Steve Epting News

This post relates to: Red Skull, Bucky Barnes, Captain America, Steve Epting, Ed Brubaker

I started reading Captain America at issue #300 "Cap Vs Red Skull - To The Death."  I remember thinking that was crazy.  How could you kill off either character.  What's funny is today, Cap is the one that's dead and Red Skull is alive (sort of).  I grew to really respect Cap and saw him for the great leader and character he is.  He was never as popular as Spider-Man or Wolverine but he was always the ultimate hero.  He was fully dedicated.  He drove himself to perfection.  He was a master strategist and could take down anyone. 

Did I hate it when he as killed off?  Of course.  But I love what Ed Brubaker's has been doing.  It amazes me that Steve died in issue #25 and the title is still going strong.  Each month I find myself waiting for the next issue as soon as I read it.  I'm dying to know what's going to happen after this storyline.

Captain America #41

The epic "Death of Captain America" tale hits its penultimate chapter... and the final battle between the New Captain America and the people who killed Steve Rogers begins here! By the Eisner-Nominated team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.

Review

I mentioned before, I've really been enjoying Ed Brubaker's run on Captain America even though he killed off Steve.  You can't fully predict what he's going to do next.  I remember in issue #1 when the Red Skull was shot, I was blown away. 

You also can't deny that Steve Epting is simply amazing.  I love his character designs and really hope he stays on for a long time.

In this issue, we're nearing the end of the "Death of Captain America" story.  I have to admit I'm on the edge of my seat.  All the players are moving into position.  There's even mention of why the Red Skull had a meeting with Doctor Doom. 

As much as I'm enjoying this story, this issue, to me, didn't quite compare to some of the recent ones.  Maybe I'm just getting spoiled from all the excitement that's been happening.  It's still an issue that shouldn't be overlooked, especially if you've been reading them all.  There are some events occuring that will have obvious effects in the next issue.

I give it a 4 out of 5.

This post relates to: Captain America, Steve Epting, Ed Brubaker

Oh man.  I really wanted this when it was first announced.  I like this cover so much better than the one for the first printing.   I am sooo tempted to get this.  I don't need it.  I have all the issues.  It's just nice to have them all collected in a nice pretty package.  Don't ask me where all my actual issues are.  I have no organization when it comes to my comics.  Too many comics and not enough time.   I don't get the $75 price tag though.  It can be found cheaper.  But like Marvel says, it'd be a great gift in the gift giving season (hint hint).

Marvel is pleased to announce that the Captain America By Ed Brubaker Omnibus, collecting the Eisner and Harvey-winning landmark run on Captain America, has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level). To satisfy demand for this critically-acclaimed oversized hardcover collection, this Marvel Omnibus will return with a new cover exclusive to comic shops! This stunning wraparound cover features Captain America and the Winter Soldier in action, as seen on both the regular and variant covers of Captain America #6 by series artist Steve Epting!

Eisner & Harvey-winning writer Ed Brubaker joined acclaimed artists Steve Epting, Michael Lark and Mike Perkins to craft the shocking first 25 issues of Captain America that rocked the comics world and captivated the mainstream press! Who’s the Winter Soldier and what are his connections to Cap? How will Civil War affect Captain America? And just what does the Red Skull have planned for his old foe? Collecting the first 25 acclaimed issues of the new Captain America series, plus the Winter Soldier: Winter Kills special and a bevy of never before seen extras, this is one of the hottest Omniboo in history of the Marvel Omnibus!

Don’t miss you second chance to own the Captain America collection that still has everyone buzzing! Captain America By Ed Brubaker Omnibus is back just in time for the holiday season and with an exclusive direct market cover by Steve Epting, it’s the must-have Omnibus of the season!

CAPTAIN AMERICA BY ED BRUBAKER OMNIBUS HC NEW PRINTING (SEP078033)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils by STEVE EPTING, MIKE PERKINS, MICHAEL LARK, MARCOS MARTIN, & LEE WEEKS
Cover by STEVE EPTING
Rated T+…$74.99
FOC—11/08/07, On-Sale—11/28/07

You can check out the first cover below.  I'm sure you could still find it somewhere.

 

This post relates to: Alex Ross, Steve Epting, Ed Brubaker, Captain America

Ugh.  I'm sorry.  I'm not too crazy about this.  Don't get me wrong.  I love Captain America.  I love Alex Ross and Steve Epting's work.  I don't love this costume.  First question, why the heck is it shiny?  I mean, really?  Shiny?  What if he's fighting outside in the sun?  I could see blinding his opponent while he's fighting, but he might blind himself.  Second question, who is it?  I've seen the speculation has already begun on the boards here.  Smart money would say Winter Soldier (Bucky).  But is that too obvious?  It makes sense to me. 

