Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: Jesús Saiz, Matt Hollingsworth, and VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date:October 25th, 2023
When Spider-Man interrupts date night to ask for help taking down the Sinister Six’s latest plot, Captain America begrudgingly obliges as Captain America #2 by J. Michael Straczynski continues. Meanwhile, more and more of Steve’s former enemies are being recruited by a mysterious new threat – one seemingly connected to an enemy Steve faced long before he picked up the shield…
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THE DISPATCH
Well, talk about being dead wrong with the last cliffhanger… Captain America #2 makes the direction of this series much more clear. In my defense, the cliffhanger appeared like someone was changing the past incorporating Cap into the Nazi/ HYDRA side of the war. And as much as I thought the premise seemed a bit weird since it was already done once before, I still went with it because it was a curious path to kickstart a new Captain America series. However, J. Michael Straczynski clarifies the direction of this series well by literally spelling out the plot for readers.
The intriguing aspect behind Captain America #2 hangs on predicting future events and thwarting them from ever happening. Straczynski’s premise mixes technology and the occult to destroy so-called Nexus points where pioneers arise to breed hope into a society for change. Well, who better in the Marvel Universe to foster hope in a group of people than Captain America?
And what’s even more creative from Straczynski is that he actually showcases Cap in that light but as a teenager. Sure, fans have always known Steve Rogers’ character but to see the hope that he brought people even at a young age without his powers, is a virtue that can’t always be developed. It’s that same character that truly makes a strong leader and can even be argued is something you’re born with mixed with a sense of nurture from the right people. And this is what Straczynski focuses on in this week’s Captain America #2.
The problem with this week’s installment is that readers get very little action if at all. We actually get very little Cap. There is almost no fighting and the issue is overly saturated with word balloons and dialogue. As far as comics go, normally fans dive into them for an escape and some nice balance. That was not the case this week. Sure, Straczynski lays on the direction and plot points extra thick but it came at the expense of the comic creating an atmosphere that was rather slow and dry this week.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Captain America #2 was very informative and guides the reader in the direction of the series extremely well moving forward. Clarity was the key to this one as well as showing the true character of Steve Rogers even more so than Captain America. Straczynski’s focus was to show readers one of Steve’s true superpowers that didn’t come with the serum… and will possibly get him killed. However, all of this came at the expense of a rather uneventful and lackluster issue. Balancing out the lack of dynamic action with the story and art itself, I’d have to say that Captain America #2 wasn’t awful by any stretch. However, more balance will be needed in the future to keep the reader’s interest. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!