Captain America #49 – Review

By Ed Brubaker (writer), Luke Ross (pencils), Rick Magyar (inks), Frank D’Armata (colors)

Just so I don’t seem like a complete hypocrite for reviewing this comic after my previous post on Captain America where I swore off reading this series; this issue is NOT about Bucky, which is why I bought it.  So there. Instead of wading through Bucky’s disappointing mythos, we are treated to some of the back story on the circumstances and ramifications of the death of Steve Rogers, the real Captain America, through the eyes of Sharon Carter, his presumed murderer.

In addition to both interesting revelations and mysteries surrounding Steve’s death, Brubaker treats us to some great writing and character development. He crafts an interesting dynamic with Sharon’s senile  aunt who functions as a symbol of memories lost and the flux of self-identity, and also a plot device to further some of the back story involving the Grand Director (or 50’s Captain America). Plus the Falcon makes an appearance after being absent for too many issues. He adds some comic relief and enhances the touching scenes involving Sharon and her reclaimed memories.

As always, the art is glorious and ultra-realistic. The dream sequences were exceptional. Luke Ross carries the Epting helm diligently and carefully. I actually prefer his attention to detail and precision, which Epting sometimes trades for form and tone. However, Sharon’s tears looked awful and almost comical. Tears are clear, not off-white. It looked like she was lactating from her eyes.

In short, this was a great excursion  into the Captain America mythos and frankly, much better than the amost recent arcs. Between the solicitations involving a black Captain America uniform that was popping up in Marvel books a few weeks ago and the hints provided in this issue, I predict Steve is returning– and soon enough. I always thought that since his death his body reverted to his pre-super serum form coupled with the fact that he was buried in ice (again!), Steve wasn’t going to stay dead. The flatness of Bucky as a character reinforces my position that there is a resurrection coming. I stand by my belief that this series will be for the better when Bucky returns to being a sidekick.

Grade: A-

-Rob G