HARPSWELL — This weekend, thousands of people will head to theaters to watch the latest offering in Marvel’s ever-expanding cinematic universe, “Captain Marvel.” In the Midcoast, Harpswell firefighters are hoping to benefit from the local connections of the titular protagonist, who was revealed to be a Harpswell native in comic book miniseries released last year.
In the lead up to the release of Marvel’s first female-led addition to its 21-film franchise, the company has worked hard to get comic book fans excited about a superhero that isn’t as well known as Iron Man, Captain America or Thor. As part of that rollout, Marvel released a miniseries showing the backstory of Carol Danvers, who would eventually be transformed into Captain Marvel. To the surprise of many Midcoast residents, the comic shows Danvers summering in Harpswell.
That’s not a coincidence. The miniseries’ author, Margaret Stohl, has spent several years summering in Harpswell and decided to use the region as a backdrop for her story.
“I think there’s a lot of excitement,” said Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire Department board of directors member Doug Warren. “I think everyone is excited about this connection between Captain Marvel and Harpswell. It’s amazing.”
The miniseries, “The Life of Captain Marvel,” has plenty of images that will feel familiar to Midcoast residents. The comics include panels depicting Captain Marvel flying under the iconic Cribstone Bridge and visiting other notable local landmarks, from the Giant’s Stairs in Harpswell to Frosty’s Donuts in Brunswick.
“I have no idea whether that translates into the movie — in fact, it probably doesn’t — but for our purposes, she’s our hometown superhero,” said Warren.
Now, with the Captain Marvel movie set for release this weekend, the Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire Department are hoping to raise money off of Harpswell’s newly minted hometown hero. Last year, Stohl ended up signing three copies of the first issue of “The Life of Captain Marvel” for the fire department auction off. The department was able to bring in $400 selling the first copy in March, and they hope to bring in more money with this second fundraiser.
The Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire Department will be raffling off tickets for the second signed copy during the showings of “Captain Marvel” at Brunswick Regal 10 Cinema this weekend.
Christine Donovan-Hall, who helps organize fundraising for the department, said that the fundraiser comes at a good moment for the fire department, which has seen 10 volunteers sign on. While the workers are volunteers, the department has to pay for their EMT training. According to Donovan-Hall, it costs them $2,200 to train and equip each volunteer.
“It’s great timing for us,” she said.
Raffle tickets will be available at the Brunswick Regal 10 Cinema during the 7 and 9:30 p.m. showings of Captain Marvel on Friday and Saturday. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $10 for three. Raffle tickets can also be purchased online at obifd.org. The winner will be announced Sunday, and the movie theater will be giving out consolation prizes including gift cards and movie tickets.
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