Written by J.M. DeMatteis.
Art by Mike Zeck; John Beatty; Diana Alberts; & Bob Sharen.
Cover Art by Mike Zeck.
SUMMARY:
Originally released for May 1983 by Marvel Comics,“Before the Fall!” begins a three-part storyline. For a New York City movie date night, Steve Rogers winces viewing wartime news reel footage glorifying his masked alter ego, along with Cap’s late partner, “Bucky” Barnes. Leaving the theater with his girlfriend, Bernie Rosenthal, Steve doesn’t notice a peculiar young man, who is subsequently prompted by an usher as the last person out. It’s also possible that Kingpin makes a single-panel cameo among the last theatergoers exiting into the lobby.
Once home in Brooklyn, Steve & Bernie are stunned by the young man’s uninvited arrival, as he bears an uncanny resemblance to “Bucky” Barnes. Following Steve’s initially violent reaction, he learns that this ‘Bucky’ had once been the sidekick of the controversial fourth Captain America in the mid-1950’s. As indicated in current Marvel continuity, this storyline shows flashbacks to the mentally erratic ‘William Burnside’ Captain America, who is essentially Steve’s counterfeit lookalike.
Though believed executed by Dr. Faustus and his brainwashed mentor (per references to Captain America # 153-156 and then Captain America # 236), SHIELD had quietly taken the ex-Bucky into its custody. Now released into the modern world after decades of forced suspended animation, a disoriented and homeless ‘Bucky’ has sought out his true inspiration – the original Captain America. With Steve & Bernie accepting him into their lives, ‘Bucky’ soon discloses his real name as Jack Monroe.
In San Francisco, a four-page interlude depicts Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman lured into a venomous death trap devised by her supposed mother: HYDRA’s psychotic Viper. Realizing who likely concocted this mother-daughter fabrication, Jessica senses an imminent showdown with another of her arch-foes – which soon ends Jessica’s own first series at Issue # 50. As it’s revealed, Viper is busy elsewhere plotting her own mass terrorist attack from an underground lair. Her scheme includes an undercover identity as a Midwestern suburban housewife.
Infuriated by Spider-Woman’s escape, the Viper lashes out by killing one of her own henchmen and chillingly disposes of his remains. SHIELD’s undercover agent, Gail Runciter (coincidentally resembling Sharon Carter), witnesses Viper’s horrific act of evil.
On a midnight patrol, Captain America & Jack Monroe (dressed as Bucky) are ambushed by the Constrictor. Evidently, the mercenary super-villain intends to deliver Cap as the Viper’s consolation prize. Distracted by the Constrictor, Cap’s likely victory is a mere subterfuge. A cliffhanger ending leaves a bewildered Jack alone.
With Jack next shifting into the masked identity of ‘Nomad,’ this storyline subsequently concludes in Captain America # 283.
Note: This issue is also included in Marvel’s 2020 Captain America Epic Collection: Monsters and Men.
REVIEW:
As a forty-year-old comic vividly restored, Captain America # 281 delivers some welcome 80’s Marvel nostalgia. Led by Mike Zeck, the art squad’s visuals are excellent for the era. The same applies to writer J.M. DeMatteis, as his engaging plot ages far better than DC Comics’ then-equivalent: Batman’s recruitment of Jason Todd’s Robin.
Suffice to say, the archived Captain America # 281 is a gem worth re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None. If the original issue had a letters-and-answers column, it is not included with the digital version.
BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE