Post by goldenfist on Aug 21, 2008 7:46:59 GMT -5
Here's what Ign.com thought about Captain America #41.
Ed Brubaker's extended "Death of Captain America" epic has by now long surpassed even the highest expectations, and in doing so, has racked up a number of notable accomplishments. First and foremost, Brubaker has managed to sustain the hype, interest and excitement generated by the much publicized death of Steve Rogers, proving that it is possible to kill a superhero icon in a manner that serves a great story, and is more than just a ploy to garner temporary attention and interest.
Secondly, Brubaker has proven that, even in this "written for the trades" environment in which we live, it is possible to craft an enthralling ongoing soap opera that capitalizes on the unique advantages of the serialized form, utilizing the momentum of the monthly format to make each new installment more rewarding than the last.
And thirdly, and perhaps most remarkably, "The Death of Captain America" has never once faltered or fell flat since it started a whole seventeen issues ago, proving there's nothing quite as powerful as a single writer with a strong, unwavering vision for his ongoing title.
Even in the penultimate issue of this magnum opus, Brubaker shows a daring willingness to pile on even more layers to his already labyrinthine plot, adding new depths of intrigue at a time when most writers would be reining the story in to gear up for one last sprint to the finish line. Brubaker introduces a major double cross in this installment, and in doing so, makes you believe that he could easily go on for another three or four issues of "Death of Captain America" if he wanted to. The fact that he doesn't plan to, and that this extended story will definitely come to a close next month, makes it all the more certain that the finale will be just as exciting and rewarding as the previous seventeen installments.
The plots involving Bucky's attempt to settle into Steve Rogers' shoes, Sharon Carter's dire predicament, and Red Skull's plot to control the upcoming presidential election while harnessing the power of Dr. Doom's technology all masterfully come to a head in this issue, even as, again, Brubaker introduces new twists to his story.
The writer even finds time to make us – and Bucky Barnes – sympathize with the brainwashed Grand Director, another sign that Brubaker is just as adept at character study as he is constructing intriguing plots. When it comes down to it, this series' brilliant and diverse cast of heroes and villains is what has truly elevated this epic to greatness. Brubaker has made us sympathize with the new Captain America, share in Sharon Carter's grief, and truly quiver at the sight of his large ensemble or rogues. All this – in addition to Steve Epting's gorgeous art and masterful sequential storytelling – is the reason I'll undoubtedly end up plopping down money for the inevitable oversized hardcover collection of this saga even though I own all the issues already.
One last note before I leave (and I hate to end on such a sour note, but deal with it…): Is anyone else completely taken out of this story (albeit temporarily) whenever Brubaker reminds us that Falcon has the ability to communicate with his bird?
Review Score: 9.2 Outstanding
Ed Brubaker's extended "Death of Captain America" epic has by now long surpassed even the highest expectations, and in doing so, has racked up a number of notable accomplishments. First and foremost, Brubaker has managed to sustain the hype, interest and excitement generated by the much publicized death of Steve Rogers, proving that it is possible to kill a superhero icon in a manner that serves a great story, and is more than just a ploy to garner temporary attention and interest.
Secondly, Brubaker has proven that, even in this "written for the trades" environment in which we live, it is possible to craft an enthralling ongoing soap opera that capitalizes on the unique advantages of the serialized form, utilizing the momentum of the monthly format to make each new installment more rewarding than the last.
And thirdly, and perhaps most remarkably, "The Death of Captain America" has never once faltered or fell flat since it started a whole seventeen issues ago, proving there's nothing quite as powerful as a single writer with a strong, unwavering vision for his ongoing title.
Even in the penultimate issue of this magnum opus, Brubaker shows a daring willingness to pile on even more layers to his already labyrinthine plot, adding new depths of intrigue at a time when most writers would be reining the story in to gear up for one last sprint to the finish line. Brubaker introduces a major double cross in this installment, and in doing so, makes you believe that he could easily go on for another three or four issues of "Death of Captain America" if he wanted to. The fact that he doesn't plan to, and that this extended story will definitely come to a close next month, makes it all the more certain that the finale will be just as exciting and rewarding as the previous seventeen installments.
The plots involving Bucky's attempt to settle into Steve Rogers' shoes, Sharon Carter's dire predicament, and Red Skull's plot to control the upcoming presidential election while harnessing the power of Dr. Doom's technology all masterfully come to a head in this issue, even as, again, Brubaker introduces new twists to his story.
The writer even finds time to make us – and Bucky Barnes – sympathize with the brainwashed Grand Director, another sign that Brubaker is just as adept at character study as he is constructing intriguing plots. When it comes down to it, this series' brilliant and diverse cast of heroes and villains is what has truly elevated this epic to greatness. Brubaker has made us sympathize with the new Captain America, share in Sharon Carter's grief, and truly quiver at the sight of his large ensemble or rogues. All this – in addition to Steve Epting's gorgeous art and masterful sequential storytelling – is the reason I'll undoubtedly end up plopping down money for the inevitable oversized hardcover collection of this saga even though I own all the issues already.
One last note before I leave (and I hate to end on such a sour note, but deal with it…): Is anyone else completely taken out of this story (albeit temporarily) whenever Brubaker reminds us that Falcon has the ability to communicate with his bird?
Review Score: 9.2 Outstanding
