With two Captain America comics, one with Sam Wilson the other with Steve Rogers, I’ve been wondering how the two would stand out from each other and at the same time, how they might be similar. So far, the two debut issues are very similar… but in good ways. The two comics are similar in that they explore the differences between the two heroes who share a mantle and responsibility. Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1 focuses on Steve Rogers and its start is an entertaining one that delivers a lot of potential and entertainment.
Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1 is Steve Rogers’ role as Captain America. The two take the character to his roots, exploring his past, and most importantly the man under the mask. Rogers heads back to his childhood home and attempts to create a life in the neighborhood he grew up. This isn’t his retirement though, as he also has to leap into action literally saving July 4th.
Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1 and its sister series are interesting in that they both follow a bit of a formula. They focus on the two individuals under the mask and also deliver a lot of action. The action though is really a driver of what’s to come for each series and its the “human” moments that are the most interesting for both.
In this case, we get some reflection from Steve as he moves into his new apartment and attempts to do some basic things like take classes at a local community college. It perpetuates the wholesome vibe of the character as he adjusts but also the years of experience as he reflects. Lanzing and Kelly deliver a hero we can relate to. Yes, he’s the embodiment of what we should aspire to be in so many ways, but he’s also very much grounded her having trouble with some basic things and interacting with his friends in very normal ways. Other than Bucky and the villain they battle together, the comic is generally absent of the rather grand world Rogers is neck deep in. It reminds us that he’s a man out of time but also just a man.
The art by Carmen Carnero is great. With color by Nolan Woodard and lettering by Joe Caramagna the comic looks great. It’s able to nail down so many moments. The art perfectly transitions from a touching reflective moment to almost rom-com-esque humor, to grand action sequences. It all fits together and flows as if there’s nothing that separates these sequences. The characters all have such personality as well.
What’s truly interesting is the mystery within the comic. The pitch is there’s unknown history involving Captain America’s shield and the comic delivers hints for the readers to decipher. That’s buried in the art and elsewhere driving clues that will have readers analyzing every panel, detail, and background. It’s an interactive, fun, and more engaging reading experience due to that.
Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1 is a solid debut with great art and a good start to a mystery. It just nails the beats and provides action, humor, and most importantly grounded moments we can relate to. It nails down what makes Steve Rogers an interesting character and with the other Captain America comic, the two together should deliver an interesting experience for a long time to come.
Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Carmen Carnero
Letterer: Joe Caramagna Color: Nolan Woodard
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
