Captain America, Vol. 1

Captain America (2018) #1-2

by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Leinil Francis Yu (Illustrator), Adam Kubert (Illustrator)

Acclaimed BLACK PANTHER scribe Ta-Nehisi Coates takes on the Sentinel of Liberty! For more than 70 years, Captain America has stood in stalwart defense of his country and its people. But in the aftermath of Hydra’s brief takeover of the nation, Cap is a figure of controversy carrying a tarnished shield — and a new enemy is rising! Distrusted by his own country and facing threats including the Taskmaster and an army of Nuke super-soldiers, Steve Rogers is a man out of time — and out of options! As things get worse, Cap finds himself wanted for murder — and the victim is a major figure in the Marvel Universe! The walls are closing in on Steve Rogers. Will he end up as Captain of Nothing? Or does the Living Legend still have some allies in his corner?

Collects Captain America (2018) #1-12 and material from Free Comic Book Day 2018 (Avengers/Captain America) #1.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Superheroes, Collections

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2020

About the author

Ta-Nehisi Coates is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Between the World and Me, a finalist for the National Book Award. A MacArthur "Genius Grant" fellow, Coates has received the National Magazine Award, the Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, and the George Polk Award for his Atlantic cover story "The Case for Reparations." He lives in New York with his wife and son.

Reviews

[Kellye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may not look like my normal reading material, but I'm a fan of the Coates AND a fan of Captain America. This was very dark and wonderful and timely. I loved it. I read it digitally, but I think I'd like to have it for my classroom. The great thing about graphic novels is that they can be deep and meaningful and meaty and well-written, but they don't overwhelm kids with words. I think my students would love this.

[John McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reinvention of Captain America.

Really enjoyed this darker version of Captain America. Excellent and highly recommended. Give this one a go. Top notch Marvel entertainment.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hauntingly serious and suspenseful Captain America as he faces foes from HYDRA, who now have a huge grip on his country, and faces an identity crisis as he become seen as a enemy and possibly a murderer. A- (91%/Excellent)

[Kole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this but it was really confusing going into it with no knowledge of previous events. It probably didn't help that this was my first foray into Captain America.

These two volumes were a fun read with some good ideas but they've both got some pacing issues. The art is really good throughout with some especially great covers by the magnificent Alex Ross. Unfortunately, this series was just not a good place to start with Captain America.

Story 3/5
Art 4/5

Overall 3/5

[Greg Trosclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first volume of the Ta-Nehisi Coates Captain America run covering issues 1-12. It is not a bad start but still has the one complaint that I have with Coates writing and that is either speed things up a little as things progress very slowly or tell a slightly simpler story with some resolutions occuring. here we get literally the first dozen issues which look great and read well but the plot creeps along at a glacial pace. I like this book more than I am letting on. You should check it out.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coates gets it. Cap is complicated. His best stories live in the political grey. Espionage & intrigue, from international gamesmanship to the street-level humanity. The action is great - a mix of subtle stealth and high-flying acrobatics. And I’m all in on the Daughters of Liberty.

[Al Gritten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compilation of Captain America is filled with amazing artwork and is well worth the read simply for that. But, the story – the story is by Ta-Nehisi Coates – best selling author and magazine correspondent. And whether he is writing a novel or non-fiction or revolutionizing an iconic comic book title (Black Panther), Coates is always worth reading. In this book he takes on the idea and ideal that is Captain America and brings his revolutionary storytelling to bear on a Marvel icon. Hydra has taken over and America has lost its faith in Captain America and a corrupt Power Elite is pulling the strings to put an end to the symbol of hope that lives in the shield of Steve Rogers. This book explores issues that are entirely relevant to our day and time: who do we trust and how do we know? Is it possible to know the truth in the midst of conflicting information and data? And who is truly corrupt and who only appears to be, and how do we know? “We have forgotten that true freedom is a problem. A question, not an answer. Freedom from what? For what? And having lost our way in the storm, we found shelter and an antidote for the chaos. This is not the story you see in the papers. The people forgot – we forgot and then we conquered ourselves.” Coates asks some tough questions about freedom as he explores the legend of Captain America – how do we understand freedom when our ideas of freedom are different? How do we reconcile those differences while holding to the ideal of freedom? This is a powerful story with really good art and should I say it again, the writing of Ta-Nehisi Coates. If you are a fan of Coates, a comic aficionado or a fan of Marvel and/or Captain America, this is one you should read!

