Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Captain America #5
Marvel Comics
Remender, Romita Jr, Palmer & White
Captain America continues his romp through the Kirby-esque backdrop with a very action-packed issue. The book is a solid read but as Remender builds up the story and his vision of the character the pieces continue to make for a very average read. The components are all there: heroism, family ties, un-dead monsters, ruthless evil and the Z dimension. However, this comic book reads very blandly as the creative team are unable to punctuate what should be a very pivotal moment in the character's long history. I'm struggling to make sense of why I just can't get into this comic book.
Captain America races towards the gateway back to Earth with his adopted son, Ian. However, he is stopped because some of his Z dimension friends have fallen under attack. How can Cap resist? He always does the right thing and he does so here.
Cap is then confronted by the evil Zola and his band of crazies along with this powered up daughter. Ian's half-sister is much more mature and ready for war than Ian and it shows as she beats on Cap rather easily.
The book concludes with a defining moment for Cap as he rises from his dilemma with a fresh resurgence as he looks to right the wrongs inflicted by Zola. There is certainly a dash of revenge mixed with his heroism.
The story reads fine, but it's just not going to the next level. I'm not sure if it's the aspect that the time jump didn't leave enough room for Cap's love of Ian to really play out in the issues. Maybe the supporting cast that Cap goes to the aid of wasn't established enough as a force that Cap aligned himself with. Or perhaps the hero running around with a child was played out in Cable and to a lesser degree in Kick-Ass. Or if the issue feels like it's got holes in it, valid or invalid. For example, the final page reveal begs the question: why didn't Cap do that two issues ago? I can't put my finger on what's missing.
Romita's art is simply not his best. Panels in this book long fabulous while others look half finished. There is one specific image towards the end where Cap's wrist appears to be twisted backwards while he's holding his shield's strap. The artwork isn't sloppy but it is far from perfect.
Captain America is being taken to places he's not seen in a long time. The book has all the right parts to make for an epic story but it just isn't firing. It's a perfectly decent story but is missing the mark from being something special. Perhaps the reason is the book feels too much like an elseworld's story. Whatever the reason, I expect greatness from this creative team and we haven't reached it yet in this title.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
