Captain America #34 - The New Cap

[iSteve]

BEST SHOTS EXTRA: CAPTAIN AMERICA #34

Newsarama

Captain America #34
From: Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Art: Steve Epting and Butch Guice (with Frank D’Armata and VC’s Joe Caramagna)
Review by Troy Brownfield

Anyone who hates it when I write a positive review can leave.

Thanks.

To the matter at hand: Ed Brubaker does great work with this title. It’s a risky gambit to ostensibly kill your lead and follow the supporting cast for several months, but the threads that Brubaker and company have been weaving since the arrival of Winter Soldier now pull into one taut cable. Despite the fact that we allllll knew this one was coming, Captain America #34 delivers the new Cap with an exciting (accessible even!) story that trades on suspense, well-choreographed action, and a couple of significant twists.

The plots essentials? New Cap takes to the skies with Black Widow as chaos unfolds. The Kronas Corporation (and its leader, previously revealed as the Red Skull) sow the seeds of anarchy across the United States. Of course, the random violence acts as a cover for another operation. Welcome to the job, New Cap!

Broken down in that fashion, there are many familiar beats. Cap has taken on corrupt corporations, unsympathetic figures in government, terrorists, and the Red Skull dozens of times. Brubaker manages to imbue this issue with a new point of view, acknowledging that even veteran heroes get the jitters when attempting to live up to life as a symbol. Most of the character development is achieved on the run as we peer into New Cap’s thoughts regarding his new station. A subplot involving Tony Stark’s political wrangling is also engaging, pushing Stark further on the ledge created by S.H.I.E.L.D. disasters and his own awareness of one too many conspiracies.

In terms of visual presentation, Epting and Guice make for an inspired pairing. They actually have similar stylistic elements as pencilers (the way that they shape a jawline, or the attention paid to flyaway strands of hair, for instance), so it’s interesting to see them collaborate in this way. Guice’s inks complement Epting well; the heavily shadowed sequence on pages six and seven carries a good deal of dramatic tension. The artists, and Brubaker, delay the full reveal of the new Cap until the moment of maximum effect. It’s dynamic stuff.

If you haven’t been reading the book to this point, this issue somehow still manages to be accessible. Between the “previously in” page, and the nice expository panorama of newscasters assessing the widespread panic, new readers would have most of the information that they need to get into things. (Of course, someone who is completely new to Marvel or comics in general might still be thrown by Arnim Zola; “Good Lord! He has a mouth for abs!”) Under Brubaker and company’s watch, Captain America remains a strong, dependable super-hero comic.

http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/CapAmerica/CAPA034a_dc.jpg

[mister s]

I read the preview copy at my LCS. It was really quite awesome. Truly well done and I can't wait for the next one.

[toxicprof]

I haven't read the book yet, but I read an article about it. Joe Quesada brought up the gun--saying that it wasn't "realistiic" for a soldier to not have one and to never have shot someone. I guess in the context--snappy spandex outfit, flying boomerang shield--the concept of realistic is flexible.

What do you all think of Cap packin a rod?

[ConorKilpatrick]

I haven't read the book yet, but I read an article about it. Joe Quesada brought up the gun--saying that it wasn't "realistiic" for a soldier to not have one and to never have shot someone. I guess in the context--snappy spandex outfit, flying boomerang shield--the concept of realistic is flexible.

What do you all think of Cap packin a rod?

I'm fine with it. He and Bucky both carried guns during the war. Bucky has carried one the whole time he's been back and now that he's Cap it makes sense he'd still have it.

[paper]

It's Bucky for sure?

I haven't read the last few issues, but I was sort of hoping burbaker was gonna throw a curve ball.

"You know, Bucky, I never would have believed it, but She-Hulk was a really good pick for Cap's replacement."

[ConorKilpatrick]

It's Bucky for sure?

Well... I mean... look at him! :)

[paper]

Well, that's kind of boring.

I still think it'd be neat if Bucky were forced to live in a world with a new Cap that maybe he didn't like.

[Animalvader1]

Well, that's kind of boring.

I still think it'd be neat if Bucky were forced to live in a world with a new Cap that maybe he didn't like.

Yeah, but the fans wouldn't really like that ether, and they want it to sell. The only other character that would come close to fitting the bill would be Hawkeye, and he already turned it down and wants nothing to do with Stark.


I'm a huge Cap fan, and if I can't have Steve Rogers, I'll take Bucky.

[kahunablair]

Well, that's kind of boring.

I still think it'd be neat if Bucky were forced to live in a world with a new Cap that maybe he didn't like.

I know it wasn't Brubaker, but wasn't that kind of the reasoning behind this?
http://images.comicbookresources.com/previews/marvelcomics/punisherwarjournal/07/punishercap_sm.jpg

[Labor_Days]

It could only be James Buchanan Barnes.

Enough of this foolish talk of Hawkeyes and She-Hulks!

[Animalvader1]

It could only be James Buchanan Barnes.

Enough of this foolish talk of Hawkeyes and She-Hulks!

I agree, I mentioned Hawkeye only because he's been hinted at since Cap's death. Doesn't mean I want him to be Cap.

