The Death of Captain Marvel

The Death of Captain Marvel is a 1982 graphic novel published by Marvel Comics and the first issue in the Marvel Graphic Novel series. Written and drawn by Jim Starlin, it follows Mar-Vell, the superhero Captain Marvel, as he comes to accept his impending death from cancer. The Death of Captain Marvel saw wide acclaim, and has been described as the defining story of Mar-Vell's character. Unlike many other comic book deaths, Mar-Vell's has been retained for long time. His death freed the name of Captain Marvel for other heroes to use before it was ultimately adopted by Carol Danvers. The story avoids or subverts tropes associated with comic books. The main characters wish to avoid fighting, and Mar-Vell's depiction as a hero is challenged as he becomes infirm. It draws a contrast between a heroic death in battle and a quiet death by illness, and the final sequence restores Mar-Vell as a superhero to fight Thanos in a dream sequence, giving him a final battle to die heroically. The Death of Captain Marvel takes a more serious approach to mortality than most comic books, exploring themes of grief and the inevitability of death. It portrays the emotions felt by Mar-Vell and his allies, particularly his surrogate son Rick Jones, as they find that his condition is terminal.