Reviews
Avengers: The Enemy Within by Filipe Andrade, Scott Hepburn, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Matteo Buffagni
mapatchli's review
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katgriff's review
4.0
Captain Marvel & Avengers crossover event. I really like team-ups even in single character driven stories. one of the things that is annoying about the single character marvel movies post-avengers is like, "surely, you could have called your avengers friends for help?" And I love that that is exactly what Carol did here.
The ending of this made me surprisingly emotional.
side note: I read this on marvel unlimited, and it was my first time reading a crossover series that way. so, having to switch between different entries of different series as collected in marvel unlimited. it wasn't fun. thank god for reading orders, man.
The ending of this made me surprisingly emotional.
side note: I read this on marvel unlimited, and it was my first time reading a crossover series that way. so, having to switch between different entries of different series as collected in marvel unlimited. it wasn't fun. thank god for reading orders, man.
rach's review
5.0
So, if you'd been standing outside my door last night (creeper! don't do that!), you wouldn't have heard any loud sobs, but you definitely would have heard sniffling and gentle whimpers as I read this book that contains crossover issues of Avengers Assemble and Captain Marvel, and which contains the last story arc for this volume of Captain Marvel.
If you've read my reviews for the last volumes, my raves still stand. Carol Danvers is an absolute hero, so brave, and strong, and dedicated. I love how she is written. I love how she is drawn. I LOVE how she is drawn, actually. There is only one Filipe Andrade issue in this collection, but the other artists never cease to impress me with how they capture the Captain's spirit. Scott Hepburn, Matteo Buffagni, and Pete Larraz's work in this book is all fantastic, and I love to see the different ways they interpret these characters.
Carol's ultimate sacrifice is at the heart of this book. No one expects her to sacrifice herself; they, in fact, actively try to prevent her from doing so. But when Carol realizes what's at stake, she doesn't hesitate or second guess herself. You might think I'm talking about her killing herself to save the world, but in a way, what happened is worse. Ok, it's hard to say anything is worse than being dead, but I think there are things that are, and not knowing who you are or having any memories might be one of them. Carol flew into space, knowing that in doing so would damage her brain so much that she would no longer have any memory of the people and things she loves. Yes, she knew her brain would rebuild itself, and she would survive. Yes, she is still the same person. But imagine waking up in a world where nothing is familiar, and having to be retaught all these things you don't feel like you ever knew. Imagine being surrounded by people you don't know who claim to be your best friends, and having to trust that they are telling you the truth, having to rebuild all those connects and years of memories from the ground up.
It does not sound fun. But Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel, didn't hesitate.
I love (and am relieved) that the volume didn't just end with her sacrifice. Instead, we get to see Carol as she starts to rebuild her life. The best part is, despite not having her memories, or know who everyone is, she is still, at the core, herself. She still interacts with her friends in the same way, which I imagine is a relief to them as well, and is still just as heroic. This volume goes out in the best way: with Carol getting Captain Marvel lessons from her littlest-biggest fan, Kit, and inspiring a new generation of hero in Ms. Marvel.
I can't believe it took me this long to read this fantastic comic, and if you're on the fence about it, don't wait! Pick these up now! I'm happy I can get in on the ground floor of the new Captain Marvel relaunch and the new Ms. Marvel title, though I still haven't decided if, after the first issues of those, I will continue to read issue by issue or wait until trades come out, as I general prefer to do. It will definitely depend on how sucked-in I get, and my patience level.
If you've read my reviews for the last volumes, my raves still stand. Carol Danvers is an absolute hero, so brave, and strong, and dedicated. I love how she is written. I love how she is drawn. I LOVE how she is drawn, actually. There is only one Filipe Andrade issue in this collection, but the other artists never cease to impress me with how they capture the Captain's spirit. Scott Hepburn, Matteo Buffagni, and Pete Larraz's work in this book is all fantastic, and I love to see the different ways they interpret these characters.