[Labor_Days]

I know.

I was just joking.

[paper]

You're playing it awful safe, Brubaker.

;)

[Animalvader1]

You're playing it awful safe, Brubaker.

;)

Don't hate the player, hate the game...:cool:

[Six Gun]

You're playing it awful safe, Brubaker.

;)

I will cut you

[paper]

I do hate the game.

[Six Gun]

I know it wasn't Brubaker, but wasn't that kind of the reasoning behind this?
http://images.comicbookresources.com/previews/marvelcomics/punisherwarjournal/07/punishercap_sm.jpg

I refuse to acknowledge that book's relation to the death of Captain America storyline

[paper]

So, if it is indeed Bucky, do you think it's a nail in Steve Rogers' coffin (gone for good)? Or, if Steve did come back, what would happen to the new Cap?

[Six Gun]

So, if it is indeed Bucky, do you think it's a nail in Steve Rogers' coffin (gone for good)? Or, if Steve did come back, what would happen to the new Cap?

I think that's an unrealistic idea. Comic characters come back to life. Period.

[Labor_Days]

You're playing it awful safe, Brubaker.

;)

I don't like your tone, sir.

[paper]

*sigh* I wish it was about story and not, "what you're allowed to do in the industry."

[Six Gun]

*sigh* I wish it was about story and not, "what you're allowed to do in the industry."

It is about story, they've been building up to Bucky as cap for 33 issues. Using someone else would be stupid.

[paper]

Depends who they went with. It'd be a cool, gutsy reversal.

[Six Gun]

Depends who they went with. It'd be a cool, gutsy reversal.

No, it would be stupid, you didn't read last month's issue. Bucky was practically in the suit

[paper]

I like surprises and misdirection.

[kahunablair]

At first, I was right there with you Paper. I didn't want that to be the way the story worked out either.
Then I realized something. Look at the big picture.
Brubaker has brought back Bucky, killed Steve Rogers, and put Bucky into the new Captain America suit.
If that isn't unexpected, cool, or gutsy, I don't know what is.

[Labor_Days]

*sigh* I wish it was about story and not, "what you're allowed to do in the industry."

I get what you are saying. And I agree with you to a degree.

However, in this case Brubaker has been telling the story of Bucky taking the mantle of Captain America from issue #1. The story is about Bucky and his coming to terms with that.

It really wouldn't be a cool reversal. It would be squandering everything Brubaker has done in relation to Bucky as character and what Cap stood for as an idea.

With all due respect, She-Hulk really doesn't have the same depth.

[Six Gun]

However, in this case Brubaker has been telling the story of Bucky taking the mantle of Captain America from issue #1. The story is about Bucky and his coming to terms with that.

Exactly

[Six Gun]

I like surprises and misdirection.

and trolling

[paper]

I wasn't seriously suggesting She-Hulk.

I just remember the interview Brubaker gave several months ago and how he talked about not replacing Cap right away. And it got me thinking that Bucky wouldn't do it. And that, even if he was the most qualified, he wouldn't see it as right.

It just feels like he rolled over too quickly. It's disrespectful.

[Six Gun]

It just feels like he rolled over too quickly. It's disrespectful.

Really? I don't know man. Nine issues of comics

[paper]

and trolling

I like talking about story points analytically. I presented a few ideas in a comical manner, but I'm not simply trying to rain on the parade. It's a genuinely interesting storytelling conundrum with a lot of things to consider and I had some ideas about it.

[paper]

Really? I don't know man. Nine issues of comics

Any indication of how long it's been in Marvel time? Just as a ballpark?

[ConorKilpatrick]

and trolling

He's not trolling. Having someone else be Cap before Bucky is an idea we've talked about since Cap died.

[paper]

It really wouldn't be a cool reversal. It would be squandering everything Brubaker has done in relation to Bucky as character and what Cap stood for as an idea.


Just for the record, I'm not suggesting the new Cap would be the last Cap.

Have Bucky earn it by showing the reader what the alternative could be. What an Initiative Cap might be like. And how would that change Bucky's decision about taking up the mantle or not?

Not saying Bucky isn't the best choice. Not saying that at all.

[Six Gun]

Any indication of how long it's been in Marvel time? Just as a ballpark?

about a month if I had to guess

[Labor_Days]

Um, Bucky doesn't come to the decision to take up the Cap mantle easily. He's been through emotional and physical hell.

I don't think Steve would roll over in his grave if Bucky took up the mantle either. If you read the last issue you would know how true this is.

[Six Gun]

He's not trolling. Having someone else be Cap before Bucky is an idea we've talked about since Cap died.

Well, the mention of She-Hulk seemed very troll-like so I called it as I saw it.

[paper]

I acknowledge that it would be a risky choice because a lot of readers might drop it on the spot. So you'd have to lay some pipe, show the reader that it's a shaky status quo and has the potential for change.

But why elicit this reaction:

"Oh. Well, of course it's Bucky. It had to be Bucky."

When you can go for this:

"Bucky is Cap! Can't you see that!? Bucky's gotta get the shield back! Get 'em, Bucky!"

