Today we have Captain America 615.1. I liked this comic book, however I have a few issues with it. We will get into that in a moment.
As a 'point one' issue this is designed to introduce the illusive new reader into the book. I suspect that explains our cover. It is a fairly generic cover. Cap is running at the reader but in a world war II setting, and he appears to be wearing his costume from the up and coming movie, my only issue with this is this issue has nothing to do with World War Two, (aside from a couple of panels of flashback) and he does not wear this costume in the book at all.
We start with a very brief recap page, which is good, the only problem is it is a little to vague. For example there is a big subplot going on about Bucky, and while it is mentioned in the book in passing, The book never explains to the reader what has happened. I feel they could of been a little more specific. (they said "legal trouble" then quickly moved on.)
I liked the art on the book, it was very moody and fit the tone of the book, though I can understand why some people would not like it.
The story begins with a man in a Captain America costume training, the dialogue informs us that this Captain America should be stronger then the first and twice as fast, the proceedings are over looked by a "Doctor Malus" hmmm... something about that name gives me a bad feeling.
Steve Rogers has been tipped off by Nick Fury and is observing the new Captain America, we see him stopping a bank robbery, and doing a pretty good job of it. Rogers even mentions that he made sure to make sure the civilians were clear first.
We found out the new Cap, is a decorated ex-special forces operative with numerous medals for courage. The art here is good and the new Captain America looks very competent, making short work of the robbers.
After the robbery we see Steve Rogers looking over papers, reflecting on the many men who took up the name and mantle of Captain America after him, most of which are dead.
Eventually the new Cap gets him self kidnapped by A.I.M. Who decided they are going to turn him into the new M.O.D.O.K. for some reason. (just think big floating head with tiny arms and legs) Rogers rescues him and there are several pages of both Captain's kicking A.I.M. ass.
Once on solid ground Rogers tells the new Cap that he has to stand down, mentioning on his first day he was kidnapped and nearly turned into a monster, and has to give it up. He tells Rogers that someone has to be Captain America, but decides to give up his mask anyways. The reader is let in on who has been manipulating all of these invents, but I won't spoil that here. The comic book ends with Steve Rogers staring at the shield and uniform alone.
Like I said, I like this book, but there are a few issues, for one the reader is a little lost as to what has happened to Bucky as Cap, the story could of filled us in on that better. It could also of given us more information on Cap's supporting cast, though here it really is just Sharon Carter and Nick Fury.
I also dislike Roger's telling the new Cap he has to give it up. For one I always dislike this plot point. It is used far to often and its usually done poorly. Sometimes it makes more sense then others. Such as Wolverine telling someone shouldn't kill, they shouldn't be like him. Other times it is down right hypocritical, like if Spider-Man got onto a new super hero for fighting crime as a teenager.
It is especially odd for Steve Rogers, he is telling this guy not to be Captain America because he could be killed, but clearly he had no issue with his serving in special forces. Hell for that mater Rogers is perfectly fine with Patriot (from the Young Avengers) running around dressed like him, but this older, more mature and better trained hero can't? Hell, how old was Hawkeye with Cap took him under his wing? Basically Captain America is telling a kid if you believe in something strongly don't fight for it because you might get hurt. Although I may be reading to much into this.
The new cap introduced in this issue is really interesting and I hope he will turn up again (Captain California?, Lt. America? L.T. Smash?). Though I feel the book didn't answer enough questions about him, How did he get his powers? new super soldier serum? mutant growth hormone? genetic engineering? bitten by a radioactive Captain America?
As for it's job of introducing new readers? Honestly it does a pretty good job, gives you a good feel for the character, his past and his stories. And the ending acted as a nice little teaser, Will he become Captain America again? Well of course he will. Marvel has made mistakes in the past but they are smart enough to put Steve Rogers back in uniform when the film comes out.
Over all this is a good issue, ignoring the inconsistency of Cap's don't be a hero message. And as a "point one" it does a great job.
Okay so how many more of these are left?
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