Writer: Tochi Onyebuchi
Artist: R. B. Silva
Colorist: Jesus Aburtov
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 11, 2022
Reviewer: Lukke Sweet
Captain America: Symbol of Truth #1 by Tochi Onyebuchi finds Sam Wilson’s Captain America and Joaquin Torres, the Falcon, investigating the possible smuggling of super-soldier serum. It’s not long before our two heroes find themselves going up against another group that is attempting to hijack the train and steal the serum for themselves.
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Story
With Captain America: Symbol of Truth #1, Tochi Onyebuchi tells a self-contained story that does a great job of appealing to new readers and old alike. Amid the excitement, Onyebuchi takes a step back to give wider context to the overarching story and direction of the series. The flashback is well placed and helps build the tension of the issue.
Onyebuchi delivers on exactly what is needed in a first issue: action, excitement, and the right amount of tantalizing hints of what’s planned. There’s not an intricate plot or deep exploration of the characters, but Onyebuchi has laid the groundwork for big things to come. It will be interesting to see how current social issues facing America play into this story and how Sam Wilson views himself as Captain America.
Art
R. B. Silva and Jesus Arburtov make a good team throughout this issue. Arbutov’s colors bring this issue to life, providing an easy distinction between the two settings of this book. The scenes set in the American Southwest are colored in saturated warm tones that bring to life the dry heat of the region and the beauty of the background sunset. This palette continues to work well as it brings the explosions, gunfire, and action of Silva’s drawings to life. Contrasted with this, the scenes set in Harlem are laid out in a more muted cool palette that captures the sense of a calm peacefulness.
Silva’s artwork provided the perfect setting for Arbutov’s colors to shine. The artwork is intricate and beautiful but takes a step back when needed. A key part of this is playing with the backgrounds in each panel. Most panels have detailed backgrounds that help give life to the setting but Silva takes a step back to let the story and colors capture the emotion of key scenes. Silva’s balanced approach keeps the book from becoming cluttered and reflects the story well.
Final Thoughts
Captain America: Symbol of Truth #1 by Tochi Onyebuchi is a great start to this new series. Onyebuchi has done a great job of setting up the tone and direction of the series while keeping this a fun, action-packed adventure that stands well on its own. The art and colors of R. B. Silva and Jesus Arburtov compliment the story well, especially in some of the more intense panels in the second half of the issue. All in all, it’s a good first issue that promises big things for the story to come.