Written by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee
Lead Feature Art by Matthew Wilson & VC’s Joe Caramagna
Back-Up Feature Art by Jack Kirby; Frank Giacola; Matthew Wilson; Ferran Delgado; Artie Simek; & Sam Rosen
Cover Art by Chris Samnee & Matthew Wilson
SUMMARY:
Published for June 2018 by Marvel Comics, this double-sized issue’s lead feature is an untitled wrap-up to Captain America’s feud with the Rampart terrorist organization. Now residing in an alternate timeline of 2025, Steve Rogers leads a resistance force to govern and defend what’s left of the United States after Rampart had caused a nuclear disaster years before. After nearly a year of slowly losing ground, a catastrophic explosion finally convinces Cap that he must return to the past and thwart Rampart’s cause before their epic nightmare is unleashed. A letter to Sharon Carter later reveals Cap’s tentative plans for the present.
Mark Waid’s ten-page back-up tale is a Silver Age-style tribute adapting material by Stan Lee & Cap’s co-creator, Jack Kirby. Entitled “The Gantlet! (sic),” Captain America races against time across Manhattan on foot to deliver a vital package to Nick Fury at SHIELD while pummeling Red Skull’s flunkies, including Batroc the Leaper.
Note: The artists for the multiple variant covers (images not available here) are: Alex Ross; John Cassady & Laura Martin; Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Edgar Delgado; Rahzzah; & Jim Steranko.
REVIEW:
Though both stories are fairly good, the contents are still a huge letdown for such a milestone issue. Instead of a much-deserved series retrospective with guest stars galore, Marvel Comics opts to push the Rampart vs. Cap feud. Suffice to say, the first half of the story is a somewhat middling read. Aided by some solid artwork, the time-traveling lead story’s terrific causal loop at least results in a fitting second half. The best sequence is its satisfying epilogue, as Cap’s poignant letter to Sharon Carter is also a nostalgic analogy spelling out his heartfelt patriotism.
Despite the oxymoron of being hyped as an ‘all-new classic,’ Waid and Kirby’s Silver Age tale is a fun throwback to uncomplicated Marvel storytelling. Its inclusion is justifiable, even if the lead feature should have been a worthier storyline (or even an all-star collection of short stories epitomizing Cap).
Suffice to say, 2009’s Captain America # 600 is a surefire gem as far as an anniversary issue — another hundred issues later, this one sure isn’t.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a three-page “Cap’s Corner” column where fans express what Captain America’s characters means to them. A thumbnail cover reveal for the next issue is also included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
