Kelly Thompson brings the first arc of Captain Marvel's new story to a close in Captain Marvel #5, with the help of Carmen Carnero as the artist, Tamra Bonvillain as the colorist, and VC's Clayton Cowles as the letterer. Carol and Rogue have formed a tenuous alliance to take on Nuclear Man while their allies, including Nuclear Man's son Som, try to take down his army and help everyone regain their powers.

Carol has been reluctant to trust Som and Rogue but her options are limited, and she's rapidly running out of time. There's a bomb planted somewhere among her team, Nuclear Man intends for her and Rogue to fight to the death, and everyone is still trapped on Roosevelt Island behind a magical barrier.

What could have been an exciting final showdown between Rouge, Captain Marvel, and Nuclear Man felt condensed, and the characters weren't used to their full potential. It feels like Thompson had to rush an ending so the War of the Realms tie in could begin in the next issue.

The saving grace of this story is Carnero and Bonvillain's art. Characters are detailed, expressive, and the action that does happen is dynamic. When Captain Marvel ultimately lets loose with her power, she explodes on the page in full bright detail, and it's beautiful.

As the next arc begins, Carol's story will connect with the massive War of the Realms narrative, but hopefully, the story doesn't lose its own unique voice.

Grade: C+