[Six Gun]

I acknowledge that it would be a risky choice because a lot of readers might drop it on the spot. So you'd have to lay some pipe, show the reader that it's a shaky status quo and has the potential for change.

But why elicit this reaction:

"Oh. Well, of course it's Bucky. It had to be Bucky."

When you can go for this:

"Bucky is Cap! Can't you see that!? Bucky's gotta get the shield back! Get 'em, Bucky!"

that would be a gimick

[mister s]

Maybe we should wait on this til we've all read the issue?

It's really really good.

[Six Gun]

Well, the mention of She-Hulk seemed very troll-like so I called it as I saw it.

And I stand by that assessment

[paper]

Um, Bucky doesn't come to the decision to take up the Cap mantle easily. He's been through emotional and physical hell.

I don't think Steve would roll over in his grave if Bucky took up the mantle either. If you read the last issue you would know how true this is.

I'm gonna go back and get some of the previous issues. I'm sure this is the case. But I'd make him suffer a little more. :D

[Labor_Days]

"Bucky is Cap! Can't you see that!? Bucky's gotta get the shield back! Get 'em, Bucky!"
Funny.

This is more or less exactly what I said after the last issue. Aloud.

[Six Gun]

I'm gonna go back and get some of the previous issues. I'm sure this is the case. But I'd make him suffer a little more. :D

Hey I've got two premier edition hardcovers and a trade if you want them

[paper]

that would be a gimick

I disagree. It's a device which could be employed organically. Anything sounds like a cheap gimmick when you boil it down and explain its storytelling purpose.

Six, She-Hulk was a joke. I'm sorry. I do those sometimes. It's a comic book, not a real guy.

Just presenting an idea we'd discussed way back when. Thought it'd be fun to revisit. Sacred cow's just another burger to me.

I still think the question of Steve Rogers' return is an interesting one. What would happen if there were two Caps?

[Animalvader1]

Any indication of how long it's been in Marvel time? Just as a ballpark?



Using Iron Man as a basis for the time table:

(in no real order here, but assuming that Secret Invasion and Illuminati #5 happen after. Not trying to start a continuity debate here :()


Cap shot
Tony offers job to Hawkeye
Funeral
Ultron attacks
Tony heals after being a girl robot
World War Hulk
Tony heals after getting his ass handed to him
Tony goes after Mandarin (in his book)
Tony fight Thor
Tony heals after getting his ass handed to him
Tony tries to find Bucky, (talking with Falcon and Black Widow several times)
Tony finds Bucky
Tony fights Bucky
Tony gets Bucky to be Cap.


I’d say well over a month, and I’m probably forgetting stuff too.

[Six Gun]

Six, She-Hulk was a joke. I'm sorry. I do those sometimes. It's a comic book, not a real guy.

Really? :rolleyes:

I just felt that you were agging things on for no real reason

[paper]

I always have a reason. :)

[ConorKilpatrick]

I acknowledge that it would be a risky choice because a lot of readers might drop it on the spot. So you'd have to lay some pipe, show the reader that it's a shaky status quo and has the potential for change.

But why elicit this reaction:

"Oh. Well, of course it's Bucky. It had to be Bucky."

When you can go for this:

"Bucky is Cap! Can't you see that!? Bucky's gotta get the shield back! Get 'em, Bucky!"

I was personally hoping for this scenario. Have someone else be Cap to show Bucky that it could only be him - have Bucky claim the shield for himself rather than have Tony hand it to him.

But what they did was okay too.

[paper]

How long do you suppose it would take to forge that Cap armor?

A month?

A month and a day? ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing what Brubaker does tomorrow. It's a big day for comics. I wonder how much media coverage it might get.

[kwok_talk]

I generally agree with Paper in wishing there would be a curveball in who would be Cap. But to some degree I somewhat ascribe it more to Marvel spoilng the secret while trying to play it off like its still a surprise. They released the Alex Ross redesign (what feels like) months ago and that pretty much killed off most of the suspense as to who Cap would be. (Granted, this is coming from someone who will be hopping into the Y:The Last Man thread first thing tommorrow to find out the ending.)

[Mikegraham6]

Bucky does seem like the logical choice and it's a little dispointing since there's no surprise there. Conor's scenario makes the most sense, since it would give the reader something unexpected yet allow Bucky to adopt the mantle in the end (he is after all the best man for the job)

[Six Gun]

How long do you suppose it would take to forge that Cap armor?

I hope we find out what exactly it is, I theorize that it's like a pseudo-Iron Man armor

[Labor_Days]

Brubaker is on Word Balloon (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=145028) discussing Cap #34 today. Spoiler heavy.

5:00PM can't come quick enough.

[iSteve]

WORD BALLOON: ED BRUBAKER

In this SPOILER FILLED edition of Word Balloon, Captain America writer Ed Brubaker sat down with host John Siuntres and went through the details of the new issue #34, featuring the debut of the new Cap.

If you haven't read the issue yet or don't want the details spoiled, stay away until you do...