One, he has the shield (although it could be another Tony Stark imitaion).   It's possible Stark may get the original back somehow.  He tried giving it to Clint Barton (Hawkeye/Ronin).  Bucky has to keep it someplace while he's out fighting the Red Skull.  Maybe someone crashes one of his hidey holes.

Second, he's carrying a gun.  We know Winter Soldier doesn't have a problem with guns.  I don't mind Winter Soldier using a gun from time to time (which he doesn't seem to too much lately) but Cap (even though he fought in WWII) wouldn't use a gun today.  The point is, he wouldn't need one.  It's a joke that "Captain America" would have to carry one to give him an edge. 

Third, there's a star on the shoulders.  Winter Soldier has one on his cyber arm.  Yes, part of Captain America's costume, since based on the American flag, has a star, but now there's more. 

The only problem with the possibility of it being Bucky is it doesn't look like his chin.  Stark is a big enough jerk to get some SHIELD shmoe to fill in his boots.  In Stark's defense, Steve did say in his letter not to let "Captain America" die with him.  It just better be someone really really deserving.  I don't want some generic fill-in person.  As much as I don't want a replacement, it makes sense.  Deep down, we all know that Steve has to come back eventually.  If Brubaker doesn't already have the "solution," someone will be able to down the line.  Just like when Green Arrow was killed and Kevin Smith came up with a "reasonable" idea.  As much as I love Steve as Cap, the story is just so damn good that I wouldn't want him to return just yet.  It would take away the impact or importance of his death. 

I'm also just not too crazy about the new design.  Sorry Mr. Ross, it just doesn't feel right.  What is it made out of?  Why all the black?  Funny but it reminds me of his designs for the Spider-Man movie costume that wasn't used.  So this brings the question of does this new Cap not need the protection of chain mail?  It was always part of the costume (even though I hated it when certain artists made the plates sooo big). 

So now we have to wait until January.  I'm just glad this is a 50/50 split on the covers.

 Update:  Here's the trailer Marvel is running:

 

 

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This post relates to: Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Red Skull, Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting

I cannot get enough of Brubaker and Epting's Captain America.  As much as I hate not having Cap in the Marvel Universe, this has been, by far, one of my favorite titles.  It's just an amazing piece of work.  I don't think many could pull this off so well.  I think that the Winter Soldier has been a great character too.  Okay, enough gushing.  I could keep going.  Here's a preview for issue #31.

Captain America is dead. The Winter Soldier is Red Skull’s captive. Falcon and Black Widow have been betrayed by someone close to them. And in Captain America #31¸ by the Eisner-winning & Harvey-winning “Best Writer” Ed Brubaker and acclaimed artist Steve Epting, it’s only going to get worse for our heroes! In the first chapter of the brand new “The Burden Of Dreams” arc, Winter Soldier’s held prisoner and tortured by Dr. Faustus, while the Red Skull hopes to use Bucky to his own advantage—but what could those plans be? Meanwhile, still reeling from last issue’s shocking betrayal, Black Widow, Sharon Carter and the Falcon come face to face with the man who might be their last hope—Iron Man! But by the time the truth surfaces and Bucky can be located, will he be friend…or foe?

Critics and fan alike continue to praise Captain America, with IGN.Com’s Jesse Schedeen deeming the latest issue a “Must Read” and saying he’s enjoying, “what is quite possibly the greatest extended run the character has ever seen…The only thing you can expect here is another stellar issue of Captain America by one of Marvel's best writers.”

Kevin Powers of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com described the series as, “easily one of the best runs on a comic book in the modern comic age, and it is easily Marvel’s number one book… compelling and mind-blowing.”

As Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting continue their groundbreaking run on Captain America, all seems lost for those seeking to honor Captain America’s memory. By the time “The Burden Of Dreams” concludes, nothing will ever be the same for Cap’s allies! Find out now why Captain America is one of the consistently most acclaimed books each month in the can’t-miss, action packed thriller called Captain America #31!


CAPTAIN AMERICA #31 (AUG072212)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by STEVE EPTING
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—9/27/07, On-Sale—10/17/07

This post relates to: Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Red Skull

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love this comic.  Who would've thought a Captain America comic could be so good without having Cap in it.  I'll admit I wondered how there were going to pull this off when it was announced that the title would continue after his death.  Ed Brubaker has just been brilliant on this.  And what can I say about Steve Epting's art?  I'm a little bummed that he's not able to actually draw Cap now.  He is such an underrated artist in my opinion.  Captain America is always at the top of my read list when it comes out.  I cannot wait for issue #30 after the way the last ish ended.

