This issue follows up on the final panels of issue #290, when a strange bird surprised Captain America and Nomad; here, we learn the secret behind the bird as we are introduced to a new character who, for a short time, was poised to assume a prominent role in the Marvel Universe. Whether he does... Continue Reading →
Avengers #241-243 and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #89 (March-May 1984)
These three issues of Avengers—still just Avengers, despite the new "The Mighty Avengers" cover logo—continue to set up the "Absolute Vision" storyline that began in issue #238 (in which Captain America did not appear) and lasts through issue #254 (in which he does). We also see most of the team disappear to the Beyonder's Battleworld... Continue Reading →
Captain America #291 (March 1984)
This fill-in issue follows up on two previous stories, way back in Tales of Suspense #83 and Captain America #169, all wrapped up in a cover by John Byrne, which seems like an homage to Jack Kirby's cover to Tales of Suspense #76, albeit with the Tumbler—or a Tumbler—in place of his conceptual cousin, Batroc... Continue Reading →
Captain America #290 (February 1984)
This issue sets up the storyline which will take us through issue #300 (after a quick fill-in next issue), and deals mainly with the private lives of Steve Rogers and his friends. It introduces one character (Seen on the striking cover by John Byrne) who will become a very important figure in coming years, as... Continue Reading →
Captain America #289 and Falcon #3-4 (January-February 1984)
This issue of Captain America serves as an epilogue to the Deathlok story from the last three issues, wrapping up one plot thread while leaving another until the final few pages—pages that also connect with the cover, which includes an homage to DC Comics' 1960s logo and "go-go chex," the corner image reversed, and "Bernie... Continue Reading →
Captain America #286-288 (October-December 1983)
These three issues are as much (if not more) about Deathlok, cyborg super-soldier from a dystopian near-future, as they are about Captain America, so we can discuss them as a group. As the best writers do, J.M. DeMatteis finds the humanity inside this sci-fi tale of cyborgs and time travel, and connects the events to... Continue Reading →
Avengers #236-237, Avengers Annual #12, and Hawkeye #3 (October-November 1983)
As usual with Avengers around this time, these are great team stories with only occasional ethically interesting Captain America content, so we'll discuss these three issues together (plus a page from another Avenger's first solo title). Personal note: Avengers Annual #12 was the first Marvel comic I ever bought, a purchase from a hospital gift... Continue Reading →
Captain America Annual #7 (October 1983)
This issue is more of a story about the Cosmic Cube (or Cubes, as it were) than it is about Captain America, but there is still a little character work about Cap to discuss here. (I will skip a lot of background about the Cube Cosmic, though, so I recommend picking up the issue in... Continue Reading →
Avengers #235 (September 1983)
This issue once again sees the Avengers facing a foe traditionally associated with the Fantastic Four, in this case the Wizard (after dealing with Annihilus in issue #233). The underlying theme of this issue, though, is Wasp's leadership of the team, which Captain America has always supported. As we see here, though, this does not... Continue Reading →
Captain America #285 and Fantastic Four #258 (September 1983)
This issue continues the "day in the life" theme of the last one, set against the background of the illness of Jeff Mace, former hero known as the Patriot and the second man to serve as Captain America after the "death" of Steve Rogers in 1945. We also spend some time on Steve's relationship with... Continue Reading →