Friday, April 3, 2009

Captain America Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1

I joked yesterday about Marvel's math problem - this issue seems to commemorate Captain America's 70th Anniversary, but Cap first appeared in 1941, so the math doesn't quite work.

Despite the title, what we really have here is a special issue that's part of the celebration of Marvel's 70th birthday. Of course, the company was originally called Timely Comics... but I digress.

Since Steve Rogers isn't hanging around the regular Cap title, it's nice to see him put in an appearance in this story that flashes back to the beginning of his origin.

In it we meet the skinny, pre-Super Soldier Serum Steve Rogers, and learn about what it is that makes Steve a hero. (Or should I say what "made" him a hero? He is dead, right?) (Wink, wink)

It's a clever little story by the always excellent James Robinson, with outstanding art by Marcos Martin. The pencils are a little light on the backgrounds, but the character work is very nice, and Martin's style really conveys the "feel" of the 1940s.

The issue also includes a back-up story reprinted from the seventh issue of Cap's original comic, written and drawn by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, who created everyone' favorite star-spangled hero.

All in all, a nice package and well worth checking out.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Marvel! You don't look a day over 47!

Grade: B+

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