Advance Review: Captain Marvel #37 (Lgy #171)

I have been saying for a quite a while now, that Captain Marvel under the penmanship of Kelly Thompson has been one of the most consistent book Marvel publish. whilst my opinion hasn’t changed, the pattern of the beats is carrying less enjoyment.

Following her last adventure, Carol has a new girlfriend to pal around with. You know that means right? Sentimental comments about kittens, parable about life, death and the circle of life; and of course DANCIN’! In between. all that, we get a reappearance of Snats and Snatmen, leading into the next big adventure.

Kelly Thompsons dialogue works well this issue. Without the need of a big bad (yet), the give and take between the large cast takes on a more fun vibe. Problem is, I have seen this style before; Hazmat and Lauri-Ell (because she’s worth it!), have all had their night out with the girls. with e modus operandi for the setup hiding in plain sight. For all the feelings od deja vu going on in this issue, Thompson still manages to get me to buy into the whole premise.

Julius Ohta jumps on the art chores in this book, replacing the departing Sergio Davila. I have been reading comics for a while now, since the 70’s in fact. I don’t seem to remember a time, other than the great of Kirby, Romita Jr. where a house style has been utilised so much. there are a number of artists who I think are interchangeable, in context and style, creating uniform looks and books. When did superhero comics become so similar? The lines are the same, the problems with postures are the same and blurred faces for characters in the background are all symptoms. I am not even sure why there is a Psylocke costume on show either? Colors are provided by Ruth Redmond who maintains the high standards of the current marvel schemes, enjoying a variety of locales. Letters are supplied by VC’s Clayton Cowles, so you know that you are in safe hands there. Finally, there are a raft of covers; I don’t have a preference really, so buyers choice is in full effect!

Despite my comments on this issue, Captain Marvel is on my pull list. Why? Well, Thompson is consistent, though I think a couple of new beats would help. The art is effectively samey, so is that a problem for this book or Marvel Comics as whole, where run of the mill art can be seen as a positive? I do like the new Binary suit though! Now all we need are the thigh highs back!

Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3.5

Overall – 3 Stars

Written by; Kelly Thompson
Art by; Julius Ohta
Colors by; Ruth Redmond
Letters by; VC’s Clayton Cowles
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network