🌟 Comic Review: Marvel Action Captain Marvel (2019–2020) #3 (of 3) by Sam Maggs (Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A quirky, glitchy adventure that leans into middle-grade humor and cosmic weirdness—Carol Danvers faces a reality loop with charm, chaos, and a cat that spells.
🧠 Overview
Published by IDW Publishing in May 2021, this issue is part of the Marvel Action Captain Marvel mini-series written by Sam Maggs, with vibrant art by Sweeney Boo and colors by Brittany Peer. In this third installment, Carol Danvers and her best friend Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman) find themselves stuck in a bizarre, looping reality where things keep repeating—and not in a good way.
From T-posing cats to squirrels carrying menus, the story embraces its surreal tone while teasing a larger mystery that’s yet to be resolved.
✨ Highlights & Themes
- 🔁 Groundhog Day-style repetition: Carol notices the same events happening over and over, hinting at a glitch in reality
- 🐱 Chewie the not-cat: Carol’s alien feline companion adds comic relief and unexpected clues—like spelling words with kibble
- 💬 Friendship dynamics: Carol and Jessica’s banter keeps the tone light and relatable for younger readers
- 🎨 Visual palette: Instead of typical sci-fi greens and blacks, the comic uses pink, purple, and red hues to depict the anomalies, giving it a fresh, vibrant look
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.80/5 from early reviews
- 📖 Readers enjoy the humor, visual style, and accessible storytelling
- 🧾 Some critics felt the issue was too short and mostly setup for the next arc, lacking narrative payoff
- 💬 “It’s not bad, but it feels like half a story. The repetition works thematically, but it doesn’t go anywhere yet.” — But Why Tho? review
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Middle-grade tone: Geared toward younger readers, with simplified dialogue and light stakes
- 📚 Setup-heavy: This issue functions more as a bridge than a standalone story
- 🧾 Art style may divide readers: Some found Carol’s costume shading and proportions off-putting, though others praised the color work
🏁 Final Verdict
Marvel Action Captain Marvel #3 is a fun, visually engaging comic that sets the stage for bigger things to come. While it may feel incomplete on its own, it’s a solid entry for fans of Carol Danvers looking for a lighter, more whimsical take on the character. If you enjoy glitchy realities, cosmic cats, and superhero besties, this issue is worth a look—especially as part of the full arc.
