Writer: Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
Art: Carmen Carnero, Nolan Woodard, VC’s Joe Caramagna, and Alejandro Sánchez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: June 15th, 2022
CAPTAIN AMERICA’S shield is itself an icon. It represents possibility, righteousness, and the preservation of morality. However, CAP’S shield also wields a secret, concealed until this very moment, that will transform the way Steve Rogers regards the present, as well as how he elects to fight in the future. Nothing is what it appears as CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #1 by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly kicks off. Let’s dive into this inaugural issue and find out some clues as to what might be so devastating to change the character forever.
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Truthfully, this is a hard review to write simply because not much transpires in the opening issue of CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #1. However, anyone steeped in CAPTAIN AMERICA lore can see all the different stories and writers that Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly are mirroring their story after. The tone and overarching theme are very reminiscent of past writers and creative teams making this a wonderful tribute to open with, as well as a marvelous tale ripe for Patriotic pleasure.
Like some of Mark Waid’s CAP work, Lanzing and Kelly take a snippet of culture shock and embed it into the story delicately and practically. These two do a great job making CAP human and identifiable. Not only is Lanzing and Kelly pushing a more sincere and emotional take on CAPTAIN AMERICA, but the story appears familiar, back to basics, and almost grounded which has been sorely missed as of late. Thus, fans of CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #1 will certainly leave this issue with an entertaining and solid portrayal of the character that ends in an exciting direction.
The potential for the introduction of a bunch of old antagonists is also on the table along with a cult classic. The story makes it seem like we could run into an eclectic cast of characters with almost anyone in charge at the helm. Reconnecting back to Waid, I could see Lanzing and Kelly uniquely taking CAP back to basics and rediscovering the character all over again while simultaneously focusing on the vast divide between our current society and country. However, do we discover anything about the shield? Sadly… No.
ART
Carmen Carnero and Nolan Woodard work extremely well with Lanzing and Kelly. Sure, the story does take CAP “back to basics” but half that feeling comes from the artistry provided by Carnero and Woodard. The design of CAPTAIN AMERICA alone makes this issue pop. It’s almost like an updated classic feel that blends the old and the new together in a very impressive way.
Additionally, the design and setting of CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #1 provides the perfect backdrop for a story that looks like it could cause a country to divide with America in its crosshairs. But, how could a shield be responsible for that?
Moreover, the panel layouts progress the action quickly while zooming in at specific moments which fuels up the intensity. The only knock this reviewer can provide would simply be the heavy dialogue and word balloons in the first third of the issue. However, once the story picks up the word balloons and dialogue simmer down.
FINAL THOUGHTS
CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #1 doesn’t storm out of the gate or plant any flags. But, it does provide a familiar backdrop for the character while taking CAPTAIN AMERICA back to his roots. CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #1 slyly introduces some apparent political conspiracy scratching right under the surface, as well as some potentially vibrant supporting cast of characters making this a must-read title for CAP fans alike.
Sure, I wish Lanzing and Kelly provide a bit more direction and clues before CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY wrapped. However, they still manage to hit some other key bells and whistles while providing the classic CAP feel which should hook fans moving forward. Readers, the potential for an outstanding story is there with all the pieces lined up well. I’m excited to see where this goes and I think you’ll be too. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!