I love Steve Rogers as Captain America. Sam Wilson has always been a great character but he's always been Falcon. When we have characters switch mantles to take on a new identity, it can be interesting but in the back of your mind, you can't stop thinking about their "proper" superhero identity. When Steve lost the Super Soldier Serum and his youth, he handed over the Captain America mantle to Sam. Sam has done a great job but I couldn't help but wait for things to return back to the old ways. Reading this new series by Nick Spencer, I'm no longer in such a rush to see things revert back.
As with the other All-New, All-Different Marvel titles, we have the eight month jump. Usually I feel the in medias res approach is a little bothersome and sometimes lazy. Here, it adds to the excitement and anticipation. Once you start seeing how things have changed, you really hunger to find out more and cling onto every word.
Basically, Sam's standing as Captain America hasn't been too well received after he made a public stand. No longer is "Captain America" deeply tied to the Avengers or S.H.I.E.L.D. I have to say, it reminds me of the adventures Cap had in the 80s. Having a large organization to fall back on made things easier. Sam isn't exactly alone. He is joined by Misty Knight and Dennis "D-Man" Dunphy. You'll love every minute of them. Sam is trying to continue fighting for the people. Misty takes on a great role alongside Sam. D-Man has had a convoluted and tragic career. The idea of using a character that suffered from mental illness is a big step.
Spencer also inserts a good dose of a political climate without making the story feel too preachy or too tongue in cheek with any of today's hot topics. At its core, this is Sam doing all he can for the people as Captain America. The way he's approaching things may have had some flaws but it's also allowing him to do what needs to be done for those that really need the assistance.
Joining Spencer on art duties is Daniel Acuña. There's a great mix in the story telling between some average civilian scenes along with some heavy duty action. Acuña hits the mark and I felt myself getting pulled in further into the story. There have been times when I would get a little distracted with Acuña's art but I really dig the way this book looks and feels.
Sam Wilson is Captain America. This is something I've struggled with a little inside by my stubbornness that he should be Falcon and Steve Rogers should be Cap. Nick Spencer takes Sam to a different place as Cap and it really feels true to the character. He's the kind of guy that will stand up for his beliefs and do what he can to help the everyman By alienated so many, he's now forced to try to take a new approach to being Cap and it reminds me of the old Captain America stories I loved as a kid. Daniel Acuña's art captures the beat of every scene whether it's average people having a conversation or intense action. I wasn't sure what to expect with this title but after reading it, I am 100% on board. I can't remember the last time a comic has completely caught me off guard in such a way. Thank goodness I didn't wait until later to read this book.