Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Marvel's Magnum Opus, October 2, 2007
Recently, Ed Brubaker's "Death of Captain America" story made national headlines (on a slow news day) for killing the American icon, and there was a major spike of interest in the the series. Many people suddenly found themselves aware, momentarily, of what has been Marvel's best ongoing series for the past three years.
Ed Brubaker took over with the relaunch of volume 5 of Captain America's title, part of the linewide revamp of the Avengers titles post-"Avengers Disassembled." The most consistent artists have been Steve Epting and Mike Perkins, who art is scarily similar, with smaller contributions by such names as Michael Lark (who would go on to work with Brubaker on Daredevil). The focus is on Captain America as a secret agent in the world of international espionage, joined by SHIELD Agent 13/Sharon Carter (his initially-ex-girlfriend), SHIELD Director Nick Fury, and eventually his partner the Falcon/Sam Wilson. But the biggest initial jolts come with the seeming assassination of the Red Skull, and the return to life of Cap's dead sidekick Bucky, now a brainwashed Soviet assassin. Over the 25 issues (and two specials) that make up this run, Brubaker sticks with one consistent story, in multiple variations:
"Out of Time" - the opening six issue arc; until "The Death of the Dream", it was the finest part of the series; Brubaker builds to the big revelation, but, even knowing it, it is still a riveting read. By the end of it, you know everything you need to know about Captain America.
"The Winter Soldier" - the following arc, for me, the weakest part of the series, but still incredibly good.
"Collision Courses" - Cap and Sharon go up against Sin and Crossbones in the American heartland.
"21st Century Blitz" - another contender for the series best arc, this one sees Cap and Sharon travel to London to team up with Cap's old friends Union Jack and Spitfire, as, like any good Nazi, the Skull tries to bomb London.
"The Drums of War" - a series of three tie-ins to Marvel's major "Civil War" event that mostly keep the series' main plots in focus, and set up what's to come next.
"The Death of the Dream" - part one, anyway; this issue sees the shot that was heard around the world. This single issue is gutwrenching to read.
Also included are the "65th Anniversary Special", a "House of M" tie-in, and, my personal favourite, "Winter Soldier: Winter Kills", a great solo story for Bucky, guest-starring the Young Avengers.
Captain America has never been this good. This collection is heartily recommended. And keep following the series, because something tells me that things will only get better.
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11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captain America (and Ed Brubaker) at his best, November 13, 2007
I was never a fan of Captain America, but with all the attention that surrounded the death of the character, as well as the critical acclaim given to Ed Brubaker's run on the title, I took a chance and picked up this omnibus.
What did I think? It was fantastic! Brubaker's take on Cap is both refreshing and familiar at the same time. He deftly satisfies old time fans and draws in newcomers with a careful balance of character history interwoven throughout the stories in the omnibus.
The dialogue is thoroughly enjoyable to read and the plots are original, creative, and perfectly suited for Captain America. With a mixture of intrigue, drama, politics, twists, technology, and downright superhero action, the Captain America Omnibus is sure to satisfy a comic enthusiast who has never even picked up a Captain America comic before.
The artwork of Steve Epting and Mike Perkins is also phenomenal, and sets the perfect tone and mood for Brubaker's stories. While the price of the book is a bit expensive, Amazon cuts the reader a great price break, and I believe that the book is well worth it!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolute Brilliance in a Fantastic Package , March 3, 2008
*WARNING* spoilers immediately ahead
This is the first 25 issues of Ed Brubaker and Steve Eptings awe-inspiring run on the new "Captain America"--from the attempted assassination of the Red Skull and reintroduction of "Bucky" Barnes as the Winter Soldier to the highly publicized death of Steve Rogers.
I'll say that aside from Mark Millar's Ultimates run, Ed Brubaker writes Cap better than anyone. He nails the character and his supporting cast, and Brubaker's storylines feel truly authentic to America's second super-soldier. Equally impressive is the consistantly beautiful art by Steve Epting and Mike Perkins. I've never seen a book where the regular art and the fill-ins were this indistinguishable. Amazing.
This is the best superhero comic MARVEL currently puts out. It's a must own for for any comics fan. Buy it NOW!
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