Connect with us
The Life Of Captain Marvel #1 Review

Comic Books

The Life Of Captain Marvel #1 Review

Captain Marvel is back with an emotionally arresting first issue.

[amazon_link asins=’B07FFBBRPC’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fe5e9e67-89e5-11e8-8da6-c7c458df5c0d’]

Carol Danvers is going home in her new series from writer Margaret Stohl, a series being pegged as the “Definitive origin of Captain Marvel.” The series sees Carol return to Maine, confront her family issues, and potentially unlock something that shouldn’t have been unlocked.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about?

Read our preview.

Why does this matter?

With the Captain Marvel movie less than a year away this character is more important than ever. This series aims to flesh out Carol’s backstory growing up, further developing her and making her more complex. Given her somewhat rocky beginnings this is a good thing.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

The Life Of Captain Marvel #1 Review

Ah, New England summers as a kid. Good times.

This issue does a lot to humanize and ground Carol’s character in a way we don’t often see in superhero comics. Opening in Maine, Stohl shows us Carol’s life as a kid during the summer which is about as iconic as one can get for an American kid growing up in the last 30 years. There are beach days, getting into trouble, and eating lots of sugar. It’s the American summer many have enjoyed, especially people who live in New England like me. You can practically smell the sea water due to how well these scenes are rendered. Things turn for the worse though when family issues, more specifically violent father issues, crop up. This trauma ties into the now well as the comic cuts to Carol beating down supervillains. It’s an opening that humanizes Carol in a believable way and reminds readers even if you have superpowers you can have family baggage like the rest of us.

Much of the rest of the issue focuses on Carol going home and hanging with her brother and mother. Stohl writes believable dialogue that continues to ground this character. She may fight supervillains like Thanos but coming to grips with her family issues may be even harder. As she attempts to navigate her pain and memories she’s given some emotional backup from Tony Stark who later in the issue attempts to get through to her that being a superhero is important too. Anyone who has had to take time away from work for family are going to relate to this book.

It’s not all therapy and family issues, though that is the majority of this book. No, the issue closes with a potential rising conflict that should put Carol’s superpowers and family psychosis to the test. Carlos Pacheco draws an issue that’s at once whimsical and emotionally clear. Carol is dealing with a lot and you’re always tuned into her emotions be it frustrations, confusion, or even desperation.

The Life Of Captain Marvel #1 Review

Yikes.

It can’t be perfect can it?

This issue feels decidedly like the first half of a chapter. The hook of the series is hinted at in the last few pages, but we don’t actually see it which leaves you a bit wanting. Much of this issue is focused on Carol dealing with her family and the skeletons in the closet that come with it — making the balance between superhero life and home life tilted too much towards home life. I have a feeling reading issue #2 will balance things out. As superhero comics go a scene or two using her powers in her hometown might have balanced things out, but instead there’s a large chunk of Carol simply talking to her family and weighing in on her life as a child.

Is it good?

This is a strong first issue that does a good job grounding Carol and making her relatable. She may fight alien dictators, but an even harder fight may be dealing with deep-seated family issues. Much like any family Carol’s family may have secrets that could change not only how she sees them, but herself too. The Life Of Captain Marvel is relatable, real, and gripping.

The Life Of Captain Marvel #1 Review
The Life Of Captain Marvel #1
Is it good?
A strong start that has me more engrossed in the character than ever.
A deeply real look at Carol and her family
Well drawn that keeps you in tuned with the characters emotions
Anyone from New England is going to relate to this just a tiny bit more
Feels a tad unbalanced with much of the issue focused on Carol and her family rather than the superhero stuff
9
Great

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup