn't include a gun is a letdown.
RECOMMENDATION: There isn't anything special to this figure and it's still common to find online and in comic shops. I would not suggest paying over retail ($25 USD) for this guy. It's one of the figures that is consistently solicited to comic shops so it does sell, but it's still often available.
GENIS-VELL CAPTAIN MARVEL
HISTORY: Son of Mar-Vell of the Kree Empire, Genis-Vell is the third Captain Marvel. First appearing in the Silver Surfer Annual #6 in 1993 under the code name Legacy, he appears in various cosmic story lines. After the death of Mar-Vell, Elysius choses to have a son by impregnating herself with Mar-Vell's genetic material.Genis-Vell is taken to a distant planet and is artificially aged and is implanted with false memories. Eventually, Genis meets Rick Jones and go on great adventures
PROS: Unlike the Mar-Vell figure, Genis-Vell does get a little more love from the paint brush with various star-like details throughout his body. Paint lines are clean and joints are put together well showing little wear over time.
CONS: Just like Mar-Vell, it is still a basic figure. The black paint does really make it stand out but it still doesn't belong in the pantheon of Marvel Selects.
RECOMMENDATION: As a variant, it's rare. Specially rare. Along with the Kree Navy Genis-Vell too. Both Captain Marvel variants fetch big bucks on the secondary markets and in comic shops with owners that know better. Whether one is more rare than the other, is unknown seeing as both were very limited in production. If you fancy the Genis-Vell variant, I would recommend it over the standard Mar-Vell if you're looking to build your display. If you're a completist, and you can stomach the price tag, pick it up. Loose you can find one from $50-$75 USD complete. Carded, expect to pay close to $100 USD up to infinity.
KREE GENIS-VELL CAPTAIN MARVEL
HISTORY: Genis-Vell's second outfit most notably is his Kree Navy uniform. Featured in Captain Marvel #15 in October 2003, this issue was part of the Crazy like a Fox story arc when Captain Marvel's insanity was at its highest. This took Rick Jones, the Skrulls, Shi'ar, the Kree and a new Captain Marvel to bring him down. PROS: Similar to the standard Genis-Vell, this also has beautiful paint detailing. The metallic green paint stands out among other selects and lines are still clean. The gold gun fits into all three figures' hands and this figure is probably the closest plastic depiction from the pages.
CONS: Nothing that hasn't been mentioned already.
RECOMMENDATION: This is my personal favorite Captain Marvel figure of the three. The paint is applied nicely, it's the only one with a gun and it's just as rare as the standard Genis-Vell variant. If you're looking to complete the line, waste no time in getting this if your pockets can take the hit. Like all variants, they do not get reissued and this figure sells for the same figures as the standard Genis-Vell. These two Genis-Vell variants are some of the hardest figures to find for completists. At the same time, it isn't the best overall figure and anyone who has one knows what it is and probably isn't looking to move it. Most commonly, you're better off looking for people selling action figure lots with these figures included as opposed to finding them individually.
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