REVIEW: Captain America #3

Steve Rogers returns to his “man lost in time” roots in Captain America #6. Is Cap ready to face-off against literal and figurative demons from his past?

This issue kicks off with Cap waxing poetic about the true meaning of time. For all his celebrated characteristics, braveness, loyalty, leadership, etc., it’s sometimes overlooked how introspective and intelligent he is. Writer J. Michael Straczynski serves up a heaping helping of Detective America. Steve is simultaneously taking a trip down memory lane and working on a mystery with Misty Knight and Dr. Strange. The crime scene is framed in a uniquely cool way as Cap, Misty, and Strange’s crime scene investigation plays out alongside visions of the crime as it was being committed, sometimes with dueling dialogue in the same panels. And yet another part of the story takes us back to 1938 New York and a pre-super solider Steve taking on Nazi’s with a shocking new accomplice.

The intricate and intertwining storytelling is complimented by top notch art. It’s a bit darker, a bit grittier than standard Captain America fare to fit in with the noir mystery vibe of the story. The characters have a similar rougher-edge to their look as well. The new version of Dr. Strange is a highlight. His design is a bit of a spoiler but just know that Cap is just as surprised as we the readers are by the doc’s look. But the main artistic attraction is the dual crime scene. Two sets of characters having two sperate conversations in two different time periods but all in the same panels. It sounds like it could be messy or confusing but the art team handles it perfectly. Jesus Saiz and Lan Medina (art) and Matt Hollingsworth (colors) put their creative chops on full display.

Captain America #3 continues this new arc for Steve Rogers that is part throwback, part forward thinking masterpiece. In this issue, ambitious storytelling meets bold art choices. It’s trippy and cool, adjectives not usually associated with Marvel’s resident goody-two-shoes. Is a young Steve teaming up with real-life villain? And a dangerous and powerful old foe shows up in the modern timeline ready to rumble. Things are heating up for Cap and this issue masterfully sets the table for a potential epic run.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Coloring – 4.5 Stars

Overall
4.5 Stars

Written by; J. Michael Straczynski
Art by; Jesus Saiz and Lan Medina
Colors by; Matt Hollingsworth
Letters by; Joe Caramagna
Published by; Marvel Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.