[FrontalNerdaty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not read an ongoing Captain America story in a while I finally took a chance on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run. I am very glad I did.
Picking up where Nick Spencer left off (the ever controversial ‘hail Hydra’ moment) this collection sees Rogers not only having to deal with the issues that arise from that but actually considering what it means to be Captain America.

I really enjoyed the political aspects Coates brings to the story. As a symbol Captain America is broken due to the ideologies being an agent of Hydra created but Coates contrasts this what the very idea of what it means to be someone taking their name from a country so rife with political issues. In a lesser writers hands this aspect could’ve been heavy handed or a moot point, but Coates handles it well and gives a satisfactory outcome.

This run is very much a spiritual successor to the epic Brubaker run in many ways (the cast here is near identical to those runs, as are the general themes and settings) but Coates manages to craft his own take on Steve that is both fresh but familiar.

The art is the major sticking point with me here. Leinil Francis Yu is not amongst my favourite artists but his work here is probably the strongest out of the artists.

I’m intrigued as to where this series goes and it’s great having a Captain America story that makes the reader question what it means to be a symbol that’s not truly representing what it once was.

4/5.

[Jordan Crump · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came across this by accident. I had just finished Coates’ fantastic “Between the World and Me” and started browsing his other work when I learned he wrote a run of Captain America. I had never before read any Captain America comic books (in fact I haven’t read that many comic books at all until the past 2 years or so), but Cap was always my favorite from the Marvel movies so I had to give it a shot.

The story here is actually pretty compelling. Much of the narrative centers around Steve Rogers’ introspection about the role of Captain America when the symbol has been tarnished. It’s a not-so-subtle reflection of the country during the politically tumultuous years the run was originally being printed (2018 - 2021). Despite the obstacles and threats, the Cap in this volume is able to tap into the hopeful resilience that I pegged as an admirable quality of the character from the movies, and he does it without being corny. Now knowing a small bit about the distance between the America I enjoyed in my formative years and the America Coates experienced in his, the underlying message of this volume is outright inspiring.

Overall, an impressive and timely entry in Captain America’s legend.

Also, I’d never heard of the Daughters of Liberty and they rock!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong debut from Ta-Nehisi Coates with his second Marvel ongoing. Much like his work on Black Panther (which will be wrapping up soon), this series has a degree of political commentary under the surface and really demonstrates Coates deep understanding of Marvel history. He incorporates numerous characters and story lines going back to Ed Brubaker’s legendary run (2005-2012). As a long time reader of Marvel comics, I greatly appreciate this attention to detail.

A lot of toys in the Captain America toybox are used effectively throughout the 12 issues of this volume. Coates narrative benefits from superb art from Leinil Francis Yu amongst others. It’s great to see a consistent narrative vision for this character after the disaster of Secret Empire. Looking forward to the next volume!

[Chris Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coates’s Captain America represents our fractured time, especially politically. Captain America isn’t as beloved as he was in his prime, and there’s the possibility he even led Hydra in revolt against America. While it’s difficult not to think of our modern day America, and the implication that the inspiration of this darker America is our current president (though maybe not for much longer), this story also exists in its own world, so it is more escape than not. The visuals are great, and the story is smart and thrilling.

While I enjoyed Coates’s Black Panther, I found it pedantic and at times what Coates was writing felt at a disconnect with the visuals on the page. His Captain America is a huge improvement and shows his true talents as a comic book writer. I can’t wait to read more.

[Keith Bowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuity can be a blade with no handle, cutting you as it cuts another. Flowing from arguably the most reviled Captain America story ever (certainly by this Geezer Geek), Ta-Nehisi Coates' run on the Living Legend of WWII has that event background running against it. But this is Coates, and he had things to say about our country and our ideals, so the framework is necessary. And it works, in spite of that flaw.

Leinil Yu's art is amazing, and Kubert is a matter, so the effectiveness of their communication was never in doubt, and is simply beautiful. Alex Ross' cover designs are powerful pieces themselves, imparting majesty and strong symbolisms to each image.

The American dream is real.

[Andrew Garvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read much Captain America, usually just when he's part of a wider story event, like the Secret Invasion, and I haven't read a collected edition of Cap book in about seven years (Brubaker's 'Trial of Captain America') but fancied having a look at what Coates did with the character. And I wasn't disappointed. This is a modern, thoughtful, heavily political book and goes deep into the very idea of Captain America, both as a man and as a symbol. It did sometimes feel as if there wasn't quite enough action for a twelve issue story but the slightly slower pacing allowed for a lot more reflection on the excellent writing (especially when backed up with some great artwork.)