Carol's ultimate sacrifice is at the heart of this book. No one expects her to sacrifice herself; they, in fact, actively try to prevent her from doing so. But when Carol realizes what's at stake, she doesn't hesitate or second guess herself. You might think I'm talking about her killing herself to save the world, but in a way, what happened is worse. Ok, it's hard to say anything is worse than being dead, but I think there are things that are, and not knowing who you are or having any memories might be one of them. Carol flew into space, knowing that in doing so would damage her brain so much that she would no longer have any memory of the people and things she loves. Yes, she knew her brain would rebuild itself, and she would survive. Yes, she is still the same person. But imagine waking up in a world where nothing is familiar, and having to be retaught all these things you don't feel like you ever knew. Imagine being surrounded by people you don't know who claim to be your best friends, and having to trust that they are telling you the truth, having to rebuild all those connects and years of memories from the ground up.
It does not sound fun. But Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel, didn't hesitate.
I love (and am relieved) that the volume didn't just end with her sacrifice. Instead, we get to see Carol as she starts to rebuild her life. The best part is, despite not having her memories, or know who everyone is, she is still, at the core, herself. She still interacts with her friends in the same way, which I imagine is a relief to them as well, and is still just as heroic. This volume goes out in the best way: with Carol getting Captain Marvel lessons from her littlest-biggest fan, Kit, and inspiring a new generation of hero in Ms. Marvel.
I can't believe it took me this long to read this fantastic comic, and if you're on the fence about it, don't wait! Pick these up now! I'm happy I can get in on the ground floor of the new Captain Marvel relaunch and the new Ms. Marvel title, though I still haven't decided if, after the first issues of those, I will continue to read issue by issue or wait until trades come out, as I general prefer to do. It will definitely depend on how sucked-in I get, and my patience level.
chantaal's review
4.0
Just finished reading this after picking up a huge stack of comics because I haven't been to my shop in a month.
I think it's wonderful that we finally got a crossover event that is much more personal than Marvel usually goes for. I'm inclined to love it because Carol is my favorite, but there's a lot more to this story than that. Carol facing down her demons and accepting help from her friends always makes for a fantastic story, and Kelly Sue's done right by her.
That ending, though. THAT ENDING.
I think it's wonderful that we finally got a crossover event that is much more personal than Marvel usually goes for. I'm inclined to love it because Carol is my favorite, but there's a lot more to this story than that. Carol facing down her demons and accepting help from her friends always makes for a fantastic story, and Kelly Sue's done right by her.
That ending, though. THAT ENDING.
anthroxagorus's review
5.0
This collection is a strange, unofficial volume three for the first of DeConnick's Captain Marvel run. Strange because it contains Captain Marvel #13, 14 and 17, but also links Avengers Assemble and a oneshot set-up called The Enemy Within. Sure, the plot all relates, but it was definitely confusing for this new fan to sort out. On one hand, it's exciting to see Captain Marvel take center stage for a tie-in event - not only because she is a total bad ass, but also because she's a female superhero. On the other, it's exhausting trying to keep up. Not to mention that Captain Marvel's story then ties-in with the Infinity story immediately after, begging us to purchase that volume as well. Ick. Again, it's nice to see her get the airtime, but man, oh man, this fan is having trouble keeping up.
Onto the actual story, DeConnick's Captain Marvel is honestly every thing I want for my favorite superheroine. Following the events from volume two Down (#7-12), we learn Captain Marvel has a lesion and Doctor's orders are "No flying!" Not that she's going to stop when it means helping people, even when half of the Avengers beg her to chill or else her lesion will get worse.
What we have is an extrememly flawed superhero with control issues. I absolutely and totally love it. Hell, I think any woman can relate to Carol's philosophy: "If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself". This plus her love for her cat makes this Captain relateable and loveable (Hello, who doesn't love cats?) And did I mention her adorable sidekick?
