The look of the New CAPTAIN AMERICA coming in 2008 as designed by artist Alex Ross.
© Marvel
Rise Up and Hear the Bells: The Return of Captain America
By: Kurt Amacker, ColumnistDate: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Greetings, Maniacs, and welcome to another rip-roaring Comicscape! Two important things happened in comics this week: the new Captain America premiered and Y The Last Man concluded after a very well-regarded run. Each deserves their own Comicscape column. But, given the amount of mainstream attention Marvel has garnered for the return of Captain America – if not Steve Rogers – the Star-Spangled Avenger goes first. Besides, I have to finish rereading the entire run of Y: The Last Man before I can really assess it for next week. Pity me, please. Before we proceed, I should mention that spoilers lurk below. However, The New York Daily News already revealed the identity of the new Captain America. And, Newsarama all but revealed it in their early review of Captain America #34. While we’re at it, Ed Brubaker already said it in-story in Captain America #33. But, I warn you once again: there are spoilers below, and if you’ve somehow managed to dodge the big reveal, then please skip to the listings.
As we often do here at Comicscape, I want to give Ed Brubaker credit for taking a few patently ludicrous concepts and imbuing them with the humanity and care they needed to work as stories. For years, both fans and Marvel have stated the familiar refrain – Captain America’s dead partner, James “Bucky” Barnes will always remain dead. Colossus can come back. The Punisher can willingly leave the service of Heaven and return. Jean Gray can return for the tenth time. But, Bucky stays dead. Ed Brubaker not only resurrected Bucky, but he did it so well that no one in their right mind could complain. For those unaware, Bucky died in the last days of World War II. Captain America and he clung to a drone plane as it took to the sky with a bomb attached by Baron Zemo. Cap fell into the water and froze in a block of ice, but Bucky failed to detach himself from the plane in time. It exploded, dropping him into the ocean below. Of course, this only happened in a flashback many years later. Bucky never properly died in a present story. Brubaker wrote that the Soviets recovered his body and turned him into the Winter Soldier – a brainwashed cybernetic assassin meant for the blackest of black ops. After each operation, the Soviets would put him back into suspended animation, thus accounting for his unusually young age in the present. In Captain America’s ongoing fight with the Red Skull and former Soviet general Aleksander Lukin, he managed to use the all-powerful Cosmic Cube to restore Bucky’s mind and identity. After the events of Civil War, Barnes witnessed the assassination of Captain America on the steps of the Manhattan courthouse where his hearing was to occur. In a decision of cold calculation, Barnes decided to kill S.H.I.E.L.D. Director – and Iron Man – Tony Stark for his circumstantial association with Cap’s death. After stealing his deceased friend’s iconic shield, Barnes confronted Stark aboard the Helicarrier and fought him to a stalemate. Stark then revealed the last wishes of Steve Rogers, conveyed in a single letter written before his death. It said that if he were to die, that his mantle should be passed on to Bucky.
First, aside from a couple of minor criticisms, Ed Brubaker has handled the last eight issues of Captain America very well, particularly given that the title character died in #25. My only real qualms lie with the tone of the series, which sometimes feels like an uneven mixture of a modern espionage thriller and the comparably cartoonish Marvel Universe. Brubaker brings a welcome gravity to some of the super-heroic proceedings. But, it’s almost difficult by comparison to watch the Red Skull’s alluringly-clad daughter, Sin, gunning down S.H.I.E.L.D. agents alongside snake-themed B-list super-villains auditioning for her new Serpent Squad. In trying to bring a level of realism to a superhero series, Brubaker only makes some of the patent absurdities of the idea even more apparent by comparison. But, superhero comics have always required a massive suspension of disbelief. Civil War tried to ease that burden on readers, but it did so with very mixed results. Hence, if you can accept the mixture of amoral post-September-11th espionage with spandex-clad vigilantes – or registered costumed adventurers, if you prefer – then Captain America remains one of the best Marvel titles in print, with a strong run leading up to the character’s return. If you can’t deal with that, then you should probably just give up superhero comics altogether.
When you look past some of those minor absurdities and examine Bucky’s story, you see a compelling story about a man out of time that knows almost nothing but violence. He’s spent most of his adult life as a brainwashed killing machine. When Steve Rogers gave him his memories back, he had to come to terms with his past and the future before him. But, Rogers wouldn’t allow his old partner to fall into a moral abyss – as a super-villain, a mercenary, or whatever else. Passing on the mantle of Captain America stands as his final move to redeem his friend. And, with Bucky’s acceptance, Brubaker and Marvel have reinstated one of the great symbols of American patriotism. But, things have changed just a bit.