[James Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain America is a figure who always stood for what America should be, an ideal which is not reflected in the real world, and Ta-Nehisi Coates takes the reins for an interesting run where the Sentinel of Liberty faces what America truly is. The story brings the compelling superheroics one expects, while nestled inside are relevant issues of forgotten soldiers and how the government fails the everyday people it's meant to protect, as the villainous forces attempt to destroy the symbol of Captain America. An excellent start to a fascinating run.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turns out Coates is a natural fit for writing Captain America, updating him for the modern era of American disillusionment, distrust, and fake news. I wasn't really a fan when Marvel pulled the whole "Captain Hydra" stunt recently, but Coates is able to deal with the fall out in a way that feels real and complex, cutting to the core of who Steve Rogers is and what he represents while also placing him on unprecedentedly shaky ground.

[Ashraful Anam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t see that coming, ever since watching Captain America : The Winter Soldier I've been looking for a Captain America story that focuses more on his spy side and it was on full display here, granted it used a lot of references from Secret Empire event but don't think that will get in the way of enjoying this run as a separate read though, also Ta-Nehisi Coates gave some Ed Brubaker vibe in this one, MARVEL! I'd like to have more of this.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into (and was also SO confusing) but once it got going it gave me exactly the type of political thriller Winter Soldier vibes I've been sorely missing since 2014. I also like the ruminations on what it truly means to be captain america. It was just very good! My one warning would be it might be best to read the run before this or something- as someone who went into this blind I spent half the comic wondering what the fuck was happening lmao

[Ralph Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capt America is a fugitive.

No one trusts home because Hydra used his image, everyone suspects treachery, and then murder. He is in a Max security prison rub by Baron Strucker.

And in the end, he dies so that his ideal, his dream can live. I love what Ta Nahisi Coates does with a story line, and he doesn’t disappoint here.

[ac. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

a very underwhelming start, surprisingly? I don't know, but I expected a bit more of apunch tbh; I loved that sharon and steve had a strong focus here, though! very interested in how the dryad reveal plays into the larger plotline... not a fan, but still intrigued. bucky not really being there for steve is soooooooooooooooo no it, by the way lol.

[Spekas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve gotta say that Coates does an amazing job writing it, he just capture perfectly the spirit/vision of the Captain (about how he actually feels nowadays and how to destroy him), and that’s the one that I also have… overall the comic is very well crafted, so it’s a must read to have a “real” vision of what the Captain really is.

[Inness Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely

We need this narrative right now. Our political system has been infiltrated by destructionists using the system for their own personal gain while the average american searches for a scapegoat, handily provided for them by the same power elite. While the message in this arc can sometimes be pedantic, it's a truth that needs to be known.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bold move to have a black author who had previously worked on Black Panther and some spinoffs take on pretty much the whitest superhero there is. And the gamble pays off. It would probably be even better if you're up to speed on all that Secret Empire stuff--which I'm not.

[Giacomo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"loyal to nothing, except the dream"

Meno concentrato di Black Panther, ugualmente interessante per le riflessioni su Rogers e su come la sua ispirazione abbia causato morti come i nemici che combatte (ovviamente partendo da premesse diverse).

[B.J. Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read a great Captain America story and this was pretty good. the art in the book adds an extra star. Thanks to this book I now have a new Captain America quote, "I wanted them to remember I never promised them a win... I promised them to never quit."

[Cappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fascinating to watch Coates feel his way through this character. And just when you think the author might have found a way to believe, he lands instead on the need for something new. We could all learn from that example.

[Sarah Munro · Rating 3 out of 5]

It got better near the end. Cap gets fake newsed.

I find it strange that an anti-American who said he felt nothing when the twin towers fell was chosen to write a character that is Republican at heart. I miss Brubaker. Excellent artwork. Francis Chan is my favorite.

[Emerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

L O N G

I’m missing most of the context for these stories which really took me out of it or maybe I just don’t like everyone hating captain America cause after Chris Evans’ portrayal he’s my favorite

[Will Plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful Alex Ross covers alone make this a beautiful collection, and Coates' storyline, simply yet intricate, flows so well. My time as a Cap reader (1980s era) helped with some of the references, but others who were introduced to his story via the MCU would fit right in, too.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.64 stars

Picked up as it went along. Will read them all.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain America

Wow! Read Empire, now this book and it is good. Loved the story and the art work. Can't wait to read the next book.