As for the art, there's some wonky stuff going on that I'm not sure how to feel about - Carol, what is going on with your face on that first page? Why does your hair have that bump thing? Whatever, the gorgeous art from issue #17 (Thanks, Filipe Andrade!!) totally makes up for it. Everything about the #17 issue is beautiful and worthy of the collection buy. (Though it really messes with my organization of the single issues I have... Ah, comics)
Onto the actual story, DeConnick's Captain Marvel is honestly every thing I want for my favorite superheroine. Following the events from volume two Down (#7-12), we learn Captain Marvel has a lesion and Doctor's orders are "No flying!" Not that she's going to stop when it means helping people, even when half of the Avengers beg her to chill or else her lesion will get worse.
What we have is an extrememly flawed superhero with control issues. I absolutely and totally love it. Hell, I think any woman can relate to Carol's philosophy: "If you want something done, you've got to do it yourself". This plus her love for her cat makes this Captain relateable and loveable (Hello, who doesn't love cats?) And did I mention her adorable sidekick?
As for the art, there's some wonky stuff going on that I'm not sure how to feel about - Carol, what is going on with your face on that first page? Why does your hair have that bump thing? Whatever, the gorgeous art from issue #17 (Thanks, Filipe Andrade!!) totally makes up for it. Everything about the #17 issue is beautiful and worthy of the collection buy. (Though it really messes with my organization of the single issues I have... Ah, comics)
hgeditor's review
2.0
I don't know, this story just did nooooot grab me.
We talk more Captain Marvel in this episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-186-captain-marvel
We talk more Captain Marvel in this episode of the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-186-captain-marvel
nancyotoole's review
4.0
I'm not shy about the fact that I'm not a big fan of massive crossover events, which too often get in the way of great character arcs and plot lines in ongoing series. I am more open to smaller crossovers, which intersect a couple tiles in order to tell a more epic storyline. Avengers: The Enemy Within is a great example how these crossovers can work really well. It combines Captain Marvel and Avengers Assemble. I consider it a must read for Captain Marvel fans, but even having never read the Avengers Assemble comic, I didn't have any issues understanding it. It just feels like Captain Marvel's having an extra big adventure, so she brought along the Avengers to help out.
Avengers: The Enemy Within continues the story brought up in "Grounded." Carol Danvers has a lesion in her brain. Every time she flies, she risks death. The an enemy surfaces that will require all of her powers. How will she be able to defeat him?
Avengers: The Enemy Within plays out like a popcorn flick. With fast pacing, a high stakes plot line, and DeConnick's knack for strong dialogue, it's so much fun to read that you don't even really notice that the villain feels a little under developed. The storyline ends with big changes for our Captain. Fortunately the collection doesn't leave us hanging completely, providing a highly satisfying one shot which gives us a glimpse at how Carol's recovering from the events. Another thing I quite liked about this collection is the increased role of Spider Woman, who DeConnick writes quite well.
If you're a Captain Marvel fan, don't be confused by the title on the cover. This is a Captain Marvel story. If you want to find out what happens to Carol, you certainly should read it.
Avengers: The Enemy Within continues the story brought up in "Grounded." Carol Danvers has a lesion in her brain. Every time she flies, she risks death. The an enemy surfaces that will require all of her powers. How will she be able to defeat him?
Avengers: The Enemy Within plays out like a popcorn flick. With fast pacing, a high stakes plot line, and DeConnick's knack for strong dialogue, it's so much fun to read that you don't even really notice that the villain feels a little under developed. The storyline ends with big changes for our Captain. Fortunately the collection doesn't leave us hanging completely, providing a highly satisfying one shot which gives us a glimpse at how Carol's recovering from the events. Another thing I quite liked about this collection is the increased role of Spider Woman, who DeConnick writes quite well.
If you're a Captain Marvel fan, don't be confused by the title on the cover. This is a Captain Marvel story. If you want to find out what happens to Carol, you certainly should read it.