Look, I know that I have been talking your digital ear off about this excellent book, and especially about Brubaker and his incredible storylines, plot twisticles, and innumerable educational flashbacks. This I have said before. I have also mentioned the fact that the flashbacks are penciled by a different bloke (Steve Epting) than Lark, the primary artist.

But, why should you read this book? Why should you, after countless betrayals by the biggest of wigs down at Marvel, which have for time immemorial cancelled what had been, and what had the potential to be, great Captain America series, why should you put an ounce of trust into Marvel and go out and buy this Captain America series? Because, dear friendy fool, because Brubaker does it right, because Lark and Epting are superb, because when you look at the mound of superhero stuff coming out of Marvel and note that it all is somehow full of Spider-Man’s jokes or Wolverine’s claws you can happily turn to Cap and smile. There is none of that nonsense here. Instead, Brubaker is using Namor and the Human Torch, seriously…and it is cool.

There is no humor in these books, either. I for one enjoy humor in a book, but I mean real humor. I have hated side quips and the sort of smartass nonsense so openly championed by Peter Parker and The Thing (who is actually a lot funnier than Parker) since I was eleven and started reading comics. Those were the days of the rise of Image, the last years of Valiant, and the scourging of the Shire. From the start, I found myself drawn to Frank Castle and Bruce Wayne. I liked the art in Spidey, especially when Carnage was going crazy, etc. But, I couldn’t get interested. One long and drawn out fight scene filled with smartass remarks from the hero, the steady revealing of all evil plans by the ridiculous villain, and a series of quotes which go something like “This ends NOW!”, that was what most books were (are) made of, and it is boring, frankly (if that is your real name.)

Well, friends. You will find none of these uncharacteristics in Brubaker’s Cap. Instead you will find I paced, but masterful storyline, a great series of learn-as-you-go flashbacks, wonderful art, and perfect (for once really perfect) dialogue. There is a new look at Buckey that will excuse his horrendous name for the first time. A look which will endear him to your heart in the sort of way you feel close to Batman when you see him get serious and go completely bonkers on some overconfident putz.

This is a Captain America that I, at least, have never before seen. It is not only a funbook to read, but educational, enthralling, and exceptionally well done. I say, should you fail to read this book you are no doubt a ninny who prefers Uncle Scrooge McDuck and The Wonder Twins.

-Peblee