Captain Marvel 5 review

In the last 4 issues, Captain Marvel, now in charge of Earth’s main defense force against alien threats, has been under attack by a technologically advanced alien race looking for misguided revenge against the Kree. It’s been a fun science fiction story with minor horror elements. Written by Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, this issue concludes the opening arc in a fun and satisfying way, making this my favourite comic of the week.

At the end of the last issue, a much larger ship in better shape attacked the Alpha Flight station than the one they already dealt with, completely overwhelming Captain Marvel’s crew. It’s an intense situation that forces everyone to think of a solution fast. It gives most of the classic Alpha Flight characters something to do, while also showing off Carol Danvers’s strategic skills and her heroic nature. Without spoilers, even the solutions they come up with aren’t problem free, and it forces Puck to disobey orders in order to help solve the problem. The intense situation is balanced out with a number of amusing moments, some involving the interactions between Carol and Abigail Brand and their mutual dislike for small talk.

The art by Kris Anka and Felipe Smith is great, although I’m not exactly sure where Smith contributes to be honest. There’s a clean look to everything, both with character designs and the environments, yet there’s still plenty of detail when their needs to be. There are all sorts of subtle facial expressions that enhance characterization, like Carol’s sarcastic smile when she’s “negotiating” with her attackers, or the young scientist’s raised eyebrow when Abigail says they’re going hunting. The action flows well, and while there’s one panel of Puck kicking an alien in the face that looks a bit odd, it’s also kind of hilarious. Matthew Wilson’s colouring is also great. Everything is colourful on the station despite the power loss, while the alien ship is dark, browned out and creepy.

This is a fun comic, and a great start to a new Captain Marvel run after Kelly Sue DeConnick’s departure. Sadly as far as I can tell, Fazekas and Butters only have one issue left, but Christos Gage is taking over after and that’s fine with me. In any case, there’s a great balance between fun, serious storytelling and science-fiction goodness. Captain Marvel fans should be reading this, as should Alpha Flight fans. Those interested in checking her out should at least give this a chance.

8.5/10