This week in Captain Marvel, Kelly Thompson and Lee Garbett wrap up their “The Last Avenger” story arc. It was a wild ride that only gets wilder in this climactic issue. Not only did she kill Avengers, but she helped a villain named Vox Supreme collect their powers! Okay, that’s a surface level summary — in fact, Carol is doing her best to keep everyone alive and save Kree children Vox Supreme stuffed with bombs — but can you handle what it’ll take Carol to defeat a god-tier villain?
Thompson and Garbett have set up a fantastic scenario allowing Carol to prove to the Avengers she’s not only one of the best heroes there is, but possibly a touch better than all the rest. Her heart and determination are on full display as she attempts to make an enemy impossible to defeat a few steps away from a possible win. This issue lets Carol work as a team leader with the Avengers while also acting as the first in line to fight Vox Supreme. As the story shifts, surprises drop, and Carol shows her incredible willpower it’s abundantly clear Carol is the only hero for the job in yet another conflict.
Badass!
Credit: Marvel Comics
I won’t spoil a thing (this is an early review, after all), but it’s a good finale since the resolution feels earned and logical. There’s some change to everything, but that adds to Carol’s ability to think quickly. Props must go to Thompson for continuing to show a keen sense of integrating the large cast of characters she’s built up since issue #1 even if they’re not immediately needed. They aren’t forgotten and it’s nice to see them here and there even if this is largely Carol’s fight.
Art duties fall to Garbet and color artist Tamra Bonvillain and they pull off a good fight scene, key flashbacks, and heartwarming moments in the final pages. There’s a bit of visual horror in this book that doesn’t quite get pulled off — maybe the color is too bright, making it less scary — but it is effective in showing a clear and present change in a certain character. Vox Supreme continues to look disturbing, especially the strange face and how it opens, and is a suitable big bad for the book.
Once again, this series proves Thompson has a knack for humanizing a character while also lifting them up to be the best version of themselves. This is an empowering series as you’ll find yourself relating to Carol and rooting for her. There is a relatability you don’t get from other comics and that makes it truly special.
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