REVIEW: Captain Marvel #50 (Lgy 184)

Here it is, the final issue of possibly the most consistent comic that Marvel put out on a monthly basis; Kelly Thompson’s last Captain Marvel issue. So does Carol, and by association. Kelly Thompson go out with a bang or a whimper?

Carol has suffered a devastating loss, the loss of Binary, at the hands of her bitterest of enemies the Brood. Now is a time of reflection, of remorse, reconnection and hopefully reaffirmation. These are all powers that Carol doesn’t necessarily possess, so it is up to her friends to help steer her higher, further, faster.

Thompsons writing structure for this run remains intact, with a quiet, reflective serving as both epilogue and prologue. Of course this time around, it won’t be Thompson continuing Carol’s story. this issue gives us a kind rundown of all the important relationships in Carol’s life, bar one of course, though Binary’s presence is felt through her absence. Thompson weaves a sense of movement for Carol as well as Hazmat. We also get a glimpse of the stalwarts in Carol’s life in Rhodey and Jess, though I think Lauri’s appearance was my favourite by far, which is another example of Thompson’s long planning. The dialogue is as sharp as ever, each character has their own voice, the level of consistency through the entire run is impressive.

The art is provided by the duo of Javier Pina and David Lopez, as such the book is split in tow distinct halves. Pina starts things off as expected, smooth lines, faces that remain on point with the few actions scenes delivered in a pacy style. Body lines are also well crafted; with the party elements leading to quieter individual moments. Lopez on the other hand, goes for a more cartoony look, that normally wouldn’t mind so much. But here the contrast between the two is jarring. Its not bad, its just different! Yen Nitro provides the colors with the usual Marvel style aplomb. Given the verbiage used for Thompson’s quieter issues, it is a good thing that VC’s Clayton Cowles is on hand to provide his, a usual, excellent letters.

Truth be told, I am starting to feel a little singled out by Marvel. It seems that they cancel all the books I liked; Mockingbird, Black Cat, Spider-Woman, Black Cat again, Spider-Woman again and now Captain Marvel. What is it with Marvel, are my English pounds not good enough for you? Better watch out Avengers fans as I have started buying that book recently! Still, this time at least, Marvel are going to the restart model, with a new Captain Marvel book and creative team due to hit next month. As for Kelly Thompson its off to DC and a new Birds of Prey book.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art -4 Stars
Colors- 5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Kelly Thompson
Art by; Javier Pina & David Lopez
Colors by; Yen Nitro
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