Love and Capes: What to Expect #1
Story and Art by Thomas F. Zahler
Review by Mara Whiteside
Ever had that moment of love at first sight? How about love at first panel? Love and Capes: What to Expect has me head-over-heels. From the first moment I saw Mark and Abby, I knew that they would make a special place in my heart just for them.
Love and Capes: What to Expect is a different book than what I normally read. I absolutely appreciate its lightheartedness, accessibility, and fun. The series focuses on Mark and Abby, a couple that just found out they are having a baby. What makes them different from you and me is the fact that Mark is a superhero. The first issue deals with the questions I would pose to a super-couple expecting. What if the fetus shows powers while in the womb? What if someone kidnaps it (and we have some sort of Scott/Cable/Hope fiasco)? Are superpowers inherited? Love and Capes handles these concerns beautifully and in a semi-realistic manner.
Part of the charm of this issue is Mark and Abby themselves. Abby holds her own against her super-powered husband. I get the feeling that Mark does not mess with her. Mark is adorable, supportive of Abby and exhibiting all the normal worries/excitement of a new father. The families connected to the couple are just as fun, with the mothers fist pumping over the prospect of grandchildren, then turning around and claiming that they are far too young for grandchildren.
Love and Capes: What to Expect is a good read, plain and simple. It embodies the spirit of comic books while being fresh and appropriate for a wide variety of ages.
THE VERDICT
This issue is just too fun to ignore. As someone who knows nothing about Love and Capes, I found this series a great jumping-on point. You immediately get briefed on the characters, and almost feel like you’ve known them forever (The Crusader reminds me of a certain Kryptonian, and Amazonia is a shout-out to my girl Diana). Love and Capes: What to Expect is an issue that should not be ignored.
