Marvel’s Voices Legacy #1: Decompression – Time for Downtime

Decompression is a story that fits a lot of emotion in only a few pages. Rather than a tale about explosions and action scenes or emotional turmoil, Mohale Mashigo delivers a story of relaxation and joy that is sweet warms the heart. It’s not about beating bad guys- but rather about three young black women, who happen to be among Marvel’s best and brightest, finding solace in each other’s company.

The story fits a lot of personality in each panel, both in dialogue and in art; Riri’s eye roll was almost audible with how perfectly it was depicted. The change in tone from the opening battle to when Ironheart arrives at the apartment is made clear in the art by the relaxed posture and facial expression.

What made this story stand out was the dynamic between the three characters. This is not the first time the friendship between Ironheart, Mrs. Marvel, and Shuri has been displayed, but it may be the first time it was shown to be with such ease. They didn’t bicker or argue. There was no awkwardness or antagonism between them that required a fight to break up. Instead, it was just three friends supporting each other.