Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 (of 5)

But Why Tho?

Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 explores the start of the inner workings of a beloved superhero as she figures out the now of her life, several decades in the making. Monica Rambeau is someone who has been around the block and has been in the superhero business for a while.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: An entertaining debut issue that utilizes its characters really well. Ewing crafts an engaging premise with a mystery at its center that I found intriguing in both its scope and its implications for the character. I love that the world of Monica Rambeau is being explored and how the story gives her more agency and depth. The Art: Both artists deliver stellar visuals throughout the issue. I love the visual style of the series and the action is stunning.

AIPT

Photon may have been out of the spotlight for some time, but Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 does a great job catching us up to speed and establishing the character like she never left.

ComicBook.com

Eve Ewing's new run on Monica Rambeau reminds readers, or perhaps confirms to new ones, why this character can be so compelling, even if there's more than the necessary amount of cameos.

Weird Science Marvel Comics

In all, Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 is a serviceable reintroduction to the character for new readers. Ewing lays out an excellent bit of character development to demonstrate Monica’s current crisis of purpose, and the art is generally good. However, the second act feels chaotic and plagued by jarring pacing shifts.

Henchman-4-Hire

Strong first issue that expertly establishes the main character and her place in the world at the start of this story, while having plenty of fun on the sidelines to keep things entertaining.

Comic Watch

If you've missed Monica or are a fan of her, it's worth picking it up as part of your pull. Otherwise, it might be best to see where the story is taken next issue before adding it to your list.

Major Spoilers

As a fan of Monica’s from the very beginning, Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 serves as an important primer for the character, if not the ideal first part of a five-issue limited series, with a story that’s well-above-average and art that’s a tiny bit less so combining for 3 out of 5 stars overall. With the promise of The Beyonder and the possible end of the universe in play, I hope this series keeps Photon in focus until her movie debut… whenever that actually comes out.