Let’s get the obvious bit out of the way – the costume looks a bit different, with the lower half being some kind of black bodysuit. No doubt, the 34th issue of the series will explain the change in more detail. But in reality, it will help differentiate Barnes from the other Captain Americas throughout history, many of whom wore variations on the classic costume. The stark clash between the black and the red, white, and blue strikes me as a little odd, but I can’t muster any real indignation over it. The costume looks fine. But, there’s the matter of the gun. As Captain America, Barnes will actually shoot – and, presumably, kill – people. This may upset a few people, given the character’s long history of using only his shield and his fists, and eschewing the use of deadly force. When Rogers broke the neck of a terrorist in Chuck Austen’s post-September-11th run on the series a few years ago, many fans complained. But, let’s clarify a few things. In the character’s earliest appearances fighting in World War II, he killed enemy soldiers on the battlefield. In Ed Brubaker’s first run on the series, Cap derailed a hijacked commuter train, killing a couple of the criminals in the process. Steve Rogers never butchered people like the Punisher or Wolverine have, but he damn well killed people. Relying on a shield as an offensive weapon has grown patently implausible as a character trait, no matter how defining and memorable. I get the gun. It’s fine. Shoot some dangerous criminals, please. It’s different for the character, but it makes sense. And, it would strike me as unbelievable if Bucky just gave up firearms to take on Cap’s mantle, particularly after his history as the Winter Soldier.
Captain America’s status in relationship to S.H.I.E.L.D. has also changed. After Avengers: Disassembled, Steve Rogers worked for the agency under Nick Fury, then Maria Hill. Barnes told current director Tony Stark at the end of #33 that he would only work as Captain America on his own, and not under the command of S.H.I.E.L.D. Presumably, he will act as a registered hero, per the Superhuman Registration Act. Or if he doesn’t, he will at least be unofficially sanctioned and not arrested for his costumed adventuring. Whether he will affiliate with either of the Avengers teams in operation remains to be seen, but I don’t see it happening in the immediate future. For now, I think this serves the character best. Captain America stands for an ideal. He doesn’t represent a single presidential administration, military, or law enforcement agency. He stands as an ideal – the Aristotelian form of a patriot, unfettered by bureaucracy or circumstances. He is, in the purest sense of the word, a superhero – a character not beholden to realism, exceptions, or cynicism. He reminds us of the very thing we should strive for, though we will likely never achieve it.
There’s an elephant in the room with us, I’m afraid. Let’s consider the possibility that Steve Rogers may very well return at some point. Character deaths and resurrections occur with such alarming regularity in the Marvel Universe that one wonders why anyone has funerals there anymore. If a hero dies, I half-expect his friends and teammates to yawn and say, “He was probably just teleported to some alternate timeline, where werewolves control the U.S. government and he’ll have to support the oppressed living puppets in their revolution to overthrow the regime. Just tell the guys from the Exiles to keep an eye out for him.” I fear that Marvel may one day undo the goodwill and good press it earned with Cap’s tasteful, dramatic, and meaningful demise back in #25. Remember, that there’s a Captain America movie coming in a few years. One wonders if the higher-ups at Marvel Entertainment will demand that the comic book Captain America have the same identity as the filmic one. I don’t know. But, if I see a cover in a few years with Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes with their fists raised at each other with the title CAP VS. CAP! in giant letters, I may have to stop reading comics and take up alcoholism. I think that Marvel and Brubaker have done everything right with this story. I certainly didn’t relish seeing Rogers die, but it hurt in the way that a good story should. And, Bucky stands as the ideal candidate to fill the role.
Today, Marvel has restored one of the great characters in American comics. A different man wears the mask. But, he stands as a fitting choice to do so, both from a storytelling and a historical perspective. Now, let’s just hope that the publisher has the wherewithal to let this change stick and not bring back Rogers to spike sales.
Welcome back, Cap.
The Spinner Rack
By Ben Johnson and Kurt Amacker
DARK HORSE COMICS
Conan #48 (MR) $2.99
Ben: In this issue… SOMEONE DIES!!!
Kurt: Dude, so many people die in this book that my hands get bloody when I read it.
Oh My Goddess Vol 28 Rtl TP $10.95
Predator Omnibus TP Vol 02 $24.95
Kurt: I wish these were as good as I remember them being when I was a kid. Damned childlike wonder and lack of critical faculties.
Star Wars Dark Times #8 $2.99
Kurt: I have real trouble buying the idea that the Dark Times were somehow separate from the Empire’s overall rule. I kind of got the impression that Obi Wan just meant that the years under the Empire were the Dark Times, the present included. It seems like a shameless ploy to create yet another continuity pocket in the Star Wars universe in which to tell more stories. Anybody there? Hello?
Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic #25 $2.99
DC COMICS
Action Comics #861 $2.99
Batman #673 $2.99
Batman The Man Who Laughs HC $19.99
Ben: Not since Adam West.
Kurt: This collects the one-shot of the same name, with Detective Comics #784-786.
Black Adam The Dark Age #6 (Of 6) $2.99
Cartoon Network Block Party #41 $2.25
Countdown To Adventure #6 (Of 8) $3.99
Countdown To Final Crisis 13 $2.99
Ben: Lucky number 13!!! Hooray!!!
Kurt: I would like to point out that I really enjoy the music of independent artist Wednesday 13, and that I often take pleasure in other things with the number 13 in them. That said, I don’t read this series anymore. Ben is writing the column in a few weeks. That is all.
