‘Captain Marvel: Dark Past’ #2 is a gripping detective issue

May 6, 2026

Captain Marvel is a tough character to crack, what with her multiple origin stories and attempts from modern writers to build on what came before. Enter Paul Jenkins, who kicked off a new miniseries that explores her father’s side of things, which really heats up in Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2. Expect revealing answers about family, and a looming supervillain threat.

Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2 is a great detective yarn, with Carol doing the work to get answers. In the last issue, the Wrecking Crew were powered up with Kree tech and learned something about Carol’s mom. That doesn’t sit right with her, and she’s on the case to figure out who is outfitting the C-tier villains. Part of that work is exploring empty buildings long forgotten, but also asking Rogue for help. Yep, Rogue, the once villain who took Carol’s powers and some of her memories!

What makes this detective story work is clever flashbacks to a key moment in Carol’s past involving her dad. The memory pops up, but it’s not all there. I think most of us can relate to forgetting moments in the past, especially those that lack the context that future details can provide. Through Rogue and Emma Frost, there’s a clever superhero angle in which Carol gains insights, leading her to an entirely different location.

Nice to see Rogue and Carol on good terms.
Credit: Marvel

Later in the issue, Carol pulls a contact from the F.B.I., which does get a little wordy and exposition-heavy. Jenkins writes great captions, however, and I never felt bored. Still, in a comic book, a lot of explaining and not much showing can drag things out.

Thankfully, the last few pages of the issue loop in a new villain and our souped-up Wrecking Crew. The promise of another fight, possibly one Carol can’t win, is alluring, and the identity of the mysterious new villain is also intriguing. Given the racism involved with this villain and a group tied to Carol’s mother, and the current political climate in America, the story feels well timed.

Lucas Werneck brings their super-clean, pleasing linework to this issue, with colors by Rod Fernandes. The supervillains are fantastical and cool-looking, with the first reveal of the main villain visualized in a somewhat romanticized scene with warm light and lots of red. Werneck’s specialty is character acting, with Rogue, Emma, and Carol really popping in their scene. A quick flashback to Carol in her black costume is also well done, with an old-school look that establishes its flashback setting.

Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2 leans into mystery and character work to deliver a compelling follow-up. Paul Jenkins builds intrigue through Carol’s investigation and ties it to her past in a way that feels personal and relevant. While some exposition slows the momentum, the emotional beats and looming threat keep the story engaging. It is a solid chapter that deepens the narrative and sets up a bigger conflict ahead. Jenkins turns Carol’s search for answers into a gripping detective thread, proving the character works best when the mystery cuts as deep as the punches.

Source: Read original source

More from The Comic Stand: Explore more comic news, convention listings, artist features, collectibles, and collector resources from The Comic Stand. Comic News | Comic Cons | Comic Artists | Shop