But then come back, because they also discuss the release of Criminal Vol 3 from Marvel's Icon imprint, Ed's creator-owned crime comic drawn by Sean Phillips.

Some Criminal info disclosed by Bru...

The next few issues will be a series of one shot stories featuring minor characters from previous arcs.

The article/essays in Criminal's future issues will include an appreciation of EC Comics legendary Crime SuspenStories artist Johnny Craig by Brubaker and Max Allan Collins, as well as an article by crime novelist Duane Swierczynski and an interview with writer Charles Ardai, the editor of the Hard Case Crimenovels.

Click here (http://media.libsyn.com/media/wordballoon/WBbrubakercap34spoilers_.mp3) for the episode.

[kahunablair]

I hope we find out what exactly it is, I theorize that it's like a pseudo-Iron Man armor

That would make the most sense. Look at what Tony did with Spiderman's suit.

[Six Gun]

That would make the most sense. Look at what Tony did with Spiderman's suit.

there could be some really cool features to it

[kahunablair]

Seeing as how it's Tony, I'll bet the main feature is that he can make it self-destruct if Bucky doesn't "tow the line."

[Luthor]

I just finished reading it.

It was a really good issue, not the best in this run but a very good issue with one hell of an ending. Bucky as Cap makes sense and is done well, but they've already shown(at least my interpretation of a panel shows) that Bucky's already having second thoughts and wondering if he can handle this. I'm starting to think that Bucky might be the curveball.

[Labor_Days]

Cap was very good this week. Very good.

The first few pages are incredible. The weight of it all. It feels terribly serious and important. The enormity of Skull's plan coming into fruition.

I guessed what was going to happen at the White House from the moment Tony said he had agents there. Still, stakes. Raised.

edit: Meant to go in the Cap 34 thread. Plz, move.

[mttskates]

IDK if its PC to post another podcast's interview, but Newsarama has a pretty good interview with Ed from today posted up. If you would like to instantly listen to it click here (http://cdn.libsyn.com/wordballoon/WBbrubakercap34spoilers_.mp3)

Its pretty long, so be prepared.

[Dave Accampo]

I'm about halfway through this interview now. Good stuff about Captain America #34.

[Dave Accampo]

Great issue. I don't know if I could possibly pick Cap as my PoW next to Y: The Last Man, but it was really well done.

We've seen shades of this sort of thing before, with the Death of Superman, The Azrael Batman, The John Walker Captain America...and I suppose comparisons are inevitable, but I have to say that Brubaker's just out to tell a good story here, and I think he's proven that this is not a "stunt" story.

Even though Marvel's milking it (and well they should), I'm also impressed that they've generally let Bru tell the story that he WANTS to tell.

Don't know if you guys listened to the interview, but apparently he didn't originally intend to have Bucky become the new Cap. What's that, you say? Editorial pressured him? Marvel wanted a new Cap for licensing purposes or a movie? Nope. They had signed off on his plan to keep the Cap book with no Cap. The reason Bucky is now Cap? Because the story just ended up veering in that direction as Brubaker continued to write. From the sound of it, these characters and scenes are just jumping out to him now. And that means that he's found the zone. He's not working off of formulas. He's letting the characters speak to him.

And I think it shows in the work. Bucky makes a very unique Cap, and I think the best stories are still ahead of us.

[paper]

In reading the issue you can sort of see Brubaker talking to Brubaker, assuring himself that this is the right decision and listing reasons why. So I can see what what you're saying about him listening to the characters, Dave. And not going with a concrete plan. Writing organically can be scary and exciting.

I thought it was cool that the helmet's a hood.

Is Bucky being drawn differently? He looks more solid than I remembered. Even with the mask off.

[ConorKilpatrick]

Is Bucky being drawn differently? He looks more solid than I remembered. Even with the mask off.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. commissary is very starch heavy.

[JasonTodd]

I pretty much agree with everyone here. This issue of Cap was great.

I can't help thinking about how ludicrous this story is, and how great of a writer Brubaker is for pulling this off. Bucky is still alive, and has become a Soviet Spy, reanimated as needed over the last 60 years to carry out assassination missions. After Cap dies, Bucky becomes his successor.
If this storyline was done in the 90s, somebody like Scott Lobdell would have wrote it, and it would have been horrible.

I couldn't stand Cap until this current series. My hat goes off to Brubaker for making me care and making this storyline work. This and Iron Fist are the only Marvel books I can read anymore. I really hope Bucky stays on as Cap for awhile so we can see where this storyline goes. Cap, Iron Fist, Uncanny... Brubaker can do no wrong.

[esophagus]

It's a big day for comics. I wonder how much media coverage it might get.Did anyone watch Joe Q talk about it on Colbert? I'm pretty much convinced that that interview retroactively made people think comics were for children in the past, and will continue to make them think so for years to come.

As far as Cap being Bucky goes, I was kind of hoping to get a Knightfall-esque. Like Nightwing, Bucky's pissed someone else got the job, but eventually he realizes he didn't get the job because they didn't think he'd want it. This would either lead to the return of Steve (I was hoping not) or Bucky taking the mantle. Either way, this works. I'm reading the Omnibus right now, and I can tell already that Brubaker is setting up for Bucky to become the ture hero (and Cap I guess), so I guess we got the same thing here, just quicker.

