1776 #3: The Sacrifices of War.

Time is shorter for our heroes than they realize, as a portal has been opened, allowing not only British forces through, but something even more terrifying! IT is up to Captain America, Spider-Man, and Hulk to intervene before history is changed forever.

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Creative Team: J. Michael Straczynski (WRITER), Sean Damien Hill (PENCILS P1-6, 9-10, and 14-20), Ron Lim (PENCILS p 7-8 and 11-13), Jay Leisten (INKS), Alex Sinclair (COLORS), and VC’s Joe Caramagna (LETTERS).

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

Matt: The story ramps up in this issue as we begin to see the battle unfold on every front. What stands out to me in this issue is how the British soldiers accept this magic portal to go through and begin their assault, while the Colonists reject the idea of magic. Captain America hits us with more incredible truths about our foundation and how, when we begin to think solely for ourselves, causes begin to fail. I think this is something more people need to hear and be reminded about now more than ever, in fact. Spider-Man is also a man of principles; however, I think he is also learning a hard and important lesson in this issue, which I am extremely curious to see unfold.

Shawn: J. Michael Straczynski continues to show why he’s been such a highly sought-after writer. To take a concept such as the American Revolution and add superheroes in a way that feels both informative and entertaining is impressive. Despite having this run on my pull list since it was announced and reading every issue so far, I was still surprised at perhaps the least likely person possible support Captain America and Spider-Man. Straczynski does a great job using Cap’s monologue to explain how easy it is for people to change.

The Art and Letters:

Matt: It’s all hands on deck with so many intricate and beautiful bits of action and details. The sequences where Peter sees who lives and who dies are haunting, as, instead of soldiers, he sees skeletons. It paints the tragedies of war and how some men are meant to die. There is a panel showcasing Bruce transitioning into Hulk that is another magnificent work. The way his face is almost melting into greens, and his Hulk form displays the transformation in such a cool manner. The artwork and lettering are putting on an impressive show!

Shawn: The art team continues to do a great job. It would be easy to mail it in when drawing a period piece like 1776, but the art feels fresh. Even while holding to period-accurate depictions of uniforms, the art team does a great job of incorporating signature aspects of Captain America and Spider-Man into the art. The opening panel battle between Morgan and Clea is a beautiful combination of colors, penciling, and inks. The Banner to Hulk transition panel is so incredibly well done. Joe Caramagna continues to be one of the best letterers around, adding emphasis exactly where it’s needed and creating a flow of words without affecting the art.

Final Thoughts:

Matt: 10/10 1776 #3 brings the tragedies and sacrifices of the American Revolution to the forefront. Not everyone can be saved in war, and the sacrifices made are told beautifully from Captain America’s narration. Everybody should be reading this.

Shawn: 9/10: I really enjoyed this issue. It was a little bit of a drop from the last issue, but especially with the final panel, I can’t wait to see how this story wraps up.

Check out more reviews from Shawn!

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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