Captain America Series – A Review

Throughout Marvel’s long and glorious history, the company has churned out hundreds of different titles under its captain america series label. But, despite all the different collections out there – including omnibuses, hardcovers and trade paperback graphic novels – one title has consistently stood out: the 1940s-era adventures of Steve Rogers as Captain America.

This is the story of a rejected soldier who transforms into a hero after being dosed with super-soldier serum. He takes on criminal menaces, warring factions and the Red Skull in order to protect his homeland. In the era of social-conscience superheroes, this was a mighty and impactful run.

The series was relaunched in 1996 under writer Jim Steranko and artist Frank Giacoia. This new era brought in the Black Panther and Bucky Barnes, but the core remained the same: Captain America and his companions fight for liberty and justice. It was an amazing run that rewrote the way Marvel told the tales of its most iconic heroes.

This is a great story that establishes Captain America as the symbol of freedom in the midst of a war-torn world. As he fights to save mutant change agents, Cap has to decide whether or not to risk his own life to do so. It’s a heavy, harrowing and yet empowering story. Spencer’s a terrific writer and he has a great ear for quippy dialogue and one-liners (check out the chef kisses late in the issue). Joe Caramagna is also on top form, as usual, lettering the action scenes.