The series is effectively a revival of the original 1971 Marvel Spotlight series (cancelled in 1977), but with a shift towards science-fiction rather than the magic and horror of the first series. Additionally, whereas the original Marvel Spotlight series had started by promoting new characters who might receive a solo series, the new series started by printing Captain Marvel stories that were completed before that series was Cut Short.
Storylines and protagonists
- Captain Marvel (#1-4)
- Dragon Lord (#5)
- Star-Lord (#6-7)
- Captain Marvel (#8)
- Captain Universe (#9-11)
The first issue was released on April 3, 1979. The series ended with issue #11, released December 23, 1980.
Marvel Spotlight provides examples of the following tropes:
- Rotating Protagonist: The series tells unrelated stories, mostly featuring Marvel's cosmic heroes. Taken to another level with the Captain Universe tales - due to the nature of that power, each issue has a different person become Captain Universe.
- Sequel Series: At least initially, it's a direct sequel to Captain Marvel - printing stories originally created for that title and resolving the Thanatos Gambit that Thanos arranged before his death.
- Twin Telepathy: Clare Dodgson and her twin sister Ann Stanford have some level of this, enabling Ann to warn Clare about the thugs lying in wait to ambush her. It's enhanced when they both gain Captain Universe powers.
- Villain Protagonist: The Monty Walsh version of Captain Universe is only fighting crime because he wants to take over and become the criminals' new boss. As the public doesn't know that, though, he effortlessly becomes a Villain with Good Publicity.
- Villain with Good Publicity: Monty Walsh gains the power of Captain Universe and uses it to fight against organised crime. He's hailed as a hero by the public, who have no idea that he's trying to replace his rival and take over the mob, not bring them to justice.
