DMC Presents: 75th Anniversary Issue Touts A Trio of Caps

2016 year is a big year for Captain America. Not only is he squaring off against Iron Man and his fellow Avengers on the big screen in Captain America: Civil War but he also reaches a major milestone — 75 years since he first burst onto the scene by punching Hitler in the jaw! So with two big events it makes sense that Marvel would celebrate with an oversized issue of Captain America!

These days Steve Rogers’ partner Sam Wilson carries the name Captain America and in the lead story he teams up with Bucky Barnes — the last man to fill in for Rogers — to handle the riots in Pleasant Hill. Pleasant Hill is a unique prison for supervillains. S.H.I.E.L.D. director Maria Hill has used a piece of the Cosmic Cube to rewrite the personality and appearance of her captives making them more peaceful everyday people in an idyllic little town. Baron Zemo figured out the farce and has helped free his fellow inmates causing the riot. While Sam and Bucky fight their way through town Steve Rogers has to help Maria Hill who has been injured in the breakout. It’s no easy task as he’s lost his super soldier serum and has reverted to his true age.

I enjoyed the main story as it tied together the history between the three Captains all while moving the Avengers Standoff crossover along without feeling forced. The story is written by Nick Spencer who has been writing Captain America since the relaunch. He has given Sam Wilson a unique angle making him a different Captain America. Spencer will also be writing the upcoming Steve Rogers: Captain America title. I’m glad Marvel has chosen to stick with two  Captain Americas rather than having Steve Rogers come back and Sam going back to being the Falcon. Art for the story is by the amazing Daniel Acuna.

In addition to the main story there are backup stories by John Cassaday and some guy named Joss Whedon who tell a nice story about the importance of Cap’s shield. There’s also a short story written and illustrated by Tim Sale who just finished Captain America White. The issue wraps up with a Steve Rogers and Black Widow story by Greg Rucka and Mike Perkins.

Grab a copy this week when you get your comics and wish the Sentinel of Liberty a Happy 75th!

Chris Proulx is one of the founders and owners of Double Midnight Comics, a comic book, collectibles and gaming store with locations in Manchester and Concord, NH.