In her first solo series, Monica Rambeau is on a mission of self-discovery while being a hero to the cosmos in Monica Rambeau: Photon #1.
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Monica Rambeau: Photon #1
- Writer:
- Eve L. Ewing
- Artist:
- Luca Maresca, Ivan Fiorelli
- Letterer:
- VC’s Clayton Cowles
- Cover Artist:
- Lucas Werneck
- Publisher:
- Carlos Lopez
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-12-14
- Colorist:
- Carlos Lopez
Monica Rambeau has gone by many names and has been a member of numerous teams since she debuted in Roger Stern and John Romita Jr.’s 1982 The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16. In recent years, Monica has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the daughter of Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel and Wandavision and will return to the screen in The Marvels, where she will reunite with Carol Danvers. Some have referred to her as Captain Marvel, Pulsar, Spectrum, and now Photon in her first solo series, Monica Rambeau: Photon #1. In the debut issue — written by Eve L. Ewing, with art by Ivan Fiorelli and Luca Maresca, colors by Carlos Lopez, and letters by Clayton Cowles — Monica begins her journey of finding who she truly is while defending the cosmos.
The first issue in a 5-part limited series, Monica Rambeau: Photon #1, is a perfect example of respecting the past and embracing the future. Fans of Monica will quickly find themselves embarking on a new and exciting journey with her. In Monica Rambeau: Photon #1, Monica has to deliver a powerful cosmic artifact to a fellow hero. She is challenged on a physical level by a larger-than-life villain and on an emotional level when faced with her own identity. For years Monica had been a leader and a team player of enormous power, but now she is trying to find where she truly belongs in a world filled with mighty heroes.
Ewing’s writing packs hefty emotional punches and makes Monica relatable to anyone who has struggled to put themselves first. When folks on the street recognize Monica while she’s getting breakfast, Ewing celebrates the character’s legacy with the fans. Monica isn’t sure where she fits in in a world with heroes like Dr. Strange and Spider-Man, but Ewing reminds the audience that the hero is already an essential part of the universe.
Much like the writing in Monica Rambeau: Photon #1, the art highlights some great emotional moments with colors that electrify each page. Artists Ivan Fiorelli and Luca Maresca give each character their own unique look. Even the background and side characters that Monica interacts with feel like well-rounded individuals. Each emotion Monica goes through in this first issue shows on her face. When Monica is annoyed, upset, or beaming with a smile, Fiorelli and Marseca capture her mood beautifully. Lopez creates a rich color-soaked world around Monica, but he always makes sure that she stands out on the page. She glows with out-of-this-world power when taking down enemies. Clayton Cowles’s lettering creates easy-to-follow panels that make Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 a quick and fun read for fans.
Overall, Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 is a great beginning of a new journey for the former Avenger that sets up something special for new and old fans of Monica. Ewing does an excellent job of respecting the character’s past while making room for her to grow. With a creative team that hit it out of the park, this limited series is a relatable story of self-discovery. This limited series has something for everyone.
