Captain Marvel #13: Problems You Can Punch Are So Much Easier

After last issue’s intense revelations, Captain Marvel #13 wastes no time in picking up with yet another particularly brutal story, this time pitting a dark Captain Marvel against none other than Tony Stark himself. Does he fair better than Thor against such a deadly force?

Well, yes and no.

From the very first few pages, it’s easy to see this arc is going to be an instant classic that takes Carol to places the character has never really gone before. Tony being caught off guard while brushing his teeth is such an amazing moment that I had to go back and reread the first couple pages multiple times. This kicks off the issue with such remarkable pace and somehow, it’s able to maintain this momentum all the way through to the end. But there is really only one question that is pressing on everyone’s mind, which had to be fleshed out at least a little, and that question is WHY IS CAPTAIN MARVEL DOING THIS?!

Vox Supreme’s appearance certainly doesn’t bode well, but in Captain Marvel #13 all the pieces are put together in a truly satisfying way. We get answers to Vox Supreme’s plan as well as how Captain Marvel plans to deal with the situation. More importantly, we find out exactly what is happening to the Avengers being hunted down. Sure a pocket dimension is a bit too convenient, but the story doesn’t revolve around it. There is a lot more happening here that keeps the story grounded in consequence even after this reveal.

The artwork continues to shine with a new artist in Lee Garbett backed by the same solid colors from Tamra Bonvillain. There aren’t any instances of off-putting panels or mischaracterizations, instead, it’s a near seamless continuation of the previous issue, capitalizing on all the strengths it established.

This story’s importance is definitely recognizable and it weighs on every page. This tension works incredibly well for Captain Marvel #13 as it sheds light on the situation for readers, but it is not a perfect book. My main complain is the haphazard explanation of Vox Supreme we get in an editors note. So Vox, who killed the Inhumans, merged with the Kree Supreme Intelligence? The explanation of “somehow” is frustratingly vague, so hopefully there is more to come on that development.

Ultimately, this issue is everything you want in a follow up from the crazy events of last issue. The story is unfolding at a rapid pace to keep you absorbed in what is transpiring and the artwork doesn’t fail to deliver. Any fans, new or old, of Captain Marvel will NEED to check this arc out, because it seems we are in for a real treat from Kelly Thompson and the rest of the creative team.