Captain Carter #5 - Marvel Comics

CAPTAIN CARTER No. 5, October 2022

Drawing this mini-series to a succinct conclusion, this twenty page periodical’s plot arguably plays out more like something from a “Mission Impossible” motion picture than a comic book, thanks largely to its cast’s attempt to break Peggy Carter out of the supposedly impregnable S.T.R.I.K.E. Containment Facility. In fact, considering Jamie McKelvie neatly utilises almost every trope from that American action spy franchise, ranging from computer hacking, phoney fire alarms, disguises and high-tech gadgetry, some within this comic’s audience were probably half-expecting the former IMF point man Ethan Hunt to make a guest-star appearance.

Thankfully however, none of these resemblances ruin a well-told story, which not only quite merrily motors through its narrative at a steadfast pace. But also enjoyably provides all this title’s numerous characters with something fairly significant to do. Such penmanship really helps imbue this book’s ‘super-team’ with a genuine sense of cooperation and family, even down to Division Chief Lance Hunter, who once convinced of the Prime Minister’s vampirism, becomes a pivot part of Lizzie Braddock’s plan to infiltrate a facility specifically “designed to hold super-powered prisoners.”

Furthermore, many bibliophiles will probably appreciate this publication’s central formidably-strong protagonist using her brains as opposed to her brawn to outwit her centuries-old opponent. Setting aside the debate as to whether the undead Harry Williams would be able to be captured by a modern-day digital camera, the notion of a man elected to high government through the power of the press being subsequently exposed as a blood-drinking monster by the self-same media is rather ingenious, and definitely adds an element of poetic justice to John Falsworth’s fiery downfall.

Illustrator Marika Cresta should also be given some considerable praise for helping make Issue Five of “Captain Carter” a memorable finale for “the recipient of the Super Soldier Serum.” There’s an incredible amount of dialogue and action to cram into this comic’s interior, and alongside color artist Matt Milla, the Ringo Award-Nominee does an excellent job in holding the attention with her prodigious pencilling. Indeed, one of the highlights of this book is debatably the shockingly sudden demise of Lady Jacqueline Falsworth, courtesy of a stake through the chest by Harley Davis.

Writer: Jamie McKelvie, Artist: Marika Cresta, and Color Artist: Matt Milla