Captain America by Nick Spencer Omnibus, Vol. 1

Captain America by Nick Spencer Omnibus

by Nick Spencer (Writer), Daniel Acuña (Artist), Jesus Saiz (Cover Art)

Blockbuster writer Nick Spencer launches a star-spangled saga spotlighting two Sentinels of Liberty! When Steve Rogers retired, Sam Wilson — formerly the Falcon — became the all-new Captain America! And in addition to threats like the Sons of the Serpent, he must contend with those who resent his taking of Cap’s mantle. But when Sam, Steve and Bucky learn the shocking truth of the town of Pleasant Hill, everything changes again — and a reinvigorated Steve returns as a second Captain America! But Steve has a terrible secret. Is he a double agent for Hydra? Has he always been one?! As Sam battles in the light, Steve navigates through the shadows — and schemes to change the world!

COLLECTING: Captain America: Sam Wilson (2015) 1-17, Captain America: Steve Rogers (2016) 1-11, Avengers Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill (2016) 1, Avengers Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill Alpha (2016) 1, Avengers Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill Omega (2016) 1, Civil War II: The Oath (2017) 1, material from Free Comic Book Day 2016 (Captain America) 1

Genres: Marvel, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Graphic Novels

888 pages, Hardcover

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. This has two main stories Sam Wilson Cap/Steve Rogers Cap and crosses over with two events, Civil War II and Standoff. Starts off with a spin on Steve’s Cap wolf story by having Sam become a werewolf briefly. Cool part about that part of the book is this is were we get the origin of Joaquin Torres Falcon. I thought he was a guy in a suit like the movie but in reality his is half bird as he got merged with Redwings DNA. I had read Avengers Standoff already and after doing a re-read it’s still just decent. The Sam Wilson side of this deals with Sam being black in America while trying to be Captain America. There were some interesting story beats at times but also at times Spencer got a little heavy handed with the message. Steve Rogers Cap side of things shows how he became Hydra Cap. It was, from what gathered, his memories being rewritten by Kobik, the piece of cosmic cube that become sentient. I had read Secret Empire but it was cool to see the gradual road Steve took on his way to being that guy. He definitely was manipulating things behind scenes and there were some F’d stuff he did along the way. Also, in every Nick Spencer book I’ve read, he always has to put that annoying, never take anything serious, always trying to be funny but isn’t, kind of character in his books. Whether it being Roy from the Fix, Boomerang from Spider-Man, or Scott Lang from his Ant-Man run. Here that person was Maria Hill. Lucky he didn’t over cook her like Roy or Boomerang but she still seemed out of character. Ah well, over all decent omnibus although it was dialogue heavy and takes along time to read. Some nice art from all the various pencilers.

[Andrew Wladis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Captain America has always been one of my favorite Marvel heroes. I grew up reading old copies of Jack Kirby’s run that I found in my Grandma’s basement. Captain America: The First Avenger was the first movie I ever saw in theaters. Additionally, I love Sam Wilson, as Falcon and as Captain America. He was a highlight of the older Cap comics and I thoroughly enjoyed his own mini series he held in the mid 80s.

Nick Spencer began his run by having Sam Wilson hold the mantle, which I loved. The earlier Captain America: Sam Wilson issues in this run are really solid. Sure, there are some missteps and weird new ideas, like Serpent Solutions, but the majority of the first few issues is very solid. Sam Wilson is also extremely well written and likable, solidifying himself as my favorite Captain America. I would even state that Sam Wilson as Captain America is the best thing to come out of this run. Additionally, Joaquin Torres is an amazing addition to the Captain America family. Then, Spencer starts to bring Steve Rogers more into the forefront.

I don’t think Nick Spencer understands Steve Rogers at all. Steve Rogers’ first interaction with Sam Wilson is an argument, which feels odd given that Steve had quite recently entrusted him with the shield and mantle and spoke so highly of him. Then comes the infamous first issue of Captain America: Steve Rogers. This notoriously ends with Steve Rogers saying “Hail Hydra”. This felt very strange, though it could have been developed into an interesting story. Instead, this issue ended up marking a turning point that sent the run into complete chaos. Steve Rogers is shown to be a Hydra sleeper agent, Spencer doubles down by including a multitude of stories of young Hydra Steve Rogers. I don’t think I even need to elaborate on why this is idiotic. Captain America should always be the Superman of the Marvel Universe.

Spencer’s story becomes even more bleak when you realize that Jesús Saiz’s beautiful artwork is wasted on this horrendous run. I don’t know who at Marvel thought it would be a good idea to get their best artists to draw the Twitter UI constantly in this book.

[Rumi Bossche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Captain America by Nick Spencer.

One of the most controversial recent runs from Marvel comics, where Cap is very out of character and a certain member of Hydra?! I think the comic book has not been shook up like this since The Clone Saga. I liked Spencers Spidey run, and this one was pretty good, althought the issues where Rodgers is Hydra are a little bit of a slog at times, especially the scenes where he is younger. Cool to see Sam Wilson as Cap aswell !

[Joshua]

The Pleasant Hill of it all STARTS as a bit of a speed bump but when this run really kicks into gear it is COOKING baby. This has me thinking Captain America should always be two books with two Caps. Psyched they announced volume 2.

[allowableman2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not the Captain America people wanted to read for Steve's big anniversary—incompetent politics, dull storylines, and Steve Rogers becoming a Nazi.

[Mathieu B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story with a very interesting and still actual political subtext, but unfortunately nick Spencer’s writing is a bit too heavy for my taste.

[Aaron Cowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off strong, ends up embarrassing. Don’t use Sam Wilson to push centrist politics!