Captain Marvel #14: The Lesser of Several Evils

Part 3 of the “The Last Avenger” arc is here, bringing with it plenty of sci-fi twists mixed with explosive action to ramp up the intensity surrounding Vox’s unknown plans to somehow use the bodies of dead Avengers for the advancement of all Kree.

Before we get to the sheer badassery on display all throughout Captain Marvel #14, I have to emphasize the structural strengths of the plotting in this story. There just aren’t many books on the shelf today featuring such remarkable pacing. As we fall into this treacherous task with Carol as readers, the story navigates all the twists and turns with precision and care, helping to immediately make this arc something special. As we reach the third issue, there is no slump in development or excitement, instead, it’s a fast-paced continuation that shows this story doesn’t have time to be anything less than absolutely thrilling.

The artwork is once again stunning, but now that we are three issues into the arc it’s safe to say that Bonvillain’s colors are giving just the right edge to this story. The visuals are fluid and dynamic, making the action sequences stand out even more. The aesthetic that Bonvillain’s colors have given this series thus far is verging on iconic territory, establishing this vision of Carol as a truly definitive Captain Marvel.

The story’s focus on Vox as it’s central villain could come back to haunt it if not managed properly in the end, however, we’ve seen nothing up to this point to suggest that we won’t get a spectacular finale. Carol’s race to “kill” the Avengers is undoubtedly building towards a dark culmination and maybe it does include the bombs that Vox has placed so meticulously, but maybe it doesn’t. This story has the feeling of something much more dangerous just beneath the surface waiting to come out and I can’t wait to see what it is.

So Captain Marvel #14 has a really strong script and powerful visuals, you would think that’s enough right? Well, maybe not. I’m here to say that this is the issue where we get Carol in her most badass form yet, with black fingernails and everything. Dark Captain Marvel is a side of Carol that we just don’t get to see enough of and this arc brings those traits out magnificently.

If I haven’t said it enough, any fan both new or old, should be reading this Captain Marvel arc. Don’t just in at issue #14, as good as it is, this is a story that deserves to read in full. Pick up issue #12 and work your way up to this one, it’s a fast read that is undoubtedly worth the money. It’s the kind of story that you will want to have both the single issues AND the collected trade paperback of. While Black Panther might not have proved to be as tough of a battle as expected in Captain Marvel #14, the cliffhanger reveal of She-Hulk will make next issue a hell of a time.