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.