Captain Canuck #1
Published and © by Comely, July 1975
Title: “Arctic Standoff”
Synopsis: In the not-too-distant future, Captain Canuck must thwart an invasion of world superpower Canada by a group of underground Communists.
Writer: Richard Comely
Writer (assistance): Dave Abbott
Artist: Comely
Review: Unlike many superhero titles from independent publishers, Captain Canuck shows little interest in being a Marvel knockoff. This debut shows some potential thanks to its uniquely Canadian flavor. But the script doesn’t flow well and the art is amateur at best. This Cap would become a contender – just not yet.
•••
Title: “A Legend Is Born”
Synopsis: Captain Jonn Edwards’ spaceship crashes on an inhabited planet, and he soon finds himself fighting for his life.
Writers: Ron Leishman and Richard Comely
Penciler: Comely
Inker: Owen McCarron
Review: This by-the-book adventure story lacks the spark of the lead feature. Unfortunately, it features the same sub-par art.
Grade (for the entire issue): C-
Second opinion: “Fiercely Canadian in outlook, the series was innovative and even eccentric in the hands of writer and original artist Richard calmly.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: Canada gets its own Bronze Age superhero title.
Not-so-cool factor: Comely’s amateurish art does a major disservice to his decent concepts.
Notable: First appearance of Captain Canuck and Bluefox.
Character quotable: “You are wrong! By taking away one’s free agency, you put an end to real happiness and progression.” – Captain Canuck, giving some Commie terrorists the ol’ what for
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Oct. 6, 2009.