Crossing Midnight #15 (MR) $2.99
Death Of The New Gods #5 (Of 8) $3.50
El Diablo TP (MR) $12.99
Ben: Made from jalapeño stalks and habanero seeds.
Kurt: Damn it, Ben…this is actually a really good dark western miniseries by Brian K. Vaughan. Pick this up.
Green Lantern #27 $2.99
Jack Of Fables #19 (MR) $2.99
JSA Classified #34 $2.99
Manhunter TP Vol 04 Unleashed $17.99
Outsiders Checkmate Checkout TP $14.99
Penguin Revolution Vol 05 $9.99
Ben: Further proof that all the good name are taken.
Spirit #13 $2.99
Trials Of Shazam #11 (Of 12) $2.99
Y The Last Man #60 (MR) (Note Price) $4.99
Ben: Thanks for sticking with us until the end, that will be $2 extra please.
Kurt: Look for my analysis and commentary next week. Whee!
IMAGE COMICS
Casanova TP Vol 01 Luxuria (MR) $12.99
Madman Atomic Comics #6 $2.99
Proof #4 (MR) $2.99
Suburban Glamour #3 (Of 4) $3.50
Ben: I’m waiting for Rural Glamour.
Kurt: It involves missing teeth and overalls.
Witchblade Cvr A Choi & Oback #114 $2.99
Witchblade Cvr B Basri #114 $2.99
MARVEL COMICS
Amazing Spider-Man #546 BND 2nd Ptg Var $3.99
Ben: Because there is no issue this week we bring you a second printing of the most heart breaking issue of Spider-Man ever.
Kurt: What, no wheatcakes?
Avengers Initiative #9 $2.99
Captain America #34 $2.99
Kurt: If you missed the entire column, this is the one where the new Captain America finally shows up.
Captain America Chosen #6 (Of 6) $3.99
Ben: And the new Captain America is…
Kurt: …not in this series. This is with Steve Rogers. But, it’s written by David Morrell, the man who gave us Rambo. So, you should read it.
Daredevil #104 $2.99
Kurt: More fun with Mr. Fear.
Fantastic Four #553 $2.99
Kurt: Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch starts on this title next month. So, look forward to a few kick-ass issues, followed by months of nothing.
House Of M Avengers #4 (Of 5) $2.99
Hulk #1 2nd Ptg Var $2.99
Kurt: An unnecessary reprint of an unnecessary series.
Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #32 $2.99
Marvel Spotlight Ultimates 3 $2.99
Kurt: Please, no more.
Marvel Zombies Army Of Darkness HC 2nd Ptg Dm Var $19.99
Mighty Avengers #8 $2.99
MMW Silver Surfer HC Vol 01 $54.99
MMW Silver Surfer HC Vol 01 Var Ed 15 $54.99
New Avengers Annual #2 $3.99
Ben: How can I be expected to stop making poop jokes with titles like this?
Kurt: You’ll have to find some way to restrain yourself.
New Avengers Prem HC Illuminati $19.99
New Avengers Transformers TP $10.99
Red Prophet Tales Of Alvin Maker #12 (Of 12) $2.99
Spider Man Swing Shift Directors Cut One Shot $3.99
Spider-Man With Great Power #1 (Of 5) $3.99
Ultimate Hulk Vs. Wolverine
Ben: Just kidding.
Kurt: You’re an a—hole.
Ultimate Secrets $3.99
Ben: The secret being that pretty much every mini in the Ultimate U that is actually finished (here’s looking at you Ultimate Hulk vs Wolverine) is total crap.
Ultimate Spider-Man #118 $2.99
Ultimate X-Men #90 $2.99
Uncanny X-Men TP Rise & Fall Of The Shiar Empire $29.99
Kurt: I still haven’t read through this. Jesus, I’m behind on Uncanny.
What If Spider-Man Vs Wolverine $2.99
Kurt: Yeah, because it’s not like they’ve never fought, teamed-up, or made sweet love before. Wait, hang on.
X-Factor #26 2nd Ptg Var (Pp #798) $2.99
X-Men Emperor Vulcan #5 (Of 5) $2.99
X-Men HC Endangered Species $24.99
Kurt: I challenge one of you, Maniacs, to buy me a copy of this and mail it to my house! The chance is yours! Take it!
Young Avengers HC $29.99
Kurt: This is #1-12 of the series, along with the special. I haven’t read this, but I understand that a lot of people enjoyed it. It’s kind of a shame that a promising ongoing ends up getting canned because of delays.
Zombie Simon Garth #3 (Of 4) (MR) $3.99
Kurt: This is one of the two zombie books I actually get. Yep. I’m all out of jokes.
Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at cinescape@mania.com.
You can argue that we live in more dangerous times and Cap`s gun is necessary, but Roger`s and Bucky for thar matter lived in an era, where the whole world was at war, so I don`t know how valid a point that would be. I personally just rather see cap beat the crap out of someone and hit them with the shield. Shooting them just seems kind of easy and not Captain Americaesque at all.
nuff said