There are 2 main stories in this oversized special. The first is an origin into how Sam obtained his own version of Cap's shield. Story #2 has Steve Rogers and his dwindling number of pals from over 80 years of crime fighting celebrating the life of a fallen ally.
The Steve Rogers story follows the recent events of 'Cold War' in which a secret organization called Outer Circle, worse than Hydra and AIM combined, is targeting the original Capt. as well as his friends and loved ones. This feature also ties into the upcoming Captain America Finale one-shot that has some fans speculating if Steve's about to be put on ice once again. (J. Michael Straczynski and Jesus Saiz are about to helm a new Captain America series later this year. Whether this series is a reboot, reset or continuation remains to be seen.)
After the two main stories, there are several shorts that examine the history of both Captains. While the Sam Wilson refresher mentions him as the Falcon helping the people of Jamaica, there is nothing about how the hero was originally a sleeper agent created by the Red Skull. Steve Rogers and his wavering faith in the American government is ignored in these tales as well. Readers catch a glimpse of Steve and Sam taking on the Hate Monger. But Steve's time as Nomad, the unaffiliated Captain persona and that time Red Skull used a cosmic cube to turn Rogers into a member of Hydra are omitted as well.
What promises to be a tribute to the spirit of Captain America really only focuses on Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson. Bucky Barnes appears. But no reference to his time as Captain America is mentioned. And to not have even a passing tribute to Isaiah Bradley, the first Captain America, who was also a black man, seems like an offense to the character and his growing legion of fans.
Captain America #750 shows a lot of the good. But this book is not all peaches and cream. The racism Sam Wilson experienced as a member of the Avengers and from those who consider a black Captain America to 'not be their Captain' is explored. Steve's childhood as a bullied child is also explored. However, when it comes to the wrongs both characters have committed as symbols of the American Dream, this oversized issue is lacking.
And no reference to the werewolf Captain America?! Come on, Marvel! That's a beloved segment of Captain America history! For shame...FOR SHAME!
Featuring the writings of Tochi Onyebuchi, Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly.
Artwork by R.B. Silva and Carmen Carnero.
This book was recommended by the staff at Acme Comics in Greensboro, NC and Totally Awesome Comics in Mebane, NC.
Completing this review completes Task #38 (Recommended by a Comic Book Store) of the 2023 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.
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