Ok, so you've just come out of seeing
Captain America: The First Avenger (released in the U.S. today - though not for another week in the U.K.) and you want to delve deeper into the back story of a character you have either just been introduced to for the first time or you've known about for a while but only now are really starting to get what the fuss is all about! Or maybe you are just curious after all the great
Captain America articles we have run recently. Maybe you want to read more but you just don't know where to start? Its always tough to know what specific stories to pick up when delving into long-standing comic books. And let's be honest, they dont usually get much more long-standing than Captain America. First published back in March, 1941, Caps back-catalogue is immense! But fear not! Weve selected our five favourite Cap stories to get you acquainted with the star-spangled superhero!
1- Captain America: Winter Solider
Writer: Ed Brubaker We couldnt mention the Caps top stories without mentioning the phenomenal work of writer extraordinaire,
Ed Brubaker. You can always rely on Brubaker to craft an exciting storyline, but he has truly raised the bar with his take on Captain America. Visually, the comic is remarkable.
Steve Eptings artwork is highly evocative and ultra-realistic. When combined with Brubakers majestic storytelling and powerful prose, its not an overstatement to call this a comic a modern comic book masterpiece. Featuring many of Caps allies and enemies, this is essential reading for anyone with even a passing interest in comics!
2- Captain America Comics #1
Writer(s): Joe Simon and Jack Kirby Witness the birth of Marvels most enduring hero. Need we say anymore? Ok, then, how does this sound: The cover features Cap obliterating Adolf Hitler with a sweet right-hook? First published in 1941, unsurprisingly, it hasnt aged well. Its artwork comes across as bland and its dialogue can be cringe-inducing at times. Its groan factor is perfectly exemplified by the professor who creates the super-serum which Steve Rogers is injected with. His name is Reinstein (if you dont get it, try saying it out loud). Theres no denying its charm however; its captivating to see the Caps original origin tale in all its retro glory!
3- The Ultimates, Volume 1
Writer: Mark Millar You may recognize the name
Mark Millar; hes the writer of Kick Ass and Wanted. And if you are familiar with his work, youll know exactly what youre in store for! Excuse the lame pun, but this is without doubt, the ultimate Captain America tale. Everything here is turned up to 11! Full marks to
Bryan Hitch and
Andrew Currie for the artwork; the opening pages of the first issue are mind-blowing. The pages leap out at you, with carnage recalling the most epic Hollywood blockbuster. It also contains quite possibly the best Cap quote ever with, What are you waiting for ladies? Christmas?! We simply cant recommend this series enough! Seriously, why havent you read it yet?!
4- Captain America and the Punisher: Blood and Glory
Writer(s): DG Chichester & Margaret Clark. Lost in the sands of time, this is definitely an underrated Cap story. Featuring an insidious conspiracy, coupled with a cross-over of Marvels most honourable hero along with its most notorious anti-hero , well, it was always going to be a bit special. When you throw in some set-pieces that would make Michael Bay blush (think explosions, BIG explosions!), some stark artwork from the pencil of
Klaus Janson and more 80s movie references than you can shake a stick at, you have all the ingredients for a fantastic comic!
5- Marvel Civil War
Writer: Mark Millar Mark Millar is often dismissed as a writer who eschews silly things such as storylines and character development in favour of stylized violence, pithy dialogue and action-packed set-pieces. And to an extent this is true. However, with Marvel Civil War hes crafted a powerfully poignant tale, where the honourable Cap and his principals are tested to the max.
Steve McNivens artwork is brilliantly cinematic, and its perfectly complimented by Hollowells rich colouring. We have no doubt that youll be hooked from the get go. And just in case you were wondering, yes, it also contains oodles of violence, pithy dialogue and action-packed set-pieces. MORE READING
The Many Faces of Captain AmericaHistory of the Captain America Film Franchise10 Facts You Didn't Know About Captain America