[Mikegraham6]

Did anyone watch Joe Q talk about it on Colbert? I'm pretty much convinced that that interview retroactively made people think comics were for children in the past, and will continue to make them think so for years to come.
What did he say??

As far as Cap being Bucky goes, I was kind of hoping to get a Knightfall-esque. Like Nightwing, Bucky's pissed someone else got the job, but eventually he realizes he didn't get the job because they didn't think he'd want it.

But we've read this story before.

I liked the issue, anytime comics pull real world situations into the story i get really excited. It wasn't as exciting as other issues, but i loved the ending. It helped reinforce the dire state of America in the book. I also really liked how they explained why the new Cap carries a gun (which was my biggest concern when i saw the new outfit)

[kahunablair]

In reading the issue you can sort of see Brubaker talking to Brubaker, assuring himself that this is the right decision and listing reasons why. So I can see what what you're saying about him listening to the characters, Dave. And not going with a concrete plan. Writing organically can be scary and exciting.


I find it intriguing that you see it as Brubaker talking to Brubaker. I took it as Brubaker talking to the fans. Interesting....

[Dave Accampo]

I find it intriguing that you see it as Brubaker talking to Brubaker. I took it as Brubaker talking to the fans. Interesting....

I see where Paper's coming from. I'm sure the fans are a concern, but I really felt like Brubaker was just working with Bucky...Bucky's unsure of himself, so he's got this internal argument going on...and in a way, you can see that it's Brubaker just playing around with Bucky. Bucky is essentially HIS character at this point, so I do get this sense that he's steering Bucky along, thinking "is this what he'd do? What would happen if he did this?"

[esophagus]

What did he say??There's a tanscript of it here (www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/007524546.cfm). There was big part of it where he sounded like he was talking to, and for, nine year olds. Specifically here:JQ: Well, there’s a major issue that I need to discuss with you, Stephen. Especially if I’m going to be aligned with you on this ticket. How do you feel about illegal aliens?
SC: I’m against them. You’re against them.
JQ: I’m not talking about the kind that come across…I’m talking about, like, those kinds of aliens (points thumb up toward sky).
SC: Like space aliens? (Audience laughter)
JQ: Space aliens, yes.
SC: Is that a problem in the Marvel Universe?
JQ: In April it’s a huge problem. We have this story coming up called “Secret Invasion,” and it’s about Skrulls.
SC: What’s a Skrull?
JQ: A Skrull is a shape-shifting alien, Stephen.
SC: Do you have a picture of a Skrull?
JQ: I think we do have a picture of a Skrull.
SC: What’s a Skrull? (Picture of Skrull head on body with suit and tie on.)
JQ: That’s a Skrull.
SC: That’s a Skrull?
JQ: That’s a Skrull.
SC: What do they do?
JQ: Well they hide amongst us, Stephen. Skrulls are hiding amongst us, they’ve taken over world governments, they’ve taken over celebrities.

But we've read this story before.

I liked the issue, anytime comics pull real world situations into the story i get really excited. It wasn't as exciting as other issues, but i loved the ending. It helped reinforce the dire state of America in the book. I also really liked how they explained why the new Cap carries a gun (which was my biggest concern when i saw the new outfit)Yeah, didn't mean to sound lik I dislike the route they went. I think it works great. The idea I mentioned was just how things went in my head.

[ConorKilpatrick]

There's a tanscript of it here (www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/007524546.cfm). There was big part of it where he sounded like he was talking to, and for, nine year olds. Specifically here:.

That doesn't seem so bad. I haven't watched The Colbert Report in over a year but isn't the idea that Colbert's character is dumb? It sounds like he's dumbing it down for Colbert.

I dunno, I didn't see it - just going off the transcript.

[esophagus]

That doesn't seem so bad. I haven't watched The Colbert Report in over a year but isn't the idea that Colbert's character is dumb? It sounds like he's dumbing it down for Colbert.

I dunno, I didn't see it - just going off the transcript.I don't know. Most of it was definitely just him having fun with Colbert, but the Skrull bit just seemed cheesy. "There's these nasty aliens Steve, and they're attacking all of the superheroes". He just had this tone, and the way he worded it, well, it very well could have been just for Colbert but it made me ashamed to be the guy in the room reading the story.

[Dave Accampo]

I watched the Colbert segment. They have a link up on Newsarama somewhere, I think...

Anyway, I thought it was funny. It wasn't bad. First of all, all that dialogue was a set up for a joke where they morph the skrulls into various presidential candidates.

Then they launch into a thing about how Colbert is still in the running as a presidential candidate in the Marvel universe. It was pretty funny.

And lastly -- I dont' think Joe Q. SHOULD go anywhere and be all super-serious about a Skrull invasion. It's still a fun, fantasy universe. Taking it too seriously would do more harm to comics' image than they way Joe came off in this interview, which was just "fun."

