Super Soldier. Super Issue
Steve Rogers (the original Captain America) stars in his new role as an espionage agent working to protect america from the evil influences as he searches for the truth behind the Grandson of Professor Erskin and his newly developed Super Soldier Serum.
The Good
I'd like to start of by saying I set out with no intention of buying this issue when I went to work yesterday, in fact I didn't even know it existed until I saw it on the shelf. It looked interesting and I'm very interested in this new direction for Steve as an espionage agent as opposed to an out-and-out, public eye, superhero (theres a very nice little panel where Steve does something very James Bond). On top of that, on opening the issue for a sneaky peek inside I see Pete Wisdom, one of my all time favorite characters, sharing a coffee and a secret file with Steve. At this point there was no way I wasn't buying this issue. And I'm really pleased I did, I wasn't disappointed. Firstly, the story begins strong with a few pages setting up the premise for the upcoming story. Whilst this could have been very dull, two agents discussing a case over a cup of coffee, it was broken up with a flashback that kept the art and the story interesting. When Steve gets into the action of the mission you are never once left wondering what is happening or where his motivations lie. The crisp art style and succinct storytelling make sure that there is a perfect balance of action, espionage and dialog which not only leaves Steve wondering but it leaves you wondering too. And from his perspective.
The Bad
There wasn't a lot wrong with this issue in terms of writing and story but there were certain points where the art let the storytelling down. Particularly the first flashback sequence in which Steve Rogers (do I call him "Super Soldier" now i wonder?) receives his powers. The proportions in this section look all over the place and Steve and his friend look less feeble than they do starved and deformed. Especially their heads which look far too big for their bodies. Now i'm sure it could be argued that the style of this can be put down to the fact that its a flashback and therefore elements are remembered in their extremes. However, even if this was the desired affect it didn't come across well and my first thought was that Eaglesham has issues drawing characters who aren't rippling with muscles and perfect bodies. Since its only this one flashback sequence that it is noticeable I would say that he can but still this section lets the art down a bit for me.
The Verdict: 4/5
Overall this issue was very much worth the impulse buy to satisfy my curiosity and get my Wisdom fix and I'll be back next month for the next issue. I enjoyed both the story and the art and hope we get to see Steve Rogers as the Super Soldier for as long as possible if this is the kind of constant quality we can expect to see. My only minor gripe is with a small part of the art that brings this down from a 4.5 to a 4 but otherwise it's a very solid issue. Worth a buy if you are a Steve Rogers fan or just an espionage fan.
The Good
I'd like to start of by saying I set out with no intention of buying this issue when I went to work yesterday, in fact I didn't even know it existed until I saw it on the shelf. It looked interesting and I'm very interested in this new direction for Steve as an espionage agent as opposed to an out-and-out, public eye, superhero (theres a very nice little panel where Steve does something very James Bond). On top of that, on opening the issue for a sneaky peek inside I see Pete Wisdom, one of my all time favorite characters, sharing a coffee and a secret file with Steve. At this point there was no way I wasn't buying this issue. And I'm really pleased I did, I wasn't disappointed. Firstly, the story begins strong with a few pages setting up the premise for the upcoming story. Whilst this could have been very dull, two agents discussing a case over a cup of coffee, it was broken up with a flashback that kept the art and the story interesting. When Steve gets into the action of the mission you are never once left wondering what is happening or where his motivations lie. The crisp art style and succinct storytelling make sure that there is a perfect balance of action, espionage and dialog which not only leaves Steve wondering but it leaves you wondering too. And from his perspective.
The Bad
There wasn't a lot wrong with this issue in terms of writing and story but there were certain points where the art let the storytelling down. Particularly the first flashback sequence in which Steve Rogers (do I call him "Super Soldier" now i wonder?) receives his powers. The proportions in this section look all over the place and Steve and his friend look less feeble than they do starved and deformed. Especially their heads which look far too big for their bodies. Now i'm sure it could be argued that the style of this can be put down to the fact that its a flashback and therefore elements are remembered in their extremes. However, even if this was the desired affect it didn't come across well and my first thought was that Eaglesham has issues drawing characters who aren't rippling with muscles and perfect bodies. Since its only this one flashback sequence that it is noticeable I would say that he can but still this section lets the art down a bit for me.
The Verdict: 4/5
Overall this issue was very much worth the impulse buy to satisfy my curiosity and get my Wisdom fix and I'll be back next month for the next issue. I enjoyed both the story and the art and hope we get to see Steve Rogers as the Super Soldier for as long as possible if this is the kind of constant quality we can expect to see. My only minor gripe is with a small part of the art that brings this down from a 4.5 to a 4 but otherwise it's a very solid issue. Worth a buy if you are a Steve Rogers fan or just an espionage fan.
