CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 – AN EXPLOSIVE TALE OF TWO NEW TIMES

The Sentinel of Liberty. Star Spangled Avenger. Since his debut in 1941, Steve Rogers has left a legacy unmatched at Marvel. It is hard to believe there was a time he wasn’t frozen in ice. Rogers’ latest series is taking a deep look into those early days and more. Get ready for a new look at the legendary Captain.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 by Chip Zdarsky, Valerio Schiti, Frank Martin and Joe Caramagna delves into his first encounter with an upstart in Latveria.

This review has got not only NI buzzing but the entire ODPH team! Teaming up for this review are Padawan J and yours truly (Ken M. – NI editor-In-Chief)!

Let’s take a look at what’s unfolding now!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

HOW WAS THE STORY?

PAD: I had some high expectations for this issue, and boy did it live up to them. Anytime you go into the time period of Captain America first emerging from the ice, you’re going to turn some heads.

Zdarsky pens one of the most intriguing, and compelling stories I’ve read in a comic in quite some time. It’s one that’s going to leave fans talking for quite a while, no doubt about that.

Cap is in vintage form right from the outset. Helping other’s in need, while doing the right thing sets the tone nicely. Then things take a real turn, when it’s revealed this story is taking place not long after the events of 9/11 was truly shocking (in a good way).

KEN: Zdarsky is no stranger into taking classic characters into uncharted waters. This debut focuses on two main characters. Rogers takes the larger spotlight to start. The initial first days out of ice show his struggles to adjust. Some things just come natural to the super soldier. Jumping in to stop a bomber is vintage Cap. The pace speeds up until its’ solid conclusion. In its’ wake, it leaves a great set-up with a few more cameos.

Readers get a healthy dose of classic Marvel Heroes and their interactions prove entertaining. Seeing Rogers decipher information on his mission leaves a true sense on wonder. Piecing together the uncomfortable new landscape leads Rogers into a new pairing. As previously mentioned, he has someone else to split time with here.

The other lead character is David Colton. Watching the tragic events of 9/11 occur, Colton is inspired to enlist. Much like young Rogers, Colton is not physically able to handle the army. The writing shows the brutality he takes while trying to prove himself. Zdarsky adds more to his backstory while mimicking Rogers. The result teases a creation of something else that veers off the Captain playbook. There’s no delay in setting the bar extremely high right from the start.

LET’S TALK ART & LETTERING!

PAD: If you asked me what to expect from the FIRST page of a brand new #1 issue of Captain America, seeing the events of 9/11 probably wouldn’t be my first guess in 2025. Schiti & Martin really set the tone that this isn’t going to be your standard, run of the mill, Captain America story. They do a fantastic job at capturing a classic Captain America moment when he jumps into action to help the police.

The one thing I kept noticing in all of the Captain America pages, is that there always was a bright light of some sort. Reminding readers, that no matter how dark things might seem there’s always a brighter day ahead.

Also, the artwork in this issue is truly some of the most incredible I’ve seen. It’s on par with the work being done in Ultimate Spider-Man & The Ultimates, it’s that good. Schiti & Martin make an incredible tandem that I would love to see more of in the future.

KEN: Schiti and Martin set a devastating mood early depicting Colton watching the 9/11 attacks. The horror of those terrible events come into focus with tears coming down the young man’s face. The story switches over to Rogers’ plot with a look back into yesteryear. The full page image of Cap cycling into action is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Pages following are non stop action. The event comes to a halt when a certain armored Avenger crashes the scene.

This leads into Cap’s return to service. The art showcases his fighting prowess in training. This training is in stark contrast to Colton’s vicious combat. Rogers run-in with Reed Richards proves to be a show stealer. Seeing the pair talk shop mixed with some hero admiration breaks the mood. This leads into an introduction of new faces. Rogers’ confusion is only growing as he prepares for attack. The final page circles back to Colton and where his future went. Readers will have much to process as this new series is only getting started.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.4/10

PAD: 9.5 Chip Zdarsky pen’s the most compelling 1st issue in quite sometime that is sure to leave all comic fans wanting more. That together with truly memorable artwork from Schiti & Martin bring the whole issue together for a first issue that is going to be talked about for a LONG time.

KEN: 9.3 Steve Rogers’ “return” issue to the MCU isn’t without complications of past and present. Zdarsky constructs a tale of two people with the writing. Schiti and Martin present the unapologetic reality of both with superb art. Get ready for an unforgettable ride.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Captain America #1. Thanks for reading!