And sadly, that seems like a major victory for this comic. What a real waste this first twelve issues have been. And not that this is some masterpiece - but two things were positive - the fact that I could follow the story from bit to bit - and I cared a slight modicum for a few of the characters. Strangely, it also had a reason to be for mature readers only - but it also seemed gratuitous. If the comic wanted to be for mature readers - then write it for mature readers. This seemed like a comic designed just for a few strange levels of perversion - and not for an adult audience. But Mike at least has a goal here - and he's fought for - or against - the judge. And although it's more juvenile - it was easier to follow.
THAT is how you write a Captain America comic.
The cover is SUPER cheezy. Especially the multi-armed Hydra character standing behind. But the story is built around a solid premise - and brilliantly executed. Instead of following Cap around as he pines for what is lost over and over again, instead - Cap gains a new sidekick - and then loses him - or worries over losing him. I know that writing it out really didn't help at all in expaining how powerful the story was. But trust me - it was well-done. The double-page spread in the middle of the comic detailing the changes that Cpa is facing was especially brilliant. I could feel the madness coming over him. The comic shifted here from starting and worshiping a perfect hero to the problems of being a perfect hero. Find the faults - and follow them through characterization. Excellent.