Monica Rambeau has experienced several remarkable feats in Marvel Comics. Her being a black woman who has a healthy relationship with her parents is the most significant of all.
Monica’s first appearance in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man Annual 16’ 41 years ago showed that she was already a formidable superhero. Initially fighting against misogyny as a lieutenant cargo ship captain in Louisiana, her narrative has been grounded in proving herself worthy. In that issue Monica gets her abilities and can convert energy, in a variety of ways on a cosmic level. From there, once dedicating her life to helping others, she becomes a member of the Avengers and at one point its leader. She has had the moniker Captain Marvel, but now goes as Photon. But in issue one of ‘Monica Rambeau: Photon’ many fans share the same sentiment as the older woman Monica meets walking down the street, to them Monica will always be Captain Marvel.
This miniseries delves into Monica’s past and how it affects her present. In a battle where she was leading the Avengers, she lost everything. For a Black southern woman, the hurt went deep. But she had the support of her parents who always gave her sound advice and a place to call home. Now the threat is Monica herself. She must figure out how she’s breaking apart reality and somehow fix it before it’s too late. Audre Lorde in ‘Black Women Writers at work’ said “when people of a group share an oppression, there are certain strengths that they build together. But there are also certain vulnerabilities.” Issue four reflects that the most. In an unusual therapy session Monica flashes back to her childhood. Always being told that it’s not about you, keep working, stay focused. In other words, dim your light. For Monica, she dampened it to the point where it burst open within her. She became cosmic and was forced to shine brightly, still not quite being her true self. All her life Monica held back and, in a sense, saw that as a strength in helping others, when in reality it was a weakness that had no choice than to crack open and nearly obliterate the universe. That is until Monica finds the truth within herself.
The writing of Eve L. Ewing is as always top notch. Composing this miniseries is a gift to everyone who loves Monica Rambeau. As does the artwork of Luca Maresca. So many scenes resonate with this character’s mythos and longevity. Panels where Monica is flying, where she’s using her powers, where she’s trying to figure out how she literally becomes the center of the universe, are rich with history. Not to mention the hairstyles always being on point. You will understand why comics are some of the best mediums in storytelling.
When Monica Rambeau hits the big screen in ‘The Marvels’ you should get this miniseries. It encapsulates all you need to know about this consistently loved character who’s fought alongside Thor and She-Hulk and is still able to sparkle on her own.
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