Warning: contains preview pages for Captain Marvel #34!
In a preview for Captain Marvel #34, on sale in print and digital December 1st, Carol Danvers showcases an impressive escape trick that was inspired by Monica Rambeau. The issue, part three of “The Last of the Marvels” story, has united Marvels past and present, including not only Carol and Monica, but Kamala Khan and Phyla-Vell as well, against the evil Vox Supreme.
There have been several characters who have called themselves Captain Marvel. The first, the Kree Mar-Vell, first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #12, holding the mantle until his death in 1982’s Death of Captain Marvel graphic novel. A few months later, Monica Rambeau, the second Captain Marvel, debuted in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16. Monica had been working for the New Orleans port authority when she was exposed to cosmic energy, giving her the ability to control the entire electromagnetic spectrum. She would have a notable run with the Avengers, even serving as the team’s leader at one point. Monica has held several other heroic aliases over the years and now calls herself Spectrum. While she no longer calls herself “Captain Marvel,” she still maintains strong ties to the name and when Vox Supreme begins waging war on everyone named “Marvel,” he comes for Rambeau, imprisoning her in a suit and forcing her to do his bidding. Carol Danvers finds herself facing a similar situation, but thanks to some ingenuity on Monica’s part—she escapes. Captain Marvel #34 is written by Kelly Thompson, with art by Sergio Davila, inks by Sean Parsons, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and letters by Clayton Cowles.
Vox has imprisoned Carol in a cage, one resistant to her powers. As she struggles to escape, she recounts how Monica escaped from her Vox suit. Monica Rambeau used her electromagnetic powers to somehow phase through the suit, escaping. While Carol and Monica’s powers are different, Carol modifies Monica’s strategy. She realizes she cannot blast her way out, and thus new ways of thinking are called for. Carol slowly, carefully, ramps up, exerting more and more energy. She forms it and controls it, bending it to her will. The preview ends with Carol about to go nova, a move that will surely free her from this prison.
Carol’s actions in the preview are not only a testament to Monica Rambeau’s genius but also the bonds that exist between the two Captain Marvels. Carol took the mantle of Captain Marvel years after Monica stepped down, but neither bears ill will towards the other. As a matter of fact, Carol draws inspiration from Monica and all others who came before her. By following Monica’s example, Carol Danvers was not only able to escape her prison but learns something new about her powers as well.
Captain Marvel is the publisher’s premier legacy hero, and Captain Marvel #34 celebrates this, showing how the various Marvels, such as Carol Danvers and Monica Rambeau, respect each other.