[Six Gun]

I don't know. Most of it was definitely just him having fun with Colbert, but the Skrull bit just seemed cheesy. "There's these nasty aliens Steve, and they're attacking all of the superheroes". He just had this tone, and the way he worded it, well, it very well could have been just for Colbert but it made me ashamed to be the guy in the room reading the story.

You sir are crazy ;) this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=CI4FGoZB9Dc)was just a fantastic interview.

[esophagus]

You sir are crazy ;) this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=CI4FGoZB9Dc)was just a fantastic interview.
I definitely loved the Steve being Cap bit. Very funny.

[Six Gun]

I definitely loved the Steve being Cap bit. Very funny.

the Obama/McCain skrull thing had me cracking up

[esophagus]

the Obama/McCain skrull thing had me cracking up
"I've got a good campaign slogan for that."
"Lets hear it"
"Colbert Smash"
"It writes itself!"
"It better, I don't have any writers"
"I noticed"

[Six Gun]

"I've got a good campaign slogan for that."
"Lets hear it"
"Colbert Smash"
"It writes itself!"
"It better, I don't have any writers"
"I noticed"

I loved that part too, Quesada comes off as a great ambassador for comics there

[paper]

You have to have a bit of a sense of humor about being a comic reader, Eso. Embrace the nerdiness. You can still enjoy this stuff while still acknowledging that a lot of people just don't get it. Who cares? We're used to Skrulls and we can easily identify with them as icons in an allegory. As storytelling tools. But out of context a Skrull is gonna look and sound pretty silly.

[Labor_Days]

the Obama/McCain skrull thing had me cracking up

That was hilarious. :D

I don't know. Most of it was definitely just him having fun with Colbert, but the Skrull bit just seemed cheesy. "There's these nasty aliens Steve, and they're attacking all of the superheroes". He just had this tone, and the way he worded it, well, it very well could have been just for Colbert but it made me ashamed to be the guy in the room reading the story.

I didn't get this impression at all when I first saw it. Not at all.

Actually, as down as I been on Secret Invasion- the light-hearted way Quesada framed it sounded both cool and fun as a concept.

"They're in the government and Hollywood.", that's not embarrassing. That's the entire concept in a sentence.

Of course, its going to sound slightly goofy out of context. But what is Quesada supposed to do? He had fun with it while promoting the event.

A lot more things to be ashamed of w/r/t comics than that.

[esophagus]

You have to have a bit of a sense of humor about being a comic reader, Eso. Embrace the nerdiness. You can still enjoy this stuff while still acknowledging that a lot of people just don't get it. Who cares? We're used to Skrulls and we can easily identify with them as icons in an allegory. As storytelling tools. But out of context a Skrull is gonna look and sound pretty silly.I don't care. I do see the humor in it. I'm really not trying to be down on it. There's really no good way to say there's aliens invading hollywood, and the superheroes need to save the day.

[iSteve]

CAPTAIN AMERICA IS STILL...DEAD?: ED BRUBAKER TALKS CAP #34 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=145294)

You may not have noticed it, but another issue of Captain America came out this week. #34, to be specific.

So in this issue, we finally see what writer Ed Brubaker has been building towards since Steve Rogers was killed in Captain America #25 - a new person in the Captain America uniform. Well, in “a” Captain America uniform.

As everybody but those living under rocks now know (and nothing against those who choose to live under rocks – we hear that you can find some great bargains under rocks, as long as they stay dry), James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes, the original Captain America’s one-time partner (who was recovered by the Soviets after being given up for dead, brainwashed and turned into the uber Cold War assassin known as the Winter Soldier, but he got better) has taken up his mentor’s costume and is now the official “Captain America.”

Oh, and he carries a gun and a knife, along with the shield. His costume was designed by Alex Ross with Brubaker and series artist Steve Epting contributing.

As we’ve done since Cap died, we caught up with Brubaker to talk about the issue. One note – given Brubaker’s crushing press schedule this week, his answers are a little shorter than previous installments.

Newsarama: Ed, let's start at the beginning here - we see Red Skull's plan starting to gain real footing, resulting in well...what we see here, with record oil prices and a mortgage crunch. More than a few people reading the issue were struck by how this fit in with the real world's current situation, so how long ago did you decide that this two pronged attack (at the start) was going to be Skull's plan?

Ed Brubaker: It was actually Lukin's plan, originally, and when he and the Skull made peace, they merged their diabolical plots together. The Skull's first part began at the end of the issue.

But I've been laying the groundwork for this since the very early issues of the book. It's just a bit of perfect timing that the issue came out on the heels of so much financial bad news the past few weeks. But anyone reading the news or paying attention could see bad times coming in the housing market, the way it was bubbling, and oil prices have basically doubled in the last five years. But the idea behind Lukin and his corporation being the bad guys was sort of inspired by all the energy scandals I lived through in California, and the Enron stuff that went on. I've been playing the Kronas corp. this way since issue #9, I think, actually, and they purchased Roxxon Oil around that same time.......

http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/CapAmerica/34/Cap35.jpg

[Six Gun]

This may be may favorite single issue of a comic book ever. I mean this whole thing with Lukin and the Red Skull is a better idea for an event that Secret Invasion IMO and yet it's going to stay nice and perfect in one series. I mena my gosh this was just amazing, I got the same vibe reading this that I got from the best seasons of 24 (day 4)

[Tad]

I know you're just expressing your manlove for Brubaker's story but that's what comics should be. Great stories and art. The fact that he laid and developed the groundwork for his story so meticulously shows him for the master he is. It'll be interesting to see if he finishes the story, tying all things up like a novel, or will he be weaving in threads of the next story. Maybe he already is?

