REVIEW: ‘Captain Marvel,’ Issue #31

Captain Marvel #31 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Takeshi Miyazawa, colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Clayton Cowles. The hits haven’t stopped coming lately for the Boss of Space. From having her powers stolen by Star, being made Kree Supreme Accuser temporarily, to fighting the magic-wielding, time-displaced Ove, Carol has had a busy run lately. But luckily, Carol and her once more boyfriend, James Rhodes, are getting ready to embark on a much-needed vacation because superhero couples are always able to get long, uninterrupted vacations when they need them.

Danvers and Rhodes’s attempt at a vacation serves as a lighted-hearted adventure to give its protagonist a moment to breathe between universe-threatening crises. Thompson is adept at writing this kind of one-shot adventure that delivers a bit of fun, with a small side of adventure.

The highlight of Captain Marvel #31 is the way the main cast banter between each other. As if Carol and Rhodey weren’t fertile enough ground for Thompson’s signature wit, the inclusion of Carol’s sister Lauri, who crashes the vacation plans with important Kree business, brings her overly literal personality to the mix that adds an extra flavor to the comic’s comedic beats.

Despite the issue’s mostly lighter tones, there is a bit of foreboding to the issue’s threat. The problem that Lauri crashes the couple’s impending vacation for is worthy of the interruption, especially as the full potential of the problem comes to light near the issue’s end. While what it could spell for our hero’s future is unclear, it feels like something big could be on the horizon.

Bringing this fun adventure to life is guest artist Miyazawa. The art delivers the whole story well, but it is in the opening of Captain Marvel #31 where Miyazawa’s work really shines. The joy of the happy couple as they prepare to zip off on their vacation is captured to perfection. The playfulness in the scene’s dialogue is brought to life through the art.

While we’re talking about the book’s visuals, this issue sees Carol return to her iconic blue and red outfit. Now, don’t get me wrong, this outfit has always looked amazing on Carol, wherever she’s worn it, but Thompson’s run has been a true embarrassment of riches where great outfits for Carol are concerned, and quite frankly, Carol really did rock the cape. While I wish we could’ve gotten a little more time with her magic-inspired outfit, I can’t really complain when the default is as cool as Captain Marvel is, I suppose.

The art of the story is further enhanced through the strong coloring of Herring. The panels throughout the story are always bright, bringing plenty of energy to the story’s various moments.

Wrapping up the book’s presentation is Cowles’s lettering. Cowles does a great job laying out all the banter throughout the book, allowing the reader to experience the flow and beat of the humorous dialogue with ease.

So, taken all together, Captain Marvel #31 serves as a fun one-stop adventure. It brings laughs, great character interplay, and a touch of adventure for Carol and company.

Captain Marvel #31 is available now wherever comics are sold.