How to do this spoiler free. Is that even possible? The issues surrounding the death of Steve Rogers are starting to be addressed by this book so I’ll start there. Ed Brubaker has been telling some great Captain America stories for a while now, and this issue of Cap is no different. The book is full of all the action and intrigue that you have come to expect from Brubaker and company. I’m just not sure if I’m cool with the overall idea they have come up with.
It seems obvious now that this has been the plan all along and I’m not sure how I feel about that. Having Steve Rogers come back makes this entire series a footnote in the annuls of Captain America history and I’m kinda angry at that. The hard part is reconciling with the fact that no matter what it has been a great ride.
This current issue picks up right where Cap 600 left off with Sharon Carter suddenly realizing that Capo might not be so dead after all. This is weird because Thor sure did talk to Cap’s spirit in one issue and he seemed pretty dead to me. Maybe that wasn’t a spirit at all and was simply Cap on his ‘journey’. There, I’ve already said too much.
This book should appeal to two groups; Captain America fans who want to see Steve again, and those comic book collectors who are chasing history. As far as the latter goes, they are in for a treat because this issue is rock solid. For a start it reveals quite a lot about the story and what’s happening across the Marvel spectrum as it relates to Captain America.
The best news is that it looks like Norman Osborn is playing a pivotal role in this series which should lead Cap right into Dark Reign. To me, that is the most interesting development in the story. How will Steve’s eventual return affect the status quo that has been established in the Marvel Universe? I have a sneaking suspicion that the outcome will be all kinds of awesome based on what I’ve read so far.
I’m also preparing for disappointment based on one factor, the Red Skull. What does he hope to gain by faking Steve’s death? That part has always eluded me when I think about how this all began. Killing Steve seemed to be the goal, and now Marvel is telling us that wasn’t the case at all. Well then, what was? I’m hoping that Brubaker makes it all make sense for me by series end.
As far as first issues go Brubaker keeps things at a pretty good pace. There is a perfect blend of action and information to move the story forward. The way in which Steve could come back is plausible but complicated which is probably for the best, if Brubaker can establish a motive that works then I’m in hog heaven.
So it comes down to this, the book is off to a good start, and I don’t see how Brubaker could fail after coming so far. My biggest concern is understanding the Red Skull better, and I’m worried that Bucky will be dead before this is over. Aside from those issues this first offering is darn near perfect. I strongly suggest you pick up Captain America Reborn, you’ll be glad you did.