But you're selling the idea of Secret Invasion short. Bendis has been laying the groundwork for that story too. And I feel it's the perfect event in that it doesn't make sense to keep it in one book. Imagine if you were at a protest of a world economic conference. Things get agitated and a riot breaks out. You duck in a doorway for protection and see a cop get it with a bottle, for a brief second he turns Skrullish, then back to human and continues bashing protesters with his club. Then you see the guy with the megaphone, goading people on and in a flicker of firelight...Skrull! Imagine being called to the Dean's office, branded a trouble maker. You're a good kid, it doesn't make sense. Then one of your parents shows up and takes the Dean's position without listening to your side. A siren goes by outside, they wince and turn greenish with weird skin. What if you suspected a Senator, or a President?

Paranoia leads to great stories. "Which side are you on" is nothing compared to "Who can you trust?" How do you form a resistance if you have no way of testing for alien origins?

Watch "Invasion of the BodySnatchers," John Carpenter's "The Thing," the original "Invaders from Mars" or that movie with Rowdy Rodney Piper about alien infiltration. Skrulls could lead to a GREAT event IF they make it story driven and give us an ending.

[Six Gun]

I know you're just expressing your manlove for Brubaker's story but that's what comics should be. Great stories and art. The fact that he laid and developed the groundwork for his story so meticulously shows him for the master he is. It'll be interesting to see if he finishes the story, tying all things up like a novel, or will he be weaving in threads of the next story. Maybe he already is?


A few things.

I do like this plot better but I wouldn't want it being diluted by being made a big event. I also am really excited for Secret Invasion, but not as much as for the next year of Cap comics.


I don't think that there is a next story in the near future, at least not for a year or so. This seems to be the big pay-off and I'm getting chills just thinking about it.

[Mikegraham6]

This may be may favorite single issue of a comic book ever. I mean this whole thing with Lukin and the Red Skull is a better idea for an event that Secret Invasion IMO and yet it's going to stay nice and perfect in one series. I mena my gosh this was just amazing, I got the same vibe reading this that I got from the best seasons of 24 (day 4)

after some thought, six, you know what? i totally agree with you. I like my books more grounded in reality.

(that's not to say Secret Invasion is a bad idea though, im loving it too)

[Six Gun]

I just re-read the issue and I have a few more thoughts.

Ever since Brubaker started he's been setting it up to here Bucky's role in WWII was to go behind the lines and accomplish more stratagem-oriented missions while Cap would take on the bigger, more tactical threats. Now Bucky's being thrown into a situation where he's having to act tactically and not strategically and I really like that.

My gosh if the Hydra/AIM/RAID terrorist combination isn't really terrifying, most definitely a more realistic, modern take on what seems to have made COBRA so thrilling an enemy in GI-JOE (I'm not a child of the 80's so I could be off base here.)

I freaking love this Tony Stark. Sorry Josh, but I'd take him in this role over the billionaire playboy any day.

And for those of you curious, it appears that Bucky's hand gun is made up. I've dug out some reference books to double-check though so stay tune.

[Mikegraham6]

And for those of you curious, it appears that Bucky's hand gun is made up. I've dug out some reference books to double-check though so stay tune.

im not following you. Of course it's made up, he's a fictional character

[esophagus]

And for those of you curious, it appears that Bucky's hand gun is made up. I've dug out some reference books to double-check though so stay tune.This is because he would look silly carrying the rifle (http://captain-america.us/comicbookwallpaper.htm) he generally toted.

[Six Gun]

OK, onto the gun. As far as I can tell, it bears the greatest resemblance to the STAR F-Sport used by Olympic marksmen. However it can't be that because it uses a .22 round that would be insufficient for Bucky's needs (however it would have torn up those guys knees.) My theory is that it's a gun designed to utilize the superior accuracy that the STAR frame offers but with a higher caliber cartridge.

For your consideration:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/Sn4ke22/buckgun.jpg

[Six Gun]

im not following you. Of course it's made up, he's a fictional character

every other small arm in the book has been real

[esophagus]

OK, onto the gun. As far as I can tell, it bears the greatest resemblance to the STAR F-Sport used by Olympic marksmen. However it can't be that because it uses a .22 round that would be insufficient for Bucky's needs (however it would have torn up those guys knees.) My theory is that it's a gun designed to utilize the superior accuracy that the STAR frame offers but with a higher caliber cartridge.
Ooooh, I thought you meant like not out of past books. I'm guessing the gun is fictional. Just to make it that much more trademark. That way no one says "Oh, that's a .22 so-and-so". Instead they say "That's the gun Bucky uses".

