Month: April 2022

Review – Captain Marvel #27 (Marvel Comics)

Captain Marvel #27 Has the Breakup Blues

I believe that every heavy plot arc deserves to be followed up by a more humorous one. Given how intense ‘The New World’ was, Captain Marvel #27 is an issue we sorely need. It is light and comical yet still carries the weight from the decisions Carol has recently made.

It is, in short, the perfect palette cleanser. Captain Marvel will set out on new adventures, but before she does, she needs a break. That’s right, this is the breakup issue, and it is so much more than we have been promised.
I write this issue as an adoring fan of the Carol/Rhodey relationship. Yet even I have to admit that I’m curious to see what could come about from these changes and appreciate risk when taken.

Writing

Captain Marvel #27 really is a breakup issue, in its own way. This is Carol Danvers we’re talking about. She is not a character that goes halfway on anything, hence the over-the-top reactions that fill these pages.

Kelly Thompson has created a masterpiece here. Every emotion possible she’s tucked into the pages, from amusement to pain, and just a touch of anger. It is a palette cleanser for heroes and fans alike.

The best friend vibes are one of the strongest features of this issue. Those moments alone will get a chuckle out of anybody who has ever had ‘that annoying friend.’ We’ve all been there – had a friend who was convinced that they knew more than we did, even about our own mental health. It’s what makes the whole issue feel so relatable.

There were some truly down-to-earth moments mixed in with the insanity of it all. Carol’s real struggles – ones that many people can sympathize with. Those struggles also appear to have opened the doorway to something else, and I, for one, am curious to see where it leads.

Also, once again, Kelly Thompson has done it. She’s forced a new ship on me, and I didn’t even see it coming. I certainly wasn’t expecting to find myself shipping a relationship involving Lauri-Ell. Not so soon after her introduction, at least.

Art

The artwork inside Captain Marvel #27 does a fantastic job of running with those over-the-top emotions and reactions. It’s simultaneously so human and absolutely hilarious. Carol’s expressions are a highlight of the issue, so be on the lookout.

You can tell that David Lopez had a lot of fun with the artwork for this. The characters, their expressions, the scenarios they got into. It’s all so entertaining. Personally, though, it’s those expressions that keep pulling me back in. Not just Carol’s, but many of the guest appearances as well.
Triona Farrell’s colors help to accentuate the feel of it all. Especially during those rage-inducing panels that many a person can sympathize with (personally, I’m amazed that Carol didn’t inflict any bodily harm there).

The lettering, provided by VC’s Clayton Cowles, also had a bit of fun. You can practically feel the exasperation dripping off the pages at times. It matches the tone and carries the story along flawlessly.

Conclusion

I’ve been looking forward to Captain Marvel #27 ever since I saw the cover (and those variant covers! Swoon), and it did not let down. It was entertaining, human, and exasperating all in one and made it the perfect issue to follow such an intense plot arc.

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.

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Review – Captain Marvel #26 (Marvel Comics)

Dramatic Changes Await in Captain Marvel #26

Carol Danvers’ time in a twisted future continues in Captain Marvel #26. Thanks to magic (literally), Captain Marvel has found herself transported to the very same future that Captain Marvel: The End portrayed.

Now we’re about to see how that plot arc ends, which in itself is a fair bit of irony. Still, Carol has faced insane odds before; the real question is how much this time in the future will affect her outlook for what is to come.

Writing

Captain Marvel #26 officially wraps up ‘The Nerd World’ plot arc, and it does so in such a delightfully memorable way. Kelly Thompson does know how to write an action sequence – as well as a scene that will punch all readers in the gut.

The world of ‘The End’ is fascinating. Depressing, with pockets of hope, but still fascinating. Seeing what heroes survived, who was birthed in this era, and every other little detail. In a way, it’s almost a shame to see it all go.

Almost. Now that the plot is wrapped up, I, for one, am hoping that Carol (and allies) will find a way to prevent that future. Though, only time will tell on that front. I do not doubt that it will get covered at some point.
This is an issue that is full of action, surprise twists, and bittersweet moments. In short, it is the perfect combination of elements for a plot conclusion. Oh! I will also give some major bonus points for a surprise appearance from one of my favorite characters. No, I won’t say who it is, but you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about when you read the issue.

