Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps #1
Writers: Kelly Sue DeConnick & Kelly Thompson
Artist: David Lopez
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Review by Joey Braccino
“I’M GOINGE TO SEE WHAT’S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SKY.”
Secret Wars rages on! There is only Battleworld! Captain Marvel and her Banshee Squadron take to the skies to defend Hala Field! The sky and the sea exist by the grace of Doom! KIT RETURNS!!!
I suppose “::exclamation point::” is really the best way to frame my expression whilst reading Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps #1, the latest awesome tie-in to Marvel’s mainline event, Secret Wars. The book stars not only fan-favorite Colonel Carol Danvers as the titular Captain but also a new Banshee Squadron (see the WWII time travel storyline back in Kelly Sue DeConnick’s first volume of Captain Marvel!) comprised of alternate versions of Carol’s extended cast, including Helen Cobb, Bee, and Jerri Quimby, as well as new characters Mackie McMorrow and Jolene Saulsby. This all-lady squadron of fighter pilots, led by the eponymous Captain, defend the Hala Field section of Battleworld under the executive direction of Baroness Cochran. The THORS make a brief appearance, which in turn sees the return of one of Captain Marvel’s most beloved supporting characters. And, of course, since this is Battleworld, everyone believes in Doom.
Kelly Thompson—comics journalist, novelist, and generally awesome person—joins Kelly Sue DeConnick on writing duties for this spin-off series. Despite the co-written nature of the book, Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps feels like a natural continuation of the previous Captain Marvel volumes handled solely by DeConnick in its humor, its language, and its tone. In other words, it doesn’t feel like there’s a changeover in writing or story, though the setting has obviously shifted. Furthermore, the Battleworld/Doom stuff provides a natural conflict for our heroines—Doom built the sky and beyond the sky there is the void (which Doom also built)? Hell no.—that plays into the “Higher. Further. Faster. More.” mission of the previous volume. Intrigue follows as Carol begins to question the godhood and limits of Dr. Doom’s reign and the conspiracy surrounding this world.
It also helps that David Lopez remains on art duties. His work on Captain Marvel has been nothing short of career- and character-defining. The stunning aerial choreography in the opening scene is handled perfectly, and we can feel the dips and dives as the jet fighters try desperately to catch Carol in mid-air. The credits list him as the sole artist, though Lee Loughridge is listed on the cover; given the nature of the artwork inside, I think it’s safe to say that Loughridge’s distinctive yellows and naturalistic washes are very much apparent here!
Verdict
BUY. Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps #1 is an excellent addition to both the ongoing Secret Wars saga and DeConnick’s definitive run on the title character. The banter between the squadron members is absolutely wonderful, and it further cements Captain Marvel as the place for pitch-perfect characterization and wit. Check it!
