Deathbird… or rather Newbird as Carol has dubbed her upon learning that the original Deathbird was taken out by Polaris, attacked Carol’s possible employer Peter Gianelli. After battling her, Carol was hospitalized and her doctor elaborates on the brain lesion that forces her not to fly. Carol’s friend Tracy drives this point home, so Carol, begrudgingly has to learn to fly Captain America’s “ugly, old flying bike.” At least her assistant Wendy has it customized to reflect Carol’s costume. A character from Marvel’s past, private detective Dakota North arrives and we learn that she and Carol are old friends and she helps Carol track down Newbird. Carol ultimately learns Newbird’s motive but she realizes that everyone in her life is now in danger. Also, a new mastermind criminal is introduced.
This book is really underrated. The writing on it is so fresh and different. The dialogue is just fantastic. The art can be hit or miss. I really liked the art this issue, by Filipe Andrade, was to my liking but it was very stylized, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sebela have excelled at giving Carol a unique and fascinating supporting cast. This is just a strong solid book across the board.
One thing that needs to be addressed, though is Carol’s ever changing hairstyles. The “mullet” in the earlier issues evolved into a fauxhawk, then into an avant garde updo. Here it’s just long and slightly wavy like it used to be when she was Ms. Marvel. On the cover, it’s the fauxhawk. On the next issue’s cover, it’s the updo. Can we get some semblance of consistency? I mean, it’s woman prerogative to change it up, but it can’t just keep getting longer and shorter. I know, stupid quibble.
This was a solid issue and a dramatic storyline. I guess if I have to pick one word to describe this series as a whole, it’s “personal.” Carol has really been fleshed out as a real 3-dimensional person with a large supporting cast that is equally well developed. Carol is the star here, not “Captain Marvel.” It’s a really satisfying read!
CAPTAIN MARVEL #11
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sebela
Art by Flipe Andrade
Cover by Joe Quinones