Art

Go ahead and add Captain Marvel #26 to my list of best-illustrated issues. I adore every scene in this issue, even the ones that rip out my heart. Perhaps, especially, those moments. The combination of styles and colors makes for a fantastic reading experience. Okay, Captain Marvel looking so badass doesn’t hurt, but that’s a different story.

Lee Garbett was the lead artist for this issue, once again bringing these alternate versions of fan favorites to life. While helpfully labeled, I love that many of the characters don’t really need it – as they are distinct on their own.

The colors work real hard to steal the show here, and it’s tempting to say that they succeed. Provided by Antonio Fabela, Captain Marvel dominates every panel she’s in, thanks to a certain power boost. She’s vibrant in the most literal sense, and the colors help enhance that overwhelming feeling of power.

VC’s Clayton Cowles’s lettering also helped set the scene, from emphasizing impact and volume to portraying all of the emotion our characters must have been feeling. It’s exactly the sort of lettering one would hope to see in an issue such as this.

Conclusion

I am sad that Captain Marvel #26 brings a wrap to this plot arc in many ways. Still, it’s impossible not to be extremely curious about where things will go from here. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens.

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.

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Review – Captain Marvel #25 (Marvel Comics)

Two Opposing Forces in Captain Marvel #25

This strange battle for the future continues in Captain Marvel #25. She may not know the whole story of why she is here or what happened to her fellow heroes. But that won’t stop her from standing up for those who survived.

For those of you that haven’t been following along (a real shame, for the record, as this plot arc, has been a delight to read): The last arc is set in the time of Captain Marvel: The End. She has once again been transported to that deadly timeline. And once again, she has been called upon to save the day.

That being said, we’re all expecting a better end for her this time around. Well, better may not be the correct term, as Carol did that time around was more than a little impressive. Really, we’re rooting/counting on her survival.

Writing

If you’re looking for an issue of Captain Marvel that is full of both humor and some seriously badass moments, then Captain Marvel #25 is the issue for you. This is the issue that this entire arc has been building towards.

Kelly Thompson packed this issue to the brim of memorable and unforgettable scenes. Not just for Carol’s sake, but for the allies (new and old) that she has found in this future timeline. It’s also an issue that provides insight into what is happening – the good and the bad.

Overall, this is one of those issues that will make fans cheer. It’s also probably going to forge a whole new fandom for a (relatively) new character, and she truly does deserve it after everything she’s been through. So add me to the list of supporters there!

Captain Marvel #25 is far from a smash and grab issue. There is so much intelligence in what is happening, how it was orchestrated, what the antagonists want. The individuality of each of the supporting characters (all protagonists in their own right). All of it.

Art

Captain Marvel #25 features some fantastic panels and pages. I know I’m not the only fan out there hoping to see a print or two of some of these scenes. Not only because they’re simply incredible, but because of what they mean to the fans.

Lee Garbett and Belen Ortega teamed up again for this issue, with Ortega taking charge of all the flashback scenes. Together they captured the epic nature of Carol’s latest adventure, especially as we neared towards the end of the issue.

Antonio Fabela’s colors worked so hard to make the scenes even more impressive. Something I wouldn’t have thought possible. They’re inspiring and vibrant, showcasing the sheer power levels that are at work.

The lettering provided by VC’s Clayton Cowles is the final touch that this issue deserved. The lettering helped capture the weight of impact, the disturbing nature hidden within the details, and so much more. It was brilliantly done, as always.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #25 is another impressive addition to Captain Marvel’s career. I know that I can’t be the only fan (well, fangirl, and no shame in it) that’s ecstatic to see that final page for this issue. Now to see where it all leads.

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.

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Review – Captain Marvel #24 (Marvel Comics)

The Danger Reveals Itself in Captain Marvel #24

Carol Danvers’ unwilling adventure back into the future continues in Captain Marvel #24. While she may not know how it happened, she is once again back into the world that Captain Marvel: The End introduced.

A world that has seen better days. Heroes have risen, but just as many have fallen. The survivors are hanging on by a thread, thanks largely in part to the help of the Carol of their timeline. Whose sacrifice allowed them to keep going on.

Now, fans are left wondering what this version of Carol will be asked to do. Or if there’s anything she can do to prevent this horrible event from ever taking place. One can only hope.

Writing

In many ways, it feels like Captain Marvel #24 is the issue this plot arc has been waiting for. Though perhaps that will change, as not everything has unfolded yet. One thing is certain; Kelly Thompson wrote a truly compelling piece here.

