America First presents a seldom seen, almost unknown era in the history of the Star-spangled Avenger. Originally, Cap survived the final days of World War II, joining the fight against communism in the early 1950s. But in the wake of the Frederic Wertham affair, as comic books fell out of favor, many super-heroes faded away. Years later, when Marvel Comics created the Avengers and quite literally revived Captain America, his brief stint in the 1950s was ignored and his history rewritten.
Like many of Howard Chaykin’s stories.
America First is politically charged as Cap takes on Sen. Joe McMurphy, a thinly-veiled counterpart to real life Sen. Joe McCarthy. In his day, McCarthy spearheaded a senate witchhunt, looking for communists in every possible hiding place. He saw patriotisim as black and white, with Reds all over. The comic book version isn’t much different, except for the fact that McMurphy is actually concealing a more insidious secret.
The story is simple enough, but it is the manner in which it is told that makes it interesting. Chaykin spent several years writing for television, he has developed a cinematic writing style involving overlapping dialogue and voiceovers. It can be difficult to follow if you’re not accustomed to it, but a little effort goes a long way.
Chaykin’s art is fresh and his research into period settings is meticulous. Some purists may find it too stylized – there have been complaints of awkward anatomy in his artwork – but it is merely the natural evolution of an experienced storyteller with several decades in the comic book field. While many artists of Chaykin’s generation have become stagnant in their abilities, he has instead chosen to adapt and, as he has described it, reinvent himself. The result is classic Howard Chaykin artwork reminiscent of his
Time(2) material from the 1980s, but with a definite 21st century flair.
Thunderbolts #137
New creative team brings worry about this series' future quality.
Spider-Woman #2
The series still works, even without voice-overs!
Doctor Voodoo: Avenger of the Supernatural #1
The new Sorcerer Supreme, chosen to defend our reality is attacked by Doctor Doom in order to save our reality from...the new Sorcerer Supreme?!
Thor #603
Donald Blake and Thor help Sif establish a secret identity while Loki and Dr. Doom exchange “gifts”…
Spider-Woman #1
One of Marvel’s most sultry, sassy, and super powered heroines gets a new monthly series.
Old Man Logan: How the Best Went Bad
Last year Mark Millar began the best Wolverine story in a decade...and this year he completed a story that was just as bad as a thousand others.
The Amazing Spider-man #605
This issue is about love, or Peter Parker’s lack of. Just as the cover implies, it’s about all the people in Parker’s life and their “it’s complicated” love lives
Dark Wolverine #78
Daken, the Dark Wolverine has been witnessed killing innocent bystanders and Norman Osborn is trying to fix the mess
Captain America Reborn #3 of 5
While Captain America relives his days on ice and his fight against the Skrulls during the Kree / Skrull war, the Falcon rescues the current Captain America
The Amazing Spider-man #604
The Chameleon is on the loose about to explode a nuclear device in the middle of New York City
Thor Annual #1
The Egyptian gods have been waiting for Thor to suffer from somekind of weakness before returning a favour and taking him out once and for all
