As a comic book fan who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I felt I had the best of both worlds. I grew up knowing who Frank Miller and Alan Moore were. I also grew up during the Modern Age, where the comics industry became very commercial. The juxtaposition gave my reading very diverse experiences.

The Modern Age gave us the world of 2099. It showed us how our favorite characters would exist in a different age, one where the heroes that we know have disappeared and a new generation arises. It gave us Miguel O’Hara, Spider-Man 2099, new X-Men, Ghost Rider, Doom, and more. Some became more popular than others and some have an impact on comics and entertainment today. Marvel has been having fun exploring their What If…? line with new one-shots celebrating the classic series. In What If…? Captain America, written by Marc Guggenheim, we find out what would happen if Steve Rogers woke up on Earth-616 in 2099.

We find Steve, woken from his icy sleep 154 years later, in 2099, at the dawn of a new age of superheroes. It’s a different world run by corporations, much different than the one Steve knew. Found by the anti-pollution corporation, ECO Central, Steve is greeted by Miguel Ohara, Wolverine, Ravage, Ghost Rider, Cerebra, and Skullfire. It’s a fun use of the “classic” characters, some helped define the world of 2099. But, this is a world that’s the antithesis of what Steve believes and he has to do something about it.

The comic captures Captain America well and the inclusion of so many of the 2099 characters is a lot of fun. The art by Ron Lim, with color by Andrew Dalhouse, and lettering by Clayton Cowles looks good balancing the old and new and being a bit brighter than what I remember of the original 2099 comics.

Overall, What If…? Captain America is a fun one-shot. The story by Guggenheim is thrilling. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether it’s a story that rocks and a lot of fun to read.

Story: Marc Guggenheim Art: Ron Lim
Color: Andrew Dalhouse Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle