Post by goldenfist on Jan 31, 2008 9:39:04 GMT -5
Ign.com reviews Captain America #34.
I have no doubt that in the weeks, months and years to come I will read plenty of comics I consider excellent. I will read plenty of comics I recommend to friends. Plenty will receive high scores. Plenty will find themselves mentioned again and again. I'll see all of this and yet so many of them I won't remember as time rolls on. There are simply too many books being published to remember all of the strong ones. There are also many that are excellent for their ability to strengthen an overall publishing agenda. I feel like all events fall into this category (whether they are good or bad). They exist solely to move from point A to point B. They'll get us incredibly excited as they transform and shock, but I've seen perhaps one that will rank alongside Silver Surfer: Requiem (Sinestro Corps War, for those of you wanting to know). Hindsight tends to not look favorably upon most published works, no matter what we originally thought of them.
But there are books you know will be legendary. It's easy to look at Y: The Last Man and label it as a modern classic. The same can be said of Astonishing X-Men or various runs on Daredevil. These runs don't set out to radically redefine the status quo of a universe. They challenge the characters within, derive their strength from those characters and, above all else, grip the reader with masterful storytelling. I can list off dozens of moments in Astonishing where I couldn't wait to turn the page and dozens more where I laughed out loud at Joss Whedon's impeccable comedic timing.
Okay, all of this chatter and you're wondering why I bring this up. Simply put, 34 issues in and I know with absolute certainty that I will remember Ed Brubaker's run on Captain America no matter what lies ahead. It is a modern classic. The issue that hits stores tomorrow is the perfect example of why that is true. With precision, Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting are weaving an absolutely epic storyline that never escapes the realm of street-level comic book plausibility. Does the Red Skull have a master plan? Yes, but it's executed through plans that feel like modern day terrorist concepts. It feels real and therefore the characters feel more alive, more grounded. And that's to say nothing of the stellar characterization.
Being spoiled isn't fun, so I'll warn you now that if you haven't read the previous issue of this series, you're about to be spoiled. Still with me? Good. What really makes this issue work is the flawless debut of the Winter Soldier as Captain America. As much as I missed the Steve Rogers Captain America, I can easily say that Soldier's version is infinitely more interesting. In fact I hope that years down the line, if Marvel were to ever consider bringing Rogers back, they'd look at this new creation and realize that this updated, modernized Sentinel of Liberty trumps his predecessor.
This new Captain succeeds because he is flawed. He's not sure he can stand up to the legacy left by his deceased best friend. He doesn't want to be in the spotlight. He's not even adept at more confrontational forms of combat – and he doesn't have the Super Soldier Serum. All of these ideas combine to make a great new character, one that takes modern character design while mixing them with the iconic nature of a World War II era hero. Speaking of contemporary ideas, let's talk about the costume. I'm sure many of you had the same reaction I did upon seeing the new Alex Ross paintings: "Shiny!" I felt like the Power Rangers had infiltrated the Marvel Universe. I'm happy to say that Steve Epting's execution of said shiny loins is far better than I ever imagined it would be. There is a bit of polish on Cap's armor, but you don't feel like he's going to light up a room. Better yet is that the overall aesthetic of Ross's design is simply brilliant. The mix of blacks and patriotic colors fits the Winter Soldier's conflicted nature perfectly. I was amazed that the more I saw the costume on the page, the more I liked it. Of course this pattern isn't as iconic, but it tells its own story about the man underneath the suit, and that's more important.
I could continue endlessly about this issue. My complaints? Steve Epting isn't always the most consistent artist when it comes to faces. A few instances of Tony Stark come to mind where Stark's face simply distorts for no apparent reason. That's about it. These are some of the best action/espionage stories out there, and this is certainly one of the highest points in Marvel history for this franchise. The fact is I had to dig to find some problems with this title. You might notice the flaws I'm talking about, but you probably won't care as you'll want to see what happens next (and some of the twists in this issue are superb).
And so the transition is complete. Just shy of one year ago, reporters across the nation pounced upon the story that Captain America had died. Inevitably the iconic hero has returned, but this time he is more suited for the typical Marvel audience that expects character complexity. Steve Rogers might have been legendary, but he wasn't very relatable. Despite having a Cold War background, the Winter Soldier's anxiety and doubt are much more applicable to many readers. I loved reading about Rogers and his adventures, but the torch has been passed. I have no interest in going back and I can't wait to see where Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting are going with this incredible masterpiece. Despite the fact that issue #34 introduces a new status quo, it is above all else a story told with great skill, and that's more important than all the shiny armor and Nazi schemes in the Marvel Universe.
Review Score:9.8 Incredible
Here's what another review thought about Captain America #34.
I don't mean to throw cold water on Rich's review from yesterday or the debut of the newest Captain America, but I just wasn't as blown away by this landmark issue as my esteemed Editor-in-Chief was. For starters, there's this ridiculous new costume, which looks like the newest shield bearer decided to dress in Steve Roger's costume, coat it in shellac, and then squeeze into one of Freddy Mercury's black leotards. I'm not even going to get into the fact that the Puerto Rican flag appears to be emblazed on this new Captain America's chest.
Luckily for Cap fans everywhere, this is writer Ed Brubaker we're talking about, which means despite his ridiculous new look, there's more than enough emotional substance and believable character motivation behind Bucky Barnes' decision to take up the mantle of Captain America. Despite my somewhat negative knee-jerk reaction to Cap's death following Civil War, it's now clear that Brubaker has been gearing up for Bucky to become the new Cap for a while, which is why this continues to read like one, long engaging epic. It's amusing to realize that the writer who revitalized Steve Rogers and the Captain America title wasn't really writing about Rogers at all, and was merely planting the roots for the next great chapter in the Captain America legacy. Like Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev's run on Daredevil, Brubaker and Epting's run on this title has epitomized all the strengths and possibilities of serialized comic book storytelling.
So yes, I whole-heartedly accept this new Cap, even if I don't agree that he's the most interesting aspect of this issue (or this ongoing story). That honor goes to Brubaker's depiction of the Red Skull and his scheme to topple the United States Government. It's simultaneously fascinating and horrifying to watch Brubaker tie the recent sub-prime mortgage crisis and the recent rise in oil prices into the Skull's latest power play, and it's a reminder that most superhero power fantasies work best when they're grounded in reality. And then there's this issue's conclusion, which – well – will make you want to keep reading for another 34 issues.
As far as Bucky's debut in the Captain America garb (as ugly as it may be) is concerned, I think I would have rather have seen him cast into a more extreme fire. Don't get me wrong, Brubaker hits all the right notes in the new Cap's first taste of action, and does a phenomenal job displaying how Bucky will go about things in a far different manner than his protégé, but I would have preferred him face a more daunting threat than what amounts to a bunch of henchmen. But again, this is Brubaker we're talking about, and I'm confident he'll deliver precisely the scene I'm looking for when the Skull and Bucky's paths inevitably cross.
I've been rather harsh on Marvel and DC's recent insistence on tirelessly interconnecting the continuity of all their titles (mostly in detriment to each title's story), so for fairness' sake, I feel obliged to point out that Captain America perfectly reflects current Marvel continuity while feeling very much like its own, self-contained story. As Brubaker proves, as far as continuity is concerned, you can have your cake and eat it too. It just takes one heck of a talented writer.
Review Score: 8.9
I have no doubt that in the weeks, months and years to come I will read plenty of comics I consider excellent. I will read plenty of comics I recommend to friends. Plenty will receive high scores. Plenty will find themselves mentioned again and again. I'll see all of this and yet so many of them I won't remember as time rolls on. There are simply too many books being published to remember all of the strong ones. There are also many that are excellent for their ability to strengthen an overall publishing agenda. I feel like all events fall into this category (whether they are good or bad). They exist solely to move from point A to point B. They'll get us incredibly excited as they transform and shock, but I've seen perhaps one that will rank alongside Silver Surfer: Requiem (Sinestro Corps War, for those of you wanting to know). Hindsight tends to not look favorably upon most published works, no matter what we originally thought of them.
But there are books you know will be legendary. It's easy to look at Y: The Last Man and label it as a modern classic. The same can be said of Astonishing X-Men or various runs on Daredevil. These runs don't set out to radically redefine the status quo of a universe. They challenge the characters within, derive their strength from those characters and, above all else, grip the reader with masterful storytelling. I can list off dozens of moments in Astonishing where I couldn't wait to turn the page and dozens more where I laughed out loud at Joss Whedon's impeccable comedic timing.
Okay, all of this chatter and you're wondering why I bring this up. Simply put, 34 issues in and I know with absolute certainty that I will remember Ed Brubaker's run on Captain America no matter what lies ahead. It is a modern classic. The issue that hits stores tomorrow is the perfect example of why that is true. With precision, Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting are weaving an absolutely epic storyline that never escapes the realm of street-level comic book plausibility. Does the Red Skull have a master plan? Yes, but it's executed through plans that feel like modern day terrorist concepts. It feels real and therefore the characters feel more alive, more grounded. And that's to say nothing of the stellar characterization.
Being spoiled isn't fun, so I'll warn you now that if you haven't read the previous issue of this series, you're about to be spoiled. Still with me? Good. What really makes this issue work is the flawless debut of the Winter Soldier as Captain America. As much as I missed the Steve Rogers Captain America, I can easily say that Soldier's version is infinitely more interesting. In fact I hope that years down the line, if Marvel were to ever consider bringing Rogers back, they'd look at this new creation and realize that this updated, modernized Sentinel of Liberty trumps his predecessor.
