Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Vol. 2: The Invader

Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty (2022)

by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Carmen Carnero (Artist)

Some shadows reach farther than even the world's best spies can predict! Power. Money. Machinery. Love. Revolution. The 20th century progressed at a more rapid pace than any other in history, but not without help from the shadows. Prepare to discover the secrets of the Outer Circle - and what their next play means for the future of the Winter Soldier! As Steve Rogers receives intel on the Circle's next move, Sharon Carter returns to help Captain America assemble a team for a new mission. But when Cap's allies find themselves scattered across the country with no recollection of how they got there, he must call in a favor from the one person he knows can mutant telepath Emma Frost! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA & THE WINTER SOLDIER SPECIAL and CAPTAIN SENTINEL OF LIBERTY (2022) #7-11.

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Comic Book, Science Fiction, 21st Century

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The Outer Circle is still at it and Bucky is still with them. Curious how his story plays out at the end of all this. Cap and his team are on the job to stop them but M.O.D.O.C ( yes, there is a C instead of a K for a reason ) has showed up to slow them down as A.I.M. has walled Manhattan off with some kind of force field. In the end, Cap and his team may have won this battle, but there were some things that took place near the end that let’s you know this is far from over. We shall see how this all shakes out in the final book. Meanwhile, Carmen Carnero is still kicking ass on art duty.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good for what it is, i.e. a murky conspiracy revealed that just gives Cap and Co. license to have a big punch up against evildoers in Midtown Manhattan.


Nice to see a cameo taking a time out from all the Kraziness of Krakoa.

Will Bucky's apparent heel turn stick? Colour me...dubious.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very good book. There is a lot going on in this series, and this book does tie up a lot of things from the first book. There is definitely a lot more to this series.

Since the betrayal of the last book. Steve Rogers is battered and broken. Though he might heal quickly physically mentally/emotionally, he is badly damaged. Now it is time to call some old friends. Also, Bucky is learning the rules of the game, and being on the inside might be worse than being on the outside.

Just when I think I have this series figured out, it keeps surprising me. It is a very good story with lots of action and great artwork that fits the story perfectly. Every chapter finishes with thumbnail variant covers.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as the first volume but still a lot of fun. I love the voice Jackson Lanzing has for Steve and just the overall dialogue is top notch. Art is solid throughout, some really great fight scenes, but this one goes grand and big a bit too much losing the flavor we had from volume 1 and more superish instead of spy thriller.

a 3.5 out of 5.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now that the big mystery of "what is the Outer Circle" has been resolved, some of the air has been taken out of this side of the Captain America storytelling. Bucky's a bad guy, Cap's in distress, but at least his relationship with Sharon is going strong!

Cap gathers some friendly faces to help him figure out the Outer Circle, but before they can even get started, they're kidnapped by MODOC(K) and The Power (from the Circle), which leads to a classic Big NYC Battle. MODOK's role is less silly than usual (appreciated), but leads to a number of dream sequences and one character pulling himself out of a psychic trap through sheer dull willpower. Then he dies at MODOK's hand - bye, Destroyer! We hardly knew ye.

Still, the art's great and the storytelling is pretty crisp. The conspiracy-building special issue reminded me fondly of East of West, so at least the volume started strong for me.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
Continuing where the last Volume left off, we see the Outer Circle now including Bucky, taking the place of The Revolution. The politics in this Volume are slightly confusing but the entire thing boils down to 3 points:
1) Cap and team are able to fight through much, including MODOC (for Control) playing in their minds.
2) Bucky seems to have an agenda all his own, which I am assuming is the main focus of the next story "Cold War", which might put him and Cap at odds for a long time.
3) Two emotional moments: 1) When MODOC becomes MODOK and kills Destroyer (previously Dyna-Might) and 2) When Ian comes home and Steve is reunited with his son.

Overall, not a bad Volume, but really just a lot of setup for the next Volume crossover.
Recommend.

