Captain America #1
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Penciller: Leinil Francis Yu
Colorist: Sunny Gho
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $4.99
Release Date: 7/4/18
Rating: T+
Plot: Captain America protects Washington D.C. from a legion of Nuke clones with help from Bucky and Sharon Carter. After the attack, General Ross asks to speak with Sharon Carter but not Cap regarding the source of the attack. Meanwhile, the Power Elite make their movie in Russia.
Story: Ta-Nehisi Coates easily establishes Cap’s current state of emotion through his caption boxes. These boxes easily show the reader Steve’s doubt about if he could be enough to unite the currently fracture nation. One thing I’ve always loved about Captain America is his determination and refusal to give up a fight. Reading Cap doubt himself is disheartening but has the makings of a good story.
Another positive factor of this issue is how easily Coates establishes the setting. Within the first few pages Coates shows how divided the country remains after Secret Empire. Towards the end of the issue, Cap breaks up a mugging and one of the muggers tries to save himself by shouting “Hail Hydra!” Needless to say that did not fly with Cap. Also this issue shows other Hydra cells still in power in other countries, which helps set up the arc’s antagonists, the Power Elite.
My only problem with this arc is it’s been over a year since Secret Empire ended. Even though this arc has potential, it would have been better if this story started closer to Secret Empire‘s ending. Also following Secret Empire could have given this issue more momentum. Plus this issue starts off in the middle of the Nuke clones’ attack because technically this started in this year’s Free Comic Book Day Captain America issue. This might leave some readers confused.
Art: The artwork in this issue is awesome. First off we get a brilliant wraparound cover by Alex Ross. Every time he does a comic book cover I immediately want to hang it on my wall. Plus Leinil Francis Yu and Sunny Gho create some amazing action scenes that you’d expect from a Captain America comic. Also there’s a killer splash page that like Ross’s cover is poster worthy. Additionally there’s some great work done on facial expressions. One notable example is Sharon Carter’s expression while having dinner with Steve.
Verdict: Although this issue should’ve come right after Secret Empire, it still has potential for a great story. Coates easily sets up what issues Captain America will be facing both internal and external. Also the artwork team did an amazing job bringing the story to life with a nice balance of action and emotion. Overall, if you’re a Captain America fan then you should give this issue a shot.
Rating: 4 out of 5