WHAT IF…? CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 – Same Task, Different Time

Creative Team – Marc Guggenheim, Ron Lim, Andrew Dalhouse, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Published by Marvel Comics

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The Story

This comic is reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn, and your truly, Megan!

Shawn – It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the 2099 universe. Marc Guggenheim gives us an excellent look at what happens if Captain America woke up in that era rather than the ones in the main timeline. What Guggenheim perfectly captures for me is what Captain America is about. He understands that no matter what era you set Captain America in, there are just certain things that make Steve Rogers tick.

It was really enjoyable getting to see the way that Guggenheim wove 2099 characters into the story. It felt like a nice connection to that universe while still doing something new through Captain America. With this issue, the messages of the narrative go beyond just the surface level of “what if?” and that makes it one of the most enjoyable entries yet.

Megan – What If…? Captain America #1 proves that no matter what the fight is, no matter when the fight is, Captain America will always stand on business. In this issue, we see a world where Cap didn’t rise from his icy nap until the year 2099. In this world, he bypassed all the great fights we’ve read about like Secret Invasion, the Mutant Registration Act, or even Civil War.

Instead, waking up in 2099, he finds himself in a version of the United States that he never expected to see, one that’s taken over and ran by selfish corporations. Everything in this country is ran by a scam of corporate greed and the citizens are the victims of its wrath

The Art

Shawn – I love that Ron Lim and Andrew Dalhouse perfectly capture the look and colors of the 2099 universe. It feel familiar enough while also feeling different. Lim intentionally utilizes some of the heavy lines and intentionally gritty line work that became such a signature of the 2099 era.

Dalhouse perfectly captures the bright flashy colors that distinguished the 2099 universe from the main timeline. Together they crafted a new look for Steve Rogers that just felt right. Clayton Cowles masterfully keeps readers on track as they travel through the adventure

Megan – Ron Lim and Andrew Dalhouse work perfectly off of each other to bring us the futuristic look of 2099 in the settings and in the characters. I loved the vibrant colors playing off the heavily detailed panels on each page. Every panel captures the emotions of the characters perfectly well such as Cap’s confusion and intensity or the hopelessness of the citizens. This was a hard-hitting story that was brought to life in a beautiful way. Clayton Cowles wraps this story in a perfect bow with his work on the lettering, giving an even flow of dialogue while capturing the depths the story brings.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 9.5/10. With this entry, Guggenheim, Lim, Dalhouse, and Cowles move up to a solid second place on my list for the What If’s. I still think I like Jessica Jones just a little bit better but Captain America and Jessica Jones’ what if? stories have separated themselves as head and shoulders above the rest.

Megan – 9.1/10. I thoroughly enjoyed this What If…? story because it puts a spotlight on Cap’s determination and moral obligations. It doesn’t matter what time he’s in, it doesn’t matter where he is, he fights for the good and won’t stop until things are set right.

Overall Grade – 9.3/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of What If…? Captain America #1!