This new Captain succeeds because he is flawed. He's not sure he can stand up to the legacy left by his deceased best friend. He doesn't want to be in the spotlight. He's not even adept at more confrontational forms of combat – and he doesn't have the Super Soldier Serum. All of these ideas combine to make a great new character, one that takes modern character design while mixing them with the iconic nature of a World War II era hero. Speaking of contemporary ideas, let's talk about the costume. I'm sure many of you had the same reaction I did upon seeing the new Alex Ross paintings: "Shiny!" I felt like the Power Rangers had infiltrated the Marvel Universe. I'm happy to say that Steve Epting's execution of said shiny loins is far better than I ever imagined it would be. There is a bit of polish on Cap's armor, but you don't feel like he's going to light up a room. Better yet is that the overall aesthetic of Ross's design is simply brilliant. The mix of blacks and patriotic colors fits the Winter Soldier's conflicted nature perfectly. I was amazed that the more I saw the costume on the page, the more I liked it. Of course this pattern isn't as iconic, but it tells its own story about the man underneath the suit, and that's more important.
I could continue endlessly about this issue. My complaints? Steve Epting isn't always the most consistent artist when it comes to faces. A few instances of Tony Stark come to mind where Stark's face simply distorts for no apparent reason. That's about it. These are some of the best action/espionage stories out there, and this is certainly one of the highest points in Marvel history for this franchise. The fact is I had to dig to find some problems with this title. You might notice the flaws I'm talking about, but you probably won't care as you'll want to see what happens next (and some of the twists in this issue are superb).
And so the transition is complete. Just shy of one year ago, reporters across the nation pounced upon the story that Captain America had died. Inevitably the iconic hero has returned, but this time he is more suited for the typical Marvel audience that expects character complexity. Steve Rogers might have been legendary, but he wasn't very relatable. Despite having a Cold War background, the Winter Soldier's anxiety and doubt are much more applicable to many readers. I loved reading about Rogers and his adventures, but the torch has been passed. I have no interest in going back and I can't wait to see where Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting are going with this incredible masterpiece. Despite the fact that issue #34 introduces a new status quo, it is above all else a story told with great skill, and that's more important than all the shiny armor and Nazi schemes in the Marvel Universe.
Review Score:9.8 Incredible
Here's what another review thought about Captain America #34.
I don't mean to throw cold water on Rich's review from yesterday or the debut of the newest Captain America, but I just wasn't as blown away by this landmark issue as my esteemed Editor-in-Chief was. For starters, there's this ridiculous new costume, which looks like the newest shield bearer decided to dress in Steve Roger's costume, coat it in shellac, and then squeeze into one of Freddy Mercury's black leotards. I'm not even going to get into the fact that the Puerto Rican flag appears to be emblazed on this new Captain America's chest.
Luckily for Cap fans everywhere, this is writer Ed Brubaker we're talking about, which means despite his ridiculous new look, there's more than enough emotional substance and believable character motivation behind Bucky Barnes' decision to take up the mantle of Captain America. Despite my somewhat negative knee-jerk reaction to Cap's death following Civil War, it's now clear that Brubaker has been gearing up for Bucky to become the new Cap for a while, which is why this continues to read like one, long engaging epic. It's amusing to realize that the writer who revitalized Steve Rogers and the Captain America title wasn't really writing about Rogers at all, and was merely planting the roots for the next great chapter in the Captain America legacy. Like Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev's run on Daredevil, Brubaker and Epting's run on this title has epitomized all the strengths and possibilities of serialized comic book storytelling.
So yes, I whole-heartedly accept this new Cap, even if I don't agree that he's the most interesting aspect of this issue (or this ongoing story). That honor goes to Brubaker's depiction of the Red Skull and his scheme to topple the United States Government. It's simultaneously fascinating and horrifying to watch Brubaker tie the recent sub-prime mortgage crisis and the recent rise in oil prices into the Skull's latest power play, and it's a reminder that most superhero power fantasies work best when they're grounded in reality. And then there's this issue's conclusion, which – well – will make you want to keep reading for another 34 issues.
As far as Bucky's debut in the Captain America garb (as ugly as it may be) is concerned, I think I would have rather have seen him cast into a more extreme fire. Don't get me wrong, Brubaker hits all the right notes in the new Cap's first taste of action, and does a phenomenal job displaying how Bucky will go about things in a far different manner than his protégé, but I would have preferred him face a more daunting threat than what amounts to a bunch of henchmen. But again, this is Brubaker we're talking about, and I'm confident he'll deliver precisely the scene I'm looking for when the Skull and Bucky's paths inevitably cross.
I've been rather harsh on Marvel and DC's recent insistence on tirelessly interconnecting the continuity of all their titles (mostly in detriment to each title's story), so for fairness' sake, I feel obliged to point out that Captain America perfectly reflects current Marvel continuity while feeling very much like its own, self-contained story. As Brubaker proves, as far as continuity is concerned, you can have your cake and eat it too. It just takes one heck of a talented writer.
Review Score: 8.9