Since the death of Captain America, his former sidekick Bucky Barnes (now known as the Winter Soldier) has sought to honor his memory—but first he’s gotta survive! In Captain America #30, the next stunning issue in this Eisner Nominated (for “Best Continuing Series”) and Eisner Winning (“Best Writer”) series pits Winter Soldier against a Mighty Avenger, against the sinister Crossbones and against himself! Writer Ed Brubaker and artists Steve Epting & Mike Perkins conclude the top-selling and critically acclaimed “Death of Captain America” story with a bang that will affect everyone close to Cap…and leave your jaw on the floor!

Critics continue to rave about Captain America, with IGN.Com’s Richard George deeming the series a must-read and exclaiming that the series “continues to be one of the best espionage/action books on the market.”

“This series continues to rock the house,” gushed Kevin Powers of SilverBulletComicBooks.Com. “Mike Perkins and Steve Epting continue to deliver some of the finest artwork around.”

It’s the Winter Soldier’s toughest battle yet and it’s all leading up to the senses-shattering Captain America #33, which will leave the Marvel Universe a much different place! And you can’t miss the confrontation you’ve all demanded: Red Skull versus Winter Soldier!


CAPTAIN AMERICA #30 (JUL072149)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by STEVE EPTING & MIKE PERKINS
Cover by STEVE EPTING
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—8/30/07, On-Sale—09/19/07

This post relates to: Captain America, Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting, Bucky Barnes

I was thinking about getting this since it was a great story and would look nice on my shelf.   Then I saw the pricetag.  Seems a little steep, since I've already read all these issues.  Don't get me wrong, it's a great storyline. Brubaker is simply amazing and I couldn't imagine it drawn by anyone other than Epting.  It's too bad.  I think a lot will get turned off by that.  Guess I'll have to wait until they release it in a different format.  I'm not saying I'm a cheap-o.  I did pay a hundred bucks (minus gift cards) for the Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus and the Madman hardcover but those have A LOT more than 27 issues.  Go to someplace online like amazon and you can pick it up for closer to $50.  It's a great read.

 

Experience The Eisner Winning Life & Death Of Captain America Like Never Before!

Marvelites, you had better face front for this one, because you can’t miss the mind-blowing Captain America by Ed Brubaker Omnibus Hardcover! This jam-packed deluxe oversized edition features the first twenty-five issues of Captain America written by the Eisner Award-winning Ed Brubaker, the Captain America 65th Anniversary Special and Winter Soldier: Winter Kills one-shots, a brand new cover by fan favorite Steve Epting and over 70 pages of extras! These phenomenal stories feature the art of top industry talent including: Steve Epting, Mike Perkins, Michael Lark, Marcos Martin, and Lee Weeks!

This seminal compilation contains one of the most controversial Marvel storylines of all time: “The Death of Captain America,” reprinted here for the first time! If that isn’t enough, then be prepared for the return of Cap’s partner, Bucky Barnes, as the deadly Winter Soldier! No Captain America story would be complete without an appearance of his arch nemesis, the Red Skull… but you won’t believe what happens when a new villain is thrown into the mix!

Critics everywhere absolutely love Brubaker’s run on Captain America; Mike Williams of SilverBulletComicBooks.com raves, “Brubaker’s vision for this book has elevated it to what I believe is the best series Marvel is producing.”

Hilary Goldstein of IGN.com writes, “Brubaker, as always, delivers the right mixture of action and drama.”

No super hero fan can afford to miss the Eisner-winning Captain America by Ed Brubaker Omnibus Hardcover and experience one of the most acclaimed chapters in the history of Captain America!


CAPTAIN AMERICA BY ED BRUBAKER OMNIBUS HC (JUL072222)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils by STEVE EPTING, MIKE PERKINS, MICHAEL LARK, MARCOS MARTIN, & LEE WEEKS
Cover by STEVE EPTING
Rated T+…$74.99
FOC—8/9/07, On Sale—9/19/07

This post relates to: Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting

Oh how I wish this could go the way I wished it would.  I loved the last panel in issue #26.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The soon to be legendary storyline “Death of a Dream” continues in Captain America #27. The Eisner nominated team of Ed Brubaker, artists Steve Epting and Mike Perkins bring readers one step closer to the secrets of Captain America’s death. With Cap’s closest friends already shattered by his sudden death, will they be pushed past the breaking point when this issue ends?

