The Empyre event comes to Captain Marvel with the release of Captain Marvel #18, an action-packed but emotional installment from writer Kelly Thompson, inker Adriano Di Benedetto, penciler Cory Smith, colorist Tamra Bonvillain, and letterer VC's Clayton Cowles. Captain Marvel #18 is a tie-in to the larger Empyre event. Still, even without reading any other Empyre comics, the story is largely followable thanks to the quick plot summary at the start of the comic. And there's a lot that's changed since readers last saw Captain Marvel. 

With the shocking alliance of the Kree and Skrull's Hulkling (previously of the Young Avengers) was appointed Emporer of the alliance. And Carol has taken up the role of the Accuser, carrying out justice in the name of Emporer Hulkling in the war against the Cotati threat. The Accuser's role is a difficult one, and Carol is about to learn if she really has what it takes.

Thompson does a wonderful job of humanizing Captain Marvel, which is quite a task with a superpowered half-alien half-human. But since the beginning of this run, Thompson has consistently been doing this for Carol. Captain Marvel #18 enforces Carol's humanness by showing how deeply she struggles with her role as the Accuser. Despite being a soldier for so long, the reality of war still weighs heavily on Carol's mind. And with Captain Marvel #18 featuring the highly anticipated debut of Lauri-Ell, Carol's half-sister, there's going to be a new emotional minefield for Carol to navigate in coming issues. Hopefully, this will add even more depth to the character.

Despite most of the creative team being different from previous issues, the art feels consistent with the art that's appeared in past issues. Some level of consistency feels nice so that the reader doesn't feel whiplash from issue-to-issue, but it would be fun to see this creative team develop a more distinct style in future issues. What really stands out in the art of this issue is Bonvillain's colors. Much of Captain Marvel #18 takes place in a spaceship or on a ruined planet's surface, settings that wouldn't seem to have much variety in color. But Bonvillain varies the shades and tones of colors and plays with the contrast between characters and the backgrounds. 

While there are a few details that aren't explained that would require reading the other comics (how did Hulkling become Emperor and why are the Fantastic Four briefly shown?), but ultimately Captain Marvel #18 is enjoyable and stands on its own. And this should come as a relief to readers that aren't interested in/don't have the time for another major comics event. 

GRADE: B+