The saying goes, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall,” and Carol Danvers is learning this first hand. It turns out that no matter how many times you’ve saved the entire planet, once people find out you’re part Kree,  you’re automatically a spy. With the help of artists Carmen Carnero, colorist Tamra Bonvillain, and letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles, writer Kelly Thompson begins a brand new story arc for Captain Marvel.

Carol feels especially helpless in this situation because unlike the case with Nuclear Man, and many other fights she’s been in, she can’t punch her way out of this. To clear her name, she’ll need all the help she can get even if it means teaming up with other Kree who haven’t been too keen on her in the past. 

It’s nice to see this quieter, more introspective side of Carol for a change. If this were done too much it would feel disingenuous, Carol is very much an action first character, but Thompson has struck a nice balance. The first arc of the series with Nuclear Man featured a lot of punching and was heavy on action. Now that things are better established, she can explore this other side of Carol. 

The panels where Carol is standing alone, staring into space are the most potent images. There’s not a lot of color or action, but in those moments, you can see exactly how small and powerless the situation makes her feel.

Carol may be falling hard, but with the support of her friends and her own resilience, maybe she’ll be able to keep from hitting the ground. 

GRADE: A