Comic Review: Captain Marvel (2019-) #1

Captain Marvel #1

Marvel Comics

Writer: Kelly Thompon

Artist: Carmen Carnero & Tamra Bonvillain

Ever since the Kelly Sue Deconnick run, Captain Marvel has become an icon. Carol Danvers has been was accessible to new comic book readers, and a role model to both women and girls. Now, with a movie coming out in a few months, Captain Marvel is primed to be a role model to a new generation.

Carol is back on Earth and acclimating to her new life. Writer Kelly Thompson ensures that the mighty Avenger’s first major series back on Earth is a fun one with witty dialogue and outrageous villains. In just this one issue, we see Captain Marvel and Spider-Woman team-up to fight a giant monster, a cute reunion with Rhodey, and a misogynistic Atomic Man. Everything in this issue bleeds with Thompson’s trademark style and suits Captain Marvel well.

Thompson has a knack for nailing the voice of every character she writes. The issue’s script is fun and reads like it was torn from the script of an MCU movie. It’s easy to fall in love with the conversations and banter throughout the issue. Every beat hits with intended impact, with a fine mix of humor, romance, and intrigue.

This first issue is wordy, and some readers might find themselves zoning out a bit. Thompson spends a lot of time helping Carol to fit in back on Earth, and it does somewhat halt the fun pacing that this book has. Of course, just when you things are dragging on a bit too long, a new enemy sends Captain Marvel flying. Overall, I loved every moment of this issue, from the giant battles to the quiet moments.

Carmen Carnero’s art is incredibly dynamic and shows her talent in every panel. The action looks fantastic, especially during the opening pages of the issue. The conversations are enjoyable to look at, even if there isn’t any action on those pages. Carol is expressive, and everything pops on the page. Tamra Bonvillain’s colors ensure that everything is full of life.

Captain Marvel is back on Earth with triumph. This first issue is a wonderful starting point for new fans or those who loved DeConnick’s run. It feels like this is the first truly great issue of Captain Marvel in a few years. This is a great time to get into the character, especially with a movie right around the corner.