THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL

released OUT NOW! Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer Margaret stohl Artists Carlos Pacheco, Marguerite sauvage, erica d’Urso

From Ms Marvel to Binary and now Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers has always had a confused identity. So it’s fitting that she should discover that she’s actually not who she thinks she is in this excellent mini-series.

Sending Carol back to the New England seaside resort where she grew up, Margaret Stohl’s wistful script initially concentrates on the domestic dramas in her life, as she reconnects with her mother and older brother and attempts to reconcile her feelings about her abusive late father. It’s almost disappointing when an extraterrestrial visitor shows up and mayhem ensues. But Stohl deftly links the action to Carol’s personal journey, as a shocking family secret is revealed, and while you might see issue three’s concluding twist coming that doesn’t lessen its impact.

With his dynamic layouts and elegant linework, Carlos Pacheco is equally adept at illustrating the more downbeat moments as he is the frenetic action scenes. And his more traditional style blends seamlessly with Marguerite Sauvage and Erica D’Urso’s expressive cartooning on the frequent flashback sequences.

Creating a new beginning for Ms Marvel, this enthralling five-parter places Carol in the perfect position to capitalise on next year’s big-screen outing. Stephen Jewell