Captain Marvel #41: Just Remember to Keep the Faith and Love Will Be There to Light the Way

It’s the finale to the Binary saga, aka the Carol gets put under magical trial by a group of magical beings over her actions ie. creating a situation that stripped the Enchantress’s future son, Ove, of his magical might, and it might be one of the best arcs of Kelly’s run thus far. I’ve been a huge fan of this run, and of this, I make it no secret from my editors here: they will have to pry me away from reviewing this book from my cold dead hands, I love it that much. Carol’s been one of my absolute favorite Marvel characters since I began reading comics, and Kelly’s handling of her in this run has been such a highlight for me. So let’s get down to things, shall we…?

Carol has been published off and on since 2006, with the Brian Reed penned Ms. Marvel that lasted for 50 issues. By far one of the longest run female led solo comics in the modern Marvel era, which is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. It’s Carol’s depth, and perseverance of character that makes her one of Marvel’s premiere female superheroes, and it’s these qualities that, when under the correct creators, can lead to some of the most entertaining and insightful stories that are told in this genre. Carol’s had somewhat of a shaky start to her run as Captain, but it seems that Kelly Thompson was just the right creator to come along, and give us one of the most entertaining series that’s currently being published at Marvel. 

The thing about this arc is one reason why I love this character, and it’s that the creators have to tell a story that continues to push the readers and character alike to become something more than a porcelain doll, or a fly stuck in amber, unable to change, or grow. In comics, especially with comics in the big two, that’s something that will always remain a constant. It’s the team that can give us the illusion of change, that feels organic and natural, that sticks out to me. Kelly’s not out here trying to change the wheel, nor is she stuck with the burden of transforming Carol from Ms. to Captain, and that might be for the best. It frees up Kelly and the artists without having to create, and re-create, a status quo every 6 months, they can just sit back, and take us on this fantastic journey. 

The arc really highlights everything that’s great about Kelly’s handling of Carol, and her world. Carol’s humanity, and heart, despite not always being correct, is always in the right place. This simple thing is something that so many creators seem to miss in regards to how to portray Carol. Despite her background, will always do what’s right, and not what’s in the best interest of her commanding officers, and it’s this trait that Wanda presents before the magical tribunal that rings so loudly this issue. Carol does what she does, not because she has to. Or even if she wants to, it’s because it’s right, and if not her, then who? Plus the journey Binary has taken on her sojourn of self-discovery, and figuring out just who she is, and why she’s here. Real insightful stuff here. 

Not only do we bid Binary a farewell with this issue, but also to Juan Frigeri and Alvaro Lopez, who’ve been handling the art duties this arc, and they will be missed. Over the course of the last 40 issues, we’ve had some great artists giving us some amazing visuals, and with Frigeri, he might be one of my favorites. I am a HUGE Carmen Carnero fan, and still find her Carol to be THE Carol in Kelly’s run, Frigeri’s comes in at a very close second. The characters are amazing to look at, and the action is great, and easy to follow along with. Mix that with the quieter, more emotional moments, and you end up with what’s called a beacon of excellence. Frigeri’s one of those rising stars, and I can’t wait to see what he’s bringing to Iron Man’s table.