CAPTAIN MARVEL: THE END #1, out this Wednesday from Marvel Comics, is part of a larger series of events. Like the rest, this is the final tale of Carol Danvers. So get ready for an emotional roller coaster of a ride.
***SPOILER WARNING***
The End is the latest event in Marvel comics, featuring the final plot arc for several fan-favorite characters. And now it’s time for Captain Marvel’s final tale. Knowing Carol, and how the rest of these have gone so far, this is going to be one bittersweet tale.
Captain Marvel has always been one of those heroes to push herself harder than the rest. She’s always hoping to be better, to save more people. To be the hero that she wants to be and that the people deserve. With that sort of character, there’s little doubt that her ending is going to have as much impact as possible, with Carol going out doing what she does best.
The Plot
If you’ve been a fan of the current Captain Marvel series, then odds are good that you’re going to enjoy Captain Marvel: The End. Kelly Thompson has once again stepped up to the plate, this time to write Carol’s final story.
In case it wasn’t painfully obvious, this is an emotionally powerful issue. Set in the year 2051, Carol is still fighting the good fight. But many things have changed for her – and much of it not for the better. Or more accurately, much has changed for the world, and that changed Carol.
Not the least of those changes is the physical one made to Captain Marvel. If you ever wondered what would happen to her and her powers as she got older, consider those questions officially answered. Though it may raise even more questions (because how could you not be curious for all of the details).
The jump to the future allowed for several clever moments, mainly showing Thompson’s view of what some characters have been up to, or what sort of legacy they’ve left behind. It’s fascinating, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all in one.
Finally, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. With a title such as “The End”, we kind of all know what is going to happen, even without the details. And in this case, it is very clearly telegraphed before the end (no pun intended). That’s a good thing in this case, because you’re going to need as much time as possible to emotionally prepare yourself for that blow. Even then it might not be enough. So get ready to cry. Just remember that Carol chose to go out this way, and if that isn’t the perfect ending for Carol Danvers, then we don’t know what is.
The Art
The artwork behind Captain Marvel: The End is truly striking. Carol simultaneously has changed so much, and so little, all in one. That the artists were able to portray this dichotomy is quite impressive.
The scenery and plethora of characters (some new, some cameos) is another impressive feat for this issue. So all credit to the artistic team for what they were able to bring together here. Carmen Carnero was the lead artist for this project, working alongside David Curiel for the colors, and VC’s Travis Lanham for lettering.
Together they’ve created something visually stunning to support this thrilling yet bittersweet tale. It’s the perfect combination.
In Conclusion
Captain Marvel: The End may just be one of a series, but it truly did justice to Carol’s character. Her future may be slightly bleak in this version, but you’ve got to admit that there’s something really beautiful about the choice she made in the end.