[fer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nao gostei muito desse segundo volume. Acho que vou terminar de ler essa serie pq so falta duas issues mas nao estou gostando da historia. Talvez eu goste mais de historias mais contidas, essa aqui tem me incomodado muito por mudar muitos elementos dos personagens. Esse role da conspiraçao do simbolo do capitao america achei pessimo. E do Bucky ter sido escolhido pelo Outer circle desde pequeno tambem nao gostei. Senti que altera demais o cerne dos personagens. Gosto bastante da arte e do design dos personagens mas a historia em si nao muito. E grande parte da historia tem o MODOK como vilao e eu simplesmente nao consigo levar esse personagem a serie por causa do design ESCROTO que ele tem de corpinho e cabecao, SIMPLESMENTE NAO DA

POREM saldo stucky do quadrinho:
- Steve com a Sharon mo climinha romantico no telhado olhando as estrelas e pensando em QUEM? Isso mesmo NO BUCKY

- Bucky sendo do mal e tendo escolhas bem questionaveis mAS LEVOU A ALPINE JUNTO entao ta de boas

- Steve indo no apartamento do Bucky chorar pq o Bucky deixou ele

- Nao é Stucky mas fiquei MDS?? -> Steve chamando a Emma frost DE MOMMY, DO ABSOLUTO NADA UM MOMMY KINK

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, great depiction of Steve's personality--his determination, his loyalty to his friends, especially. For once, I even like the depiction of his relationship with Sharon, because this version of Sharon can be nice and she demonstrates actual affection for him. The variety of characters in the team-up aspect is good, although I think it's a little awkward to have both Peggy and Sharon around. I'm sad about what happens to Roger Aubrey; he's a very cool guy. But, again, the conspiracy plot is still nuts and got even nuttier with the involvement of M.O.D.O.K. the absurd.

[tammy (eskel's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

august can't come soon enough. IF I DON'T GET A HAPPY STEVEBUCKY ENDING i will finish what post-endgame me was too afraid to do molotov cocktail marvel hq. also pls release the kindle edition, i read these all online (living the pirating life) and i feel like a liar claiming to have read the paperback edition

[RubiGiráldez RubiGiráldez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tras descubrir a este Conclilio Secreto estrechamente ligado a la génesis del Capitán América, toca avanzar en este perverso juego de control global. Y desde luego el movimiento enemigo es totalmente destructivo con una toma hostil por parte de I.M.A. de la ciudad de Nueva York que hace necesario que Steve llame a sus más confiables aliados para retomar una formación heroíca de sus primeros días como Centinela de la Libertad entre los campos de batalla de la 2º Guerra Mundial. Esto es más que necesario cuando entre las amenazas se descubre una nueva encarnación de un enemigo clásico con unas habiliades psíquicas que hasta parecen "pausar" a estos héroes para que el avance invasor de I.M.A. se frague mejor.

THE INVADER es un arco argumental que apuesta fuerte en su componente adrenalítico de batallas terrenales y/o mentales. Lo cual sí que sigue propiciando un tono energético a la etapa que anima a la lectura. Pero también resta cierto impacto y eficencia a mucho de lo trabajado por Lanzing y Kelly en el arco de presentación. Y eso que hasta se fuerza la implicación en la resistencia de Steve ante I.M.A. de sus compañeros de clase de arte. Pero esto también queda maniqueista a que todo se sienta como un sonoro trámite a un climax más arriesgado en todo este asunto del Círculo de Poderes en el que, recordemos, que Bucky se ha integrado en calidad de líder de una de estas fuerzas de control geopolítico. En un neblinoso punto moral donde no ver tan claramente la línea que separa a Bucky de su rol más frío y analítico de Soldado de Invierno.

Sentinel of Liberty sigue siendo una propuesta la mar de agradecida para el personaje de Capitán América.

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly good read and I have to say both Cap books are firing atm and this run maybe the best Steve run in over a decade and I love the build up here.

First being the story of how the Outer circle came into power and then the story of Bucky and his motives for joining it which was awesome and then showing MODOC coming and his plans for NY, so Cap puts together a new Invaders team which was awesome and I love the composition of the team and the trials and tribulations they have to go through, the mental battles here, the fun cameo of a X-Men which I love and finally the twists with it and it being more of a psychological battle therein, the epic moment that Roger "Destroyer" Aubrey got was excellent and the emotional climax of the book and then the epic battles and status quo!

This book actually feels like taking familiar ideas and history of Steve and pushing him forward in an organic way and I love the use of new supporting cast that grounds the book and actual stakes here and such an emotional climax which has been done before but using new ideas to refreshen it and also make the battle more personal with what the shield represents and so you know it has all these things working for it. Steve is front and center of so many problems which as a reader fascinates you and wanna continue reading the series forever!

