Steve Rogers has returned to being Captain America and Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven ensure his return is filled with glorious action and suspense.
The Good
First of all, we have a Captain America comic with Steve Rogers back as Cap, Ed Brubaker writing and Steve McNiven doing the art. Those three things alone is more than enough of a reason to pick this up. I love Bucky and dug him as Cap but I've always felt Steve was Cap and knew this day would come eventually.
The issue starts out with a touching funeral and great interaction with Steve, Sharon Carter, Nick Fury and Dum Dum Dugan. Then things explode. There's a scene were Steve jumps into action without even thinking. His chase shows the kind of hero he is. McNiven really captures the feel of who Captain America is. It was great. The main focus of the story centers around a time in the past. There's more than enough action and suspense to keep readers on their toes.
The main thing is, it's great seeing Steve back as Cap. McNiven draws some dramatic fighting scenes that will make you pause and take in every detail.
The Bad
Where's Bucky? This is meant to be a jumping on point for new readers, especially those that see the movie next week. That's great and the story works well as a jumping on point. We still haven't seen much fallout from what happened to Bucky during Fear Itself. Speaking of Fear Itself, didn't Paris get a little messed up? Paris here looks fine. Does this story take place well after the events of Fear Itself?
The flashback scenes are cool but I have to admit look weird with McNiven's art. Maybe they should've tried some art trickery to make the flashback scenes look differently. If you've read any of the old original Captain America comics, you know what I'm talking about. They're classic and all but they don't look as amazing as McNiven's art. It was a different time.
The villains here...I'm not sure how I feel about them. The one revealed makes sense but maybe I wanted something a little different.
The Verdict
Steve Rogers is back as Captain America. Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven make this relaunch title an explosive debut. If you want some touching moments, some humor and some really great action scenes of Cap kicking but, this is the place to find it. Clearly relaunched in time for the movie, this series is easily accessible to all readers, new and old. The lack of mention of Bucky is a bit of a disappointment but fits in with the need to cater to newer readers. Bucky grew into a great character but we all knew the day would come for Steve to return to being Captain America. Check this out to see what all the intrigue is about.