KIRBY IS BACK! As America's bicentennial year opens, we see Captain America co-creator return to his title as writer, penciller, and editor, where he'll remain for almost two years, from issue #193 to #214 in October 1977, plus two annuals and a special "Bicentennial Battles" issue. Kirby injects a science-fiction feel to his run, where... Continue Reading →
In this post we cover the last three issues before Jack Kirby takes over with issue #193. In the first two issues by short-lived regular writer Tony Isabella (with Bill Mantlo helping on the second), we resolve the situation with the Deadly Nightshade begun in issue #189, and we see how the Falcon accounts for... Continue Reading →
This post covers the first three of the six issues of Captain America between Steve Englehart's run, which began in issue #153, and Jack Kirby's heralded return to the title with issue #193. Most of them pick up on threads from the end of Englehart's run, particularly the fate of Sam Wilson, revealed by the... Continue Reading →
The spotlight is on the Falcon in these last two issues of Steve Englehart's run (with a co-write from his successor John Warner on issue #186), as the Red Skull reveals secrets about him that will shake both heroes (although we see more of the effects on Captain America, for reasons that will become clear).... Continue Reading →
This issue is the first of Steve Englehart's final story, taking up his last three issues on Captain America, after a run that took the title to a higher level in terms of ethical substance (and sales). It features Cap and Falcon facing off against the Red Skull, allows Cap to get off his chest... Continue Reading →
As you can guess from the cover, this is quite the eventful issue, bringing Steve Rogers' time as Nomad to a sudden end in the most painful possible—although less painful for him than for someone else. (Look at me, trying to be coy while it's right there on the cover, beautifully rendered by legendary artist... Continue Reading →
These two issues of Captain America—and one page from Avengers #131—show Steve Rogers adapting to his newly chosen role as Nomad, "Man without a Country" as the storyline with Viper and the new Serpent Squad continues, young Roscoe steps into some very big shoes, and a major foe returns. Oddly, the opening splash page to... Continue Reading →
In this issue, we meet Steve Rogers's new superhero identity, which he doesn't adopt until halfway through the comic but is spoiled nonetheless on the cover and the splash page. (Sigh.) Note the language in the exposition below—"the rubble that is politics, 1974"—not far from the language used today. His current disillusionment with politics and... Continue Reading →
In this issue we meet the Golden Avenger, a familiar-looking fella who seems to have it out for Steve Rogers (and also seems to know he used to be Captain America, hmm). But there's more to this encounter than meets the eye, and it ends up changing Steve's views on being a costumed hero. Also,... Continue Reading →