So yeah epic volume with great twists and turns and 100% a recommendation from me!

Also I love the last 2 pages, it sort of sets the cold war crossover to come but also gives a massive stats quo change finally!

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite Captain America story.

I really liked the very start of this run. First of all, it’s a bummer Marvel rarely lets any book not starring Spider-Man or Deadpool run for more than 12 issues these days. It makes it hard for writers to get a good handle on the characters before saying goodbye to them.

I liked Kelly and Lanzing’s take on Steve. I especially loved the idea of him living in a small apartment going to community college. I really enjoy when writers make a point of saying Steve’s constantly trying to understand the world he lives in now. Sharon’s writing was a bit odd to me and I will never understand Marvel pushing to bring back Peggy Carter. I hate most MCU changes coming into the comics and that’s one of the choices I hate the most, to be honest. Beyond it being unnecessary, the characterization felt odd.

The storyline itself is convoluted. Every Cap story that takes a villain and says they’ve been pulling the strings all this time is annoying when it keeps happening so often and just eventually gets reconned out. This one made the least amount of sense to me, but I’m sure it worked for someone. Honestly, I think marvel just told them to find a reason for Steve and Bucky to fight and for all these random people to come together. It was nice seeing Aaron again, though.

Captain America #0 and the first 2 issues of this run are recommends from this Cap fan, though.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Century Game is in full swing, and when the latest player targets New York and takes everyone off the board, it's up to Cap to recruit a whole new set of Invaders, even as Bucky makes more shadowy moves in the background.

The plot here is a little circular in that Cap and his friends keep banging their heads against brick walls, but Lanzing and Kelly keep things fresh each time by having new approaches to old problems, and even bringing in some surprising guest stars (Emma Frost should be in everything, honestly). The villain of the piece feels terrifying, so his ultimate downfall is delicious to see, and there are even some unexpected emotional gut punches along the way as well as things wind down.

Also included is the Cap & Winter Soldier one-shot special, which gives some added background into the Century Game and how it's affected Cap and Bucky even without them realising it.

On art we have Carmen Carnero still, who continues an unbroken run from issue #1 to excellent effect, while Kev Walker grabs the special. He's a little grittier than Carnero, and a little blockier, but I've always enjoyed his style.

I've said it once and I'll say it again, but I really think this era of Captain America stands up against the greatness of Ed Brubaker. It's just a shame that it's ending so soon.

[Alex Sarll]

On the cover, a typically well-chosen Marvel blurb hollers that this is "Poised to be one of the great Captain America runs" when, after this, it only has another half-volume to go. And even in the meantime, it's built largely of fan-favourite lines from the films, and other familiar components - conspiracy, betrayal, Manhattan seized by yet another secret society. Also, having a British character reminisce about "maple candies in the fall" feels like an attempt at the record for most misplaced Americanisms in the fewest words. Somewhere in there I could just about make out the trace of a story reminiscent of Lanzing and Kelly's brilliant Kang miniseries, Bucky likewise trapping himself within a pattern he's convinced he can change, just like secretly still alive Gavrilo Princip before him, and likely with as much success, but it's barely visible and I'll be amazed if it gets wrapped up in a remotely satisfactory manner. Ah well, there were still a couple of lovely details, like how Cap gets in touch with Emma Frost, and one unwitting dialogue steal from a non-MCU film: "I'm just Steve."

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do we even begin with the praise for this book?

There were two paths. Light and dark...
Steve still fights for/in the light and Bucky uses the dark as his weapon. This collection is all about Captain America fighting back with all the tools he has at his disposal. He's calling in (what could be) all of his favors. He's formed (after some encouragement from Peggy and Sharon) a new team of Invaders.

The Outer Circle conspiracy cannot hold.
Or can it?

The pacing on this run is phenomenal. This is more than just your typical action/espionage book. Heck, this is more than your usual 'Cap punches Nazis' typical Captain America book. It's just aces all the way around. Highly recommended. I can't wait for the Cold War conclusion.
-----
Bonus: M.O.D.O.C. ? How many iterations of that are there now? Might be the best one...
Bonus Bonus: Captains Network gets a cameo! Underused and still amazing...

