Review: CAPTAIN MARVEL #17

CAPTAIN MARVEL #17
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Art by Filipe Andrade
Release date November 6, 2013

CAPMARV2012017_DC11_LRThis final issue of the first series for “Earth’s Mightiest Hero” closes in an epilogue styled story that will induce tears if you have been reading since the first inkling of the story, all the way back in issue #9.

The amnesia that Captain Marvel battled throughout the Infinity crossovers continues to create an emotional wall between Carol Danvers and those who have rallied around her. She’s fully and logically aware of who these people are supposed to be to her, but without memories to evoke emotion, the reality is still escaping her grasp. Through the eyes of her civilian-life side-kick, Kit, Carol comes to the rescue emotionally and physically for multiple groups. From a child who is dealing with self-doubt to a city in need of rescue from vain and vindictive computer programmer and would-be writer; Carol shows she is still herself despite not being able to remember the moments that molded her that way.

This book explores many themes and provides many different focuses in such a compact space as one issue. With that there could be the threat of losing focuses or a feeling of disconnect between scenes. However, Kelly Sue DeConnick does a great job of having each of these moments build upon themselves with a momentum that grows throughout the book. While there is lots of action and Captain Marvel kicking butt, it has more of a final lap pace than the earth shattering reveals found in issue 10-12.

When the inevitable moment of action arrives you can’t help but cheer and almost physically react. Pump your fist, jump out of your chair or even strike a Spartacus styled pose of pride and declare yourself “Captain Marvel” as this issue encourages you to embrace Carol as yourself.

This riveting theme of the book has been one growing throughout the series, as the cult who follows around the series, known as the Carol Corps, has embraced the Captain Marvel symbol and made it their own. From hoodies, to t-shirts, jewelry, knit hats, gloves and special days of meeting and dressing up at cons, a large group of readers has sprung up… even if they had never read a comic before in their lives. Having this group acknowledged through the cover and in the theme of this concluding issue seems to show how aware Kelly Sue is of those who have made this book soar.

Filipe Andrade’s stylistic pencils continue to provide emotion throughout the book. It is a signature style and imagery found when Carol is interacting at home with family, friends and fellow superheros. As always, this is not a style that will appeal to everybody… especially those who feel that only traditional American comic art is what should be found in big two publisher’s books. If you like something unique, it does a great job of creating movement through the use of hair and exaggerated-stylized postures.

I would be remiss to not mention that this books is also your chance to see the first appearance of the new Ms. Marvel. While Kamala Khan is not mentioned by name in this book, you do get a chance to see her inspired by her superhero namesake as well a glimpse of her power. Her appearance is just a few panels, but it seemed to glimpse at a potential way the hero could be handled, leaving hope for what is ahead for her in February… as well as Carol herself come March of 2014.

Verdict 9.5/10

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