Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: Jesús Saiz, Matt Hollingsworth, and VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: November 29th, 2023
Misty Knight has uncovered a string of murders with seemingly supernatural origins – and Captain America’s been marked as the next target as Captain America #3 by J. Michael Straczynski begins to unfold. Something about the crime scene strikes Steve as familiar…but can he find the connection between the murders and his past before this mysterious new threat finds him?
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THE DISPATCH
Captain America #3 spends the majority of the issue providing a bit of a backstory to the Emissary. However, Waid uniquely accomplishes this backstory well. We get the impression that the spirit/ demon inside the Emissary has met Cap before. Technically, we got that same vibe in prior issues too. Nevertheless, Waid showcases the origin of the the Emissary’s powers, abilities, and his “creation”. We don’t get all “hows” and “why’s” BUT we do get a pretty good chunk of the “hows” to wet our whistles just enough.
The biggest takeaway from Captain America #3 was how this creative team blended time together on the same pages within the same panels. It was actually quite genius by the art team as well as Waid. This creative team bounced around from the past to the present within the same panels to tell stories that flowed together masterfully. It’s a strategy I’ve seen done in movies many times before but rarely (if ever) in a comic. It’s almost as if Waid and his team invented their own unique style to tell this story that mirrored the premise of time happening at a quantum level all at once. I can’t say enough about the layout of Captain America #3. I think you’ll just have to see it for yourself to fully grasp what I’m saying.
However, in terms of the action this week, it was certainly a bit flat. There was more explanation and talk centered around a young Cap (who looked identically to Chris Evans) than anything else. Moreover, I loved the analogies from Waid this week involving metal as well as individuals who put on identical uniforms. It really hit home well this week, however, not exactly like I think you’d expect. It mirrors certain pushy groups today as well that are rather opinionated and puts a unique perspective on the culture at large.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Captain America #3 holds back the action this week in order to promote the villain and set up a solid transition in the story. Every good story has these issues periodically that give a little on the thrills front only to help push the comic forward with setup. So, even though this issue wasn’t very balanced this week, Waid and his team still provided a strong story with an extraordinary storyboard that this reviewer hasn’t seen too often in comics today. We learn more about the Emissary, some of his abilities, his creation, and understand that Cap and him are connected in some way. Hopefully, next month, we not only get some intense action but more answers that will solidify this story and its overarching purpose and agenda. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!