Universal powerhouse Monica Rambeau stars in her very own all-new adventure! The hero known as Photon has been charged with making a very special, very cosmic delivery – should be light work (get it?) for Monica…if family drama doesn’t hold her back! Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 is written by Eve L. Ewing, art by Luca Maresca with Ivan Fiorelli, colored by Carlos Lopez and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles.
Nearly three decades after the late, great Dwayne McDuffie gave Monica Rambeau her own solo series as Captain Marvel, writer Eve L. Ewing is putting Monica in an all-new tale as Photon.
Before we get into this series, a brief introduction to Monica Rambeau. She has the ability to become and control any form of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible light, radio waves, electricity and gamma rays.
In addition, Monica has a prolific comic book history, originally debuting in October 1982 in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16. From there, she has gone on to be the field leader of The Avengers as well as a member of other teams like The Ultimates. In fact, Monica is currently a member of The Thunderbolts, a team whose newest ongoing series is by writer Jim Zub and artist Sean Izaakse.
It is here that Monica reminiscences about how difficult some of her Captain Marvel days were, particularly the battle with the monster known as The Leviathan. It temporarily caused her to lose her powers as well as her team and sense of purpose. For her to lose a major role was very traumatizing, and her old name is a painful reminder of that. Her inner monologue also features black text boxes and white lettering from VC’s Clayton Cowles that compliments her signature costume.
Despite being caught off guard by this, Monica makes a stop at Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum. After hilariously interrupting a chess match between Strange and Wong, she drops off an object known as The Stone of Hala. It is a magical doorway between realities that was stolen from Strange. I have a feeling it will be important later.
Suddenly, there is a loud boom from outside, and Monica races to the street to see “some sort of folding bending hinge person”. She tries to attack it from behind with a punch made of light, but it bends itself out of the way. Although it didn’t see her, it “felt” her coming and knew her name. It could be from an alternate or future timeline where Monica is seen as a threat.
Luckily, Spider-Man happens to be in the neighborhood, all friendly and stuff. I love Ewing’s humor here. Monica immediately goes into field leader mode with her fellow Avenger colleague, but the slinky giant still sees both of them. Eventually, Monica decides to go into her light form and fly straight into the giant to knock it out. This is demonstrated in a very nice two-page spread from artists Luca Maresca and Ivan Fiorelli that enhances Monica’s actions by her intent on one page and the result on the next.
Soon, our bendy giant, named “Hinge” by Spider-Man is revealed to be an acquaintance, scientist Dr. Yesenia Rosario. Yesenia tries to attack Monica again, saying she will destroy the universe. She is swiftly knocked out by a magic spell from Wong and Monica instantly teleports home. Yesenia’s words give my theory some weight since she perceives Monica as a threat, but we don’t yet know why.
Back at Monica’s home, she soon gets a call from her cousin Caleb, who is mainly calling to vent about his verbally abusive partner Tyler. He also mentions he had a bad dream about her and plans to see a rootworker about it. This makes me wonder if Monica Rambeau’s family has any magic or hoodoo in it. Her family is from New Orleans, so the possibility can’t be ruled out.
Anyway, Monica wants to help out Caleb but he thinks she just wants to “save the day” as a superhero rather than as a family member. As a result, he hangs up on her. Monica is hurt by this and she visits her parents to decompress. She doesn’t seem to be getting the acknowledgment she needs as a superhero or a person and it seems to be taking an emotional toll.
Although only Monica’s dad is home at first, he says something that really struck a chord with me as a Black femme. He says that she tries so hard to help everyone else that she neglects herself. All too often Black women are expected to save everyone with their strength and abilities, but very few people look out for them. The words from Monica’s dad are reminiscent of what Adam Brashear, The Blue Marvel, tells Monica during her time with The Ultimates. “We’re not gods, Monica. We’re human.”
Right now, Monica isn’t sure what she needs to feel at peace with herself. The issue ends with Monica literally getting some space as she flies off into the stars in a gorgeous two-page spread with vibrant colors from colorist Carlos Lopez. I have a feeling she’ll get more space than she bargained for, but we’ll have to wait until the next issue and see.
Latonya Pennington
Latonya Pennington is a freelance contributor whose comics criticism can be found at Women Write About Comics, Comic Book Herald, Newsarama and Shelfdust, among others.