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid cap adventures, it's just missing.... something I can't quite place. Carnaro once again is killing it on consistent art, and the color work on issue 8 during the mind scan sequence was beautiful. Love a Emma Frost cameo.
In terms of actual plot, I have issues with it. The murky conspiracy of it all needs more definition, even with the Winter Soldier one shot. I felt like Lanzing and Kelly are doing a Hickman impression with the shadow cabal playing games, and not as effective. There's just something off, especially with the AIM takeover and everyone's place in it. Something is off on the pacing. Solid story, there's just something bugging me that would make this better. Onto Cold War.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This whole conspiracy thing is too complicated. It's just a conspiracy to be a conspiracy without really making sense other than the rich getting richer I guess. It's really just a game for the idle rich. Anyway, Bucky has went over to the other side to try and bring them down from the inside. MODOK captures Manhattan. Cap and his team have to get it back. For whatever reason, the other New York heroes aren't around even when they are almost solely in New York. It all amounts to a big punch up more than anything else. Carmen Carnero's art is good, the story is meh.

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta be honest, I find the concept of the Outer Circle and their game to be kind of silly. Fortunately, I do like the way its used here. Bucky's journey into the shadows is compelling and a step that squares with the character as I know him, as does Steve's inability to accept it. MODOC is also kind of silly, but the use is creepy and effective, and it allows Lanzing to bring in Emma Frost, a character I love in fiction but would loathe in real life. Very interested to see where this is going.

[Fraser Sherman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Suffers from the same weakness as V1, assuring us that the Outer Circle manipulates and controls everything but lacking in examples. Plus we get two issues of Cap and his team struggling in a pretentious surreal mindscape which is one of my least favorite comics tropes. Plus the shift into a Big Crossover Event, Cold War (not included here, but I read it on the Marvel app) guts what little momentum the plotline had.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad, but I just can't get into the storyline of some cabal controlling the world for years that we're just now finding out about. And Bucky was a part of it? So they were controlling him when the Russians were supposedly controlling him? Nah, that doesn't work for me. And I'm also a little tired of Bucky switching sides. That story seems played out at this point.

If you put those issues aside, it is a compelling read, but it's hard to get over those points.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very ambitious story, that may not make a whole lot of sense (I mean, Hydra and everything else that's ever happened to Cap is all subordinate to an even larger conspiracy?), but I'm enjoying it and the artwork is strong. Lots of big, two-page action scenes with only the dialogue to direct us through (some might hate these, but they work for me).

[Sarospice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve Rogers is tired and his whole symbolism has been a lie. A secret organization created his shield design as a warning and we're just now figuring out what it means. Winter Soldier goes rogue to take down the organization while Cap creates his own New Invaders. It's all fun and game then the gay one dies. Sure, they give him some noble moments, but the gay one still dies....

[Emmett Spain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big conspiracies abound, giving Cap a chance to punch stuff and beat up the latest incarnation of MODOK, who never gets any cooler or more interesting with time, despite Marvel trotting him out against Red Hulk, Cap, and whoever else needs a villain with a giant head to smack about. Hopefully this will pay off in the upcoming Cold War crossover.

[Aaron Kleinheksel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Just a few too many drastic narrative leaps, even for a comic book. How is Roger Aubrey (WW2-vintage Destroyer) back in prime physical shape at 90 beating up AIM personnel? I still like the storyline overall, it just needed to be cleaned up. Art is good, bringing back the Invaders was cool.

[Powerman61 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty vol 2

Although this issue of Captain America came out a few years ago. I enjoyed the read and it's always better late than never. The storyline and artwork was great.
The interaction of the characters
was outstanding.
Looking forward to diving into
Captain America's next adventure.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly this was nowhere near as good as the first volume. It's missing the character exploration that I loved in the first one. This felt like six issues of exposition and terribly silly villainous plots. Not even Carmen Carnero's gorgeous artwork could save it.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not enough Bucky and certainly not enough Sam.
Lol, I'm only kidding (kinda) but I definitely enjoyed the first volume more. Lots of odd stuff happened in this one, and that last page!! Where did that come from? Clearly I'm missing some information, but I already knew that.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Captain America is always one of my favourite characters. Nobody makes a speech whilst fighting like him. At time in this I felt there were story points I should know but don’t. Maybe it was an event crossover I missed. Or maybe I just sent paying enough attention.

[Luke Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My mind's been sharpening against the whetstone of fascism for nearly a century." - The Destroyer

[Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8/5 stars.
One point better than the last because it had MODOK in it, and I love MODOK.