Captain America (Vol. 5) #3
Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: Out of Time Part Three
In the midst of a murder investigation, Captain America remembers his past.
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Steve Epting & Michael Lark
Colors: Frank D’Armata
Letters: Randy Gentile
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Cover Art: Steve Epting
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Review: Ed Brubaker has really won me over in this title. In three issue’s he’s killed Captain America’s deadliest enemy, making the new deadliest enemy (by proxy) whoever did it, and sent the star-spangled Avenger on a globe-trotting investigation. This is the kind of story that could very easily feel stretched under other circumstances, but Brubaker seems to have found the magical balance between characterization and action that allows a story to flow out without seeming padded.
Cap and Sharon Ventura wind up in Paris this issue, prompting him to remember his own experiences in France in World War II. People have, at times, considered Cap’s tendency to reminisce to be a flaw in the character, something that makes him dull and keeps him tethered to the past. When it’s done well, as it is here, it’s beautiful. The issue ends with another of those shocker endings that are going to have fans of a former member of Cap’s supporting cast (and I know there are some) spitting nails.
I’ve seen Steve Epting’s work for a long time in various titles. Paired with colorist Frank D’Armata, this is the best it has ever looked. Like Brubaker, he has found a balance - in his case between the look of an ultra-detailed crime drama/espionage comic and the colorful action of a superhero. Perhaps the greatest challenge in any superhero comic is to draw the costume in a fashion that looks realistic without making it look silly. He nails it here. Michael Lark is back also, again providing a couple of very nice flashback and dream sequences. His dark, somber style fits perfectly for the remembrance of the bloodthirsty battles that the title character has lived through.
Although Captain America has long been a favorite character of mine, it’s been a very long time since anyone has written the book in a manner worth reading . Finally, he’s being treated with respect again.
Rating: 8/10
Title: Out of Time Part Three
In the midst of a murder investigation, Captain America remembers his past.
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Steve Epting & Michael Lark
Colors: Frank D’Armata
Letters: Randy Gentile
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Cover Art: Steve Epting
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Review: Ed Brubaker has really won me over in this title. In three issue’s he’s killed Captain America’s deadliest enemy, making the new deadliest enemy (by proxy) whoever did it, and sent the star-spangled Avenger on a globe-trotting investigation. This is the kind of story that could very easily feel stretched under other circumstances, but Brubaker seems to have found the magical balance between characterization and action that allows a story to flow out without seeming padded.
Cap and Sharon Ventura wind up in Paris this issue, prompting him to remember his own experiences in France in World War II. People have, at times, considered Cap’s tendency to reminisce to be a flaw in the character, something that makes him dull and keeps him tethered to the past. When it’s done well, as it is here, it’s beautiful. The issue ends with another of those shocker endings that are going to have fans of a former member of Cap’s supporting cast (and I know there are some) spitting nails.
I’ve seen Steve Epting’s work for a long time in various titles. Paired with colorist Frank D’Armata, this is the best it has ever looked. Like Brubaker, he has found a balance - in his case between the look of an ultra-detailed crime drama/espionage comic and the colorful action of a superhero. Perhaps the greatest challenge in any superhero comic is to draw the costume in a fashion that looks realistic without making it look silly. He nails it here. Michael Lark is back also, again providing a couple of very nice flashback and dream sequences. His dark, somber style fits perfectly for the remembrance of the bloodthirsty battles that the title character has lived through.
Although Captain America has long been a favorite character of mine, it’s been a very long time since anyone has written the book in a manner worth reading . Finally, he’s being treated with respect again.
Rating: 8/10