Last issue, in a nice “day in the life” tale, Carol was given the startling news that she had a brain lesion that meant that she could never fly again.  In this issue, she has to deal with that.  She laments on how much she loves flying, how it provides a zen calming element to her chaotic life.  It doesn’t help that her potential business (and romantic?) partner Frank Gianelli is benching her from his super speed delivery service.  Flight or no flight, Carol must spring into action when a calamity befalls the NY subway system.  Afterward, Captain America tries reasoning with her, but that falls on deaf (and stubborn) ears and this is all before Deathbird of the Shi’Ar arrives!

The structure of this story is great!  There’s some nice foreshadowing at the beginning that came back around at the end.  There’s enough fun super hero action, but also lots of great scenes featuring Carol interacting with her supporting cast, which is a real highlight in this book.  Thinking about the most famous super heroes, their supporting cast members are almost as popular as they are.  Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Perry White, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Cat Grant, Mary Jane Watson, J. Jonah Jameson, Aunt May… they’re household names!  (Well, maybe not Cat Grant.  I just kinda threw her in.)  A supporting cast is important to round out  a super hero’s persona and life.

The narration and dialogue are also super tight on this title.  Carol is behaving in a super stubborn manner, yet she is almost as quippy as Spider-Man when she goes into action.

The art, by Filipe Andrade is… different.  I liked it!  I appreciate it!  It’s just extremely stylized.  There’s definitely an indie feel to it.  It’s only a critique because I know the sales on Marvel’s female-led books are vastly beneath those of DC’s.  Marvel made a big deal about switching Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel and there has been talk that she will be joining their movie franchise.  And yet, the artwork on this book has consistently been “out there.”  It’s not mainstream.  It’s not welcoming to casual readers.  Hate to be superficial, but if they want to attract the widest audience, these books just need to be “pretty.”  It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea… and that’s what this book needs to be.  And as great as some of the prior artists have been, the same applies.  The art on this title has never looked like normal, regular comics.  It always looks borderline intimidating, if not downright confrontational.

I enjoyed this issue, but this series as a whole has been spotty.  I like that Marvel is employing unique artists, but uniqueness isn’t always commercial.  I think this book really needs to find a better balance and these more indie artists should be given assignments on edgier series.  But, just judging by my own tastes, the writing and art were great!  I understand it won’t all appeal to every reader, but if you’re open to quirkier fare, definitely give this book a shot.

 

CAPTAIN MARVEL #10
Written by Kelly Sue McConnick & Christopher Sebela
Art by Filipe Andrade
Cover by Joe Quinones