Review – Captain Marvel #18 (Marvel Comics)

The Weight of Duty in Captain Marvel #18

What’s that? A new and spectacular plot arc on the horizon for Captain Marvel? Captain Marvel #18 launches a new arc, and with it comes new stakes and drama. This is a version of Carol rarely seen, and it’s already proving to be a big moment.

This arc ties directly into the Empyre event and thus is as big and loud as one might expect (or hope for). So if you haven’t been following Empyre, you might want to get caught up real quick. Or just accept that you’re going to be getting some spoilers.

Furthermore, once again, Carol’s past is about to get dragged to the surface. It seems she really can’t run from her history, even as it feels to be ever-changing. How will she handle this latest hurdle?

Writing

Captain Marvel #18 is an issue that doesn’t hold anything back. All thanks to Kelly Thompson for that and a fairly intense plot all around. There’s plenty of foreshadowing to be found within this issue, and then some.

One of the awe-inspiring things about this issue is how well Thompson handled the nature of the tie-in. While Empyre played an essential role in this plot, it was really more like a starting point than anything else. The plot quickly expanded, becoming something of its own.

There’s actually quite a lot to take in for this issue. First, there are the cameos (obviously), then there’s the layer upon layer of the plot to be found. Concerns about what is happening in Empyre, concerns about Carol’s side of things, and now? Worries about what she just stumbled across.

It all combines to make for a thrilling read, one that is certain to leave fans eager to see what happens next (I know I am). Overall I’m genuinely impressed with this issue and am looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Art

Captain Marvel #18 has a bold and dynamic plot – and the artwork to back it up. It was the perfect blend of elements, with characters from both Captain Marvel and Empyre taking to the forefront.

Cory Smith (pencils), Adriano Di Benedetto (inks), Tamra Bonvillain (colors), and VC’s Clayton Cowles (letters) all worked together to bring this issue to life. That work paid off – tenfold. The battles out in space are terrifying yet eye-catching. So are the backgrounds, for that matter.
It’s an issue full of explosions, fighting, diplomacy, and shocking revelations. All of which flow together surprisingly well, thanks mainly to the artwork at hand. Additionally, the artwork really sells the nuances in certain scenes. Things that may have otherwise been glossed over. It makes it worthwhile to read it issue through more than once (other than just for fun, of course).

Finally, the current redesign of Captain Marvel simply looks fantastic. She’s bold and bright, showing off multiple elements from her history in subtle ways. While still looking badass, of course. Also, I might already be (not so) secretly hoping to see a Funko Pop figure design based on this issue.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #18 somehow found a way to up the ante, all while dealing with a significant event from the Marvel Universe. It’s the start of something new for Carol, and fans can only begin to guess how it’s all going to play out.

Personally, I’m already counting down the days until Captain Marvel #19 comes out. But really, who can blame me for that? I’m the meantime; I highly suggest diving into all of the Empyre issues that came out this week (there’s enough to keep most readers busy!).

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.