REVIEW: ‘Captain Marvel,’ Issue #50

While Captain Marvel and her team managed to thwart the threat of the rogue Brood Queen, the confrontation cost Binary her life. Now, saddled with guilt over the one she failed to bring home, Carol tries to put herself back together in Captain Marvel #50, published by Marvel Comics, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Javier Pina and David Lopez, colors by Yen Nitro, and letters by Clayton Cowles.

Captain Marvel #1 was the third review I ever wrote. Now, with over 1000+ pieces under my belt, it gives me no small amount of joy to get to type this final review for one of my favorite comic book runs of all time. The past 49 issues have displayed many epic and fun moments throughout its run along with a decent amount of tears as well. There’s a lot of pressure on any writer who has been asked to pen a conclusive issue that properly ties a bow on multiple character arcs and story threads, yet Thompson succeeds and uses Captain Marvel #50 to take Carol higher, further, faster, one last time.

The overriding focus of this story is Carol’s grief over losing Binary. The grief she experiences is immense, and no amount of combat will make that powerful emotiona go away. Her struggles with her emotions are handled wonderfully by Thompson. The grief and guilt she experiences feel genuine, as does the support, care, and worry of all those around her. Carol’s powerful emotions in this story are further enhanced by the art. Pina and Lopez do a fantastic job of delivering Carol’s struggles and the warmth she is surrounded with by those who care the most about her.

While much of Captain Marvel #50 is somber in tone, the story allows for moments of levity as well. Worried for her bestie, Jessica Drew throws a party for her with a variable who’s who of guests. With individuals like Ms. Marvel and Jeff The Landshark bringing the kind of energy only they can, the book can’t help but have a fair sprinkling of positivity within its gorgeously illustrated panels.

But while the friends and family that surround her have always been a vital part of the character, there are some things Carol can only face alone. Prompted once again by Jessica, Carol faces a moment of self-reflection that sees her finally able to process her grief,  guilt, and fears for what may be yet to come. Despite the entire issue being an emotional masterpiece, it is Carol’s final moments of realization and renewal that stand out beyond everything else. The fusion of skillful writing, elegant line art, and enhancing colors allow this moment to deliver its utmost for the character.  Even Cowles lettering manages to depict the numerous dialogue boxes throughout this sequence in such a way that keeps the many thoughts fluid and easy to follow while keeping clear of the art.

Captain Marvel #50 manages to bring all the core elements of Thompson’s run together one last time to allow each character to have a perfectly thought-out and executed moment. The emotion, friendship, and power of Earth’s Mightiest Hero have always been a bright spot in this series. Thanks to one final performance from Thompson and company, it got to shine beautifully, one last time.

Captain Marvel #50 is available now wherever comics are sold.