There’s a new hero in Jersey City and his name is Captain Hero. Captain Hero is looking for Ms. Marvel, but who is he really, and what does he want with Kamala? This mystery is explored in The Magnificent Ms. Marvel Annual #1, written by Magdalene Visaggio, with art by Jon Lam, colors by Msassyk (the pen name of artist Michele Assaraskorn) and letters by VC’s Joe Caramagna. 

Not surprisingly, Captain Hero is really the Skrull emperor Kl’rt, and unlike his alias, his motives for seeking out Ms. Marvel are anything but heroic.

Visaggio contrasts Ms. Marvel, who believes in mercy and the power of redemption, with Captain Hero who is willing to put the beatdown on villains until they’re out of commission. This contrast reiterates just exactly who Kamala is as a person and her stance as a hero. She won’t kill because she doesn’t believe that’s what heroes do.

Lam gives Ms. Marvel a more stylized cartoon look that’s very cute. The soft linework works well with Mssasyk’s use of muted colors. 

It’s not necessary to read main The Magnificent Ms. Marvel series in order to understand the annual (but it is highly recommended because it’s a wonderful series), so this issue is a great place to jump in with Ms. Marvel. 

GRADE: A-