[Six Gun]

Ooooh, I thought you meant like not out of past books. I'm guessing the gun is fictional. Just to make it that much more trademark. That way no one says "Oh, that's a .22 so-and-so". Instead they say "That's the gun Bucky uses".

I'd agree except he's been using real guns since issue #1

[esophagus]

I'd agree except he's been using real guns since issue #1I know. The fact he's been using them since issue one wasn't a big deal though. Now it's a fairly big part of his being the new Cap.

We should also take into consideration, that the new Cap suit is entirely an Alex Ross design, whereas old Bucky wasn't.

[AstoriaJammer]

You're playing it awful safe, Brubaker.

;)
Safe? How is it safe to kill off your money character? When you know that this issue has been writen for months you know that this is just brilliant writing. Couldn't believe that I would love a new captian america after one issue but... This was pretty good.

[JAFlanagan]

I like this Tony Stark. I've been saying so for months.

[esophagus]

I hate Tony Stark, so I can't wait to catch up to the point of a good Stark being introduced.

[Ryan79]

After reading #34, I realized that I really didn't miss Steve Rogers nearly as much as I thought I would. Honestly, I'm in no hurry to see him back, as long as this storyline continues to be as great as it has been. I guess on that level, the new Cap is a success.

[Six Gun]

I like this Tony Stark. I've been saying so for months.

I guess I didn't explain myself well :) you've liked Stark in this book but have otherwise disagreed with how he's been handled. What I meant to say is that it's worth having a crappy Iron Man in other books as long as it makes the Iron Man in this book possible

[Six Gun]

I hate Tony Stark, so I can't wait to catch up to the point of a good Stark being introduced.

Have you gotten to issue 12 yet? Stark is very well written towards the end of the second arc but he's a bit of a dick then, but you feel sorry for him.

[JAFlanagan]

Tony should be a sympathetic character. He's deciding to stick to his decision, which he believes is right, and it's costing him dearly. For example, Steve Rogers was probably one of the only people he dealt with on a regular basis who was worthy of his respect, and now he's gone, and it seems that Tony had an indirect hand it in. Tony never did anything wrong to anyone except in trying to do the right thing overall. He wasn't motivated by greed or selfishness. He was really just trying to help. Perhaps there's some hubris in his ego to think he could do that, but it was selfless.

[Six Gun]

Tony should be a sympathetic character. He's deciding to stick to his decision, which he believes is right, and it's costing him dearly. For example, Steve Rogers was probably one of the only people he dealt with on a regular basis who was worthy of his respect, and now he's gone, and it seems that Tony had an indirect hand it in. Tony never did anything wrong to anyone except in trying to do the right thing overall. He wasn't motivated by greed or selfishness. He was really just trying to help. Perhaps there's some hubris in his ego to think he could do that, but it was selfless.

I agree completely

[kahunablair]

Isn't there a saying about some road being paved with Good intentions?
Just because a character wants to do "the right thing" doesn't mean its a good thing.
That is one of my favorite parts of Magneto, he truly believes he's doing what is right.

The fact that Brubaker is doing such a great job of showing this side of Stark, makes me wish I jumped on the Cap bandwagon Pre-Death.

[esophagus]

Have you gotten to issue 12 yet? Stark is very well written towards the end of the second arc but he's a bit of a dick then, but you feel sorry for him.Yeah, I'm on, I think, issue 18. I just thought of that more as an Iron Man appearance. Didn't hear much from the Stark end of things. If that makes sense.

[Mikegraham6]

Tony should be a sympathetic character. He's deciding to stick to his decision, which he believes is right, and it's costing him dearly. For example, Steve Rogers was probably one of the only people he dealt with on a regular basis who was worthy of his respect, and now he's gone, and it seems that Tony had an indirect hand it in. Tony never did anything wrong to anyone except in trying to do the right thing overall. He wasn't motivated by greed or selfishness. He was really just trying to help. Perhaps there's some hubris in his ego to think he could do that, but it was selfless.

i actually felt really bad for the dude when Hawkeye told him off in this week's Mighty Avengers. it was pretty cold-blooded. It's taken awhile but i've finally come around to the Iron Man camp

[JasonTodd]

Tony should be a sympathetic character. He's deciding to stick to his decision, which he believes is right, and it's costing him dearly. For example, Steve Rogers was probably one of the only people he dealt with on a regular basis who was worthy of his respect, and now he's gone, and it seems that Tony had an indirect hand it in. Tony never did anything wrong to anyone except in trying to do the right thing overall. He wasn't motivated by greed or selfishness. He was really just trying to help. Perhaps there's some hubris in his ego to think he could do that, but it was selfless.

That's one of the best quotes that I've heard about Iron Man's position. I think that he's really trying hard to make a responsible decision. People have been too quick to write him off as a "dick".

[Jon_Samuelson]

Isn't there a saying about some road being paved with Good intentions?

Maybe I'm being completely obtuse about your subtlety, but it's "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." I've never been good with subtlety though.