The series continues to earn rave reviews, with Newsarama.Com’s Steve Ekstrom gushing, “I am 100% onboard this monthly gem. Further, I cannot honestly tell you who I like better—Mike Perkins or Steve Epting—both of these guys are amazing and with Frank D’armata coloring them both I may just jump out of my skin with the orgiastic amount of “eye-ball pleasure” I’m getting from this series!”

We’ve seen Captain America’s friends mourning…but now it’s time to for some revenge! The Winter Soldier has Tony Stark (AKA Iron Man) in his sights, the Red Skull is mere moments away from completing his malevolent plan and that’s only the tip of the iceberg! Captain America may be dead, but in Captain America #27, his enemies will soon find out that there are soldiers willing and able to continue the fight…to the death!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #27 (APR072294)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by STEVE EPTING & MIKE PERKINS
Cover by STEVE EPTING
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—5/31/07, On Sale—6/20/07

This post relates to: Sharon Carter, Steve Epting, Ed Brubaker, Captain America, Iron Man

It's hard to believe it's been over a month since Captain America died. 

The Legend Lives On In Captain America #26

After Captain America #25 shocked the world and catapulted the Living Legend’s final moments into the mainstream media spotlight, the Eisner-nominated team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting continue the acclaimed “Death Of A Dream” storyline in Captain America #26. With Captain America dead, there are major repercussions for Winter Soldier (once known as Bucky, Cap’s sidekick), Sharon Carter, The Falcon and the rest of Cap’s allies. Unfortunately for them, Red Skull and his comrades aren’t sitting idly by…but what is their endgame?

The acclaim just won’t end for Captain America. “We've got to commend Brubaker and Epting for making daring choices throughout their tenure on the book and for smart, skillful work,” said Newsarama.Com’s Troy Brownfield of the acclaimed Captain America.

Other critics echoed similar sentiments about Captain America. Ambush Bug, of Ain’t-It-Cool-News.Com, called Captain America #25 a “well-written and action packed issue that not only shows us why Cap is such an important character, but lays out an engrossing mystery for the reader to enjoy. It’s top notch storytelling from cover to cover.”

With constant attention from mainstream media and fans new & old, Captain America is red-hot and Marvel advises retailers to check their orders on upcoming issues, as the fallout from Civil War and the death of Captain America continues!

CAPTAIN AMERICA #26 (JAN072366)
Written by Ed Brubaker
Pencils by Steve Epting & Mike Perkins
Cover by Steve Epting
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC – 5/3/07, On-Sale – 5/23/07

We have a contender for favorite panel, Tony Stark getting b!tch slapped.

This post relates to: Allan Heinberg, Steve Epting, Olivier Coipel, Stan Lee, Jim Cheung, Jack Kirby, Todd Klein, John Cassaday, Steve Mcniven, Michael Lark, Ed Brubaker

So Marvel seemed to do pretty well with the nominations.  They've put out some good stuff this past year so it's no real surprise.  I'm just glad I'm not the one that has to choosed the winner.  Here's their press release:

 

The 2007 Eisner Award nominees have been announced, with Marvel grabbing a whopping 11 nominations in 8 categories! The incredible success Marvel achieved in 2006 with books like Civil War, Captain America, Astonishing X-Men and more wouldn’t be possible without our amazing roster of creators, including these talented nominees.

The Nominees are:
Best Short Story
* "Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man," by Stan Lee, Oliver Coipel, and Mark Morales, in Stan Lee Meets Spider-Man (Marvel)
Best Continuing Series
* Captain America, by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting (Marvel)
* Daredevil, by Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark, and Stefano Gaudiano (Marvel)
* Young Avengers, by Allan Heinberg, Jim Cheung, and various inkers (Marvel)
Best New Series
* Criminal, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Marvel Icon)
Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books
* The Eternals, by Jack Kirby (Marvel)
Best Writer
* Ed Brubaker, Captain America, Daredevil (Marvel); Criminal (Marvel Icon)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team
* Michael Lark/Stefano Gaudiano, Daredevil (Marvel)
* Steven McNiven/Dexter Vines, Civil War (Marvel)
Best Cover Artist
* John Cassaday, Astonishing X-Men (Marvel)
Best Lettering
* Todd Klein, Fantastic Four: 1602, Eternals (Marvel)
Congratulations to all nominees. The winners will be announced July 27 at San Diego Comic-Con.