This is an issue that raises dozens of questions while also leaving room for a couple of ‘aha!’ moments. A very satisfying combination, if I may say so. Once again, we’re learning more about those few that survived – and their children.

Only this time around, it feels like it’s mostly bad news. Even the good news (people surviving) seems to be creatively spun, obfuscating the truth of what is really going on. The end result? A few action sequences and a cliffhanger that’s going to keep us on our toes.

Still, there’s plenty to think about in the meantime. Namely, the few major revelations that Thompson snuck into this timeline. They’re total mind-benders, and I love it so much. How many more surprising twists do you think will be woven into the rest of this plot arc? Here’s hoping for a few more, at the very least!

Art

The artwork in Captain Marvel #24 is one of the many reasons why this series has become so memorable. The new character designs alone are enough to cause any fan to freak out. Followed by a detailed comb-over, as they try and catch every nuance, there is to the new additions.

Lee Garbett and Belen Ortega are the lead artists for this issue, bringing the plot to life with so much brilliant. It’s amazing how that growing sense of dread seems to pore through the artwork itself, as well as through the writing. You can see it in their faces, in the tension in the backs. That is just one of the highlights of the artwork here.

Antonio Fabela’s colors are fantastic – they’re bold and bright, despite the somber tones. It helps that exterior shots allow for a beautiful snowy backdrop. The colors work to make the characters, old and new, pop off the pages.

VC’s Clayton Cowles’ lettering is the final touch here, and you really can feel the import of the words here. You can tell when a whispered conversation is occurring or when a battle has begun.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #24 is a thrilling read, with more than one mic-drop worth talking about among fans. The ending alone is enough to have me counting down the days until the next issue, all while thinking about the revelations that have already occurred.

This whole plot has both answered and raised questions about Captain Marvel: The End single issue. Yet I still can’t help that we’ll get more information in the next issue as well. A fact that feels almost a given at this point.

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.

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Review – Captain Marvel #23 (Marvel Comics)

New Heroes, New Battles in Captain Marvel #23

Carol Danvers’ series is once again bringing her to the events in ‘The End’ in Captain Marvel #23. It seems that for heroes like Carol, there really is no such thing as a break or a vacation, for that matter.

Captain Marvel: The End is an issue that came out several months ago, portraying a devastated world. A world where many heroes (and civilians) have fallen while many more continue to live on and fight.

This is the world that Carol has once again been transported to, which is fortunate. As once again, these haggard survivors could use the help of the mighty Captain Marvel.

Writing

Whew. Captain Marvel #23 is a serious whirlwind of an adventure. This is an issue full of complexity and intensity and so much more in between. Written by Kelly Thompson, Carol’s story has found all new heights.

Set in a not-so-distant future, this entire plot arc has allowed Thompson to take risks. Here, she can play with a world that is all her own. The characters that survived, the world they’ve created. All of it.

It’s fascinating. It’s also dark at times when picturing all of those who have fallen. This issue doesn’t shy away from those events, revealing how things came to be. It answers many questions while raising even more along the way.

Captain Marvel is an issue full of highs and lows. The highs are truly spectacular, leaving these bright moments for fans to cheer about. The lows…they are heavy, weighted beings. It’s a bittersweet balance, one that I’ve only ever seen Kelly Thompson master in such a manner.

Finally, I just want to give bonus points for the inclusion of a few surprise characters. Some are newly designed, while others have made their way to this new timeline. One appearance, in particular, made me laugh, something I will forever be grateful for.

Art

Captain Marvel #23 is full of characters old and new, all of which are portrayed with such vibrancy. The new character designs are fantastic, as are countless other smaller details sprinkled throughout the pages.

Lee Garbett was the lead artist for this issue, working alongside Antonio Fabela for colors and VC’s Clayton Cowles for letters. On top of all that, Belen Ortega’s artwork was used for relevant flashbacks.

There are several notable pages and panels throughout this issue. One portrays many of the new or aged characters. This page makes great reference material, as every hero is nicely labeled (with their powers to boot). That is far from the last panel worth talking about, but most of those are going to be fun surprises for readers to discover all on their own.

Conclusion

Captain Marvel #23 is an intense yet enthralling read, giving a glimpse into a dark and twisted future. It’s a future that readers can’t help, but hope will be avoided. Even while we desperately devour all the little details provided.

This issue answers so many questions about ‘The End’ plot arc while managing to raise even more in the process. This plot has quickly become more involved than ever expected, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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.

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