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Captain America (2004) (Collected Editions) #9
Captain America: The Man With No Face
Collects Captain America #43-48. Bucky has survived his first major trial as the new Captain America, but now a villain from his past has come to the U.S. and he'll have to face his history just as he's finding his feet in the present. Plus, can Bucky and Prince Namor team up to save the memory of an old comrade-in-arms?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,796 books3,009 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 24, 2015
Captain America status:
This one’s all Bucky/Winter Soldier, but if Ed Brubaker’s writing it, no worries. It seems that something Winter Soldier did back when he was a brainwashed assassin for the Commies is about to bite him in the ass. He was sent by the Soviets to assassinate a Chinese scientist he rescued back in World War II from the Japanese. When plot points smoosh, no?
In order to create an army of androids (Or was it a flaming virus? A killer recipe for Moo Shu Pork? I don’t remember. *sigh*) it seems the very same scientist has kidnapped the remains of World War II hero, half-man/half-synthetic Human Torch. Evil scientist enlists the help of Baltroc the Leaper (Le dolt Francais!) and the titled Man With No Face – a creepy, Chinese super soldier dude that has phasing abilities.
So aside from his girlfriend, the Black Widow, who from his past does the Winter Soldier turn to rescue his World War II buddy?
Hint: Fortune cookie message: Try the grilled tuna!
Yep! Mr. Imperious Rex, the chronically constipated Namor himself.
Happy team-up, kids!
My only regret with reading Brubaker’s outstanding run is that I couldn’t do it in order.
This one’s all Bucky/Winter Soldier, but if Ed Brubaker’s writing it, no worries. It seems that something Winter Soldier did back when he was a brainwashed assassin for the Commies is about to bite him in the ass. He was sent by the Soviets to assassinate a Chinese scientist he rescued back in World War II from the Japanese. When plot points smoosh, no?
In order to create an army of androids (Or was it a flaming virus? A killer recipe for Moo Shu Pork? I don’t remember. *sigh*) it seems the very same scientist has kidnapped the remains of World War II hero, half-man/half-synthetic Human Torch. Evil scientist enlists the help of Baltroc the Leaper (Le dolt Francais!) and the titled Man With No Face – a creepy, Chinese super soldier dude that has phasing abilities.
So aside from his girlfriend, the Black Widow, who from his past does the Winter Soldier turn to rescue his World War II buddy?
Hint: Fortune cookie message: Try the grilled tuna!
Yep! Mr. Imperious Rex, the chronically constipated Namor himself.
Happy team-up, kids!
My only regret with reading Brubaker’s outstanding run is that I couldn’t do it in order.
May 3, 2016
The Man with No Face is set post-Civil War/Death of Captain America and Bucky Barnes, the former Winter Soldier, is now (temporarily) Captain America. And a pretty crap one too - Sucky Barnes is the new (at the time) Craptain America!
Turning Cap’s old, presumed-dead sidekick Bucky into the Winter Soldier was the best thing Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting did during their time at Marvel. But, besides the original Winter Soldier arc, I’ve never been much of a fan of the character and putting him in Cap’s outfit was just not a good idea.
In this arc, Bucky is haunted by the memory of a Chinese scientist, Zhang Chin, whom he rescued first as Bucky of the Invaders during WW2, then tried to assassinate when he was the brainwashed Soviet assassin the Winter Soldier, and is now butting heads with as the new Cap.
As confusing as all that sounds, Brubaker does a decent job juggling the different eras; the story just isn’t very memorable or that exciting to read and overall it’s completely disposable. I guess it’s cool when Cap and Batroc are fighting atop a moving truck (tres Matrix: Reloaded) but otherwise there aren’t many scenes that stand out.
Bucky as the protagonist meanwhile becomes tiresome quite quickly. He’s uncomfortable being Cap, he doesn’t know how to be a hero or live up to the uniform - fine and understandable, but he goes on and on about it. Similarly, he’s ashamed of his past as a villain and he goes on and on about that. Nothing less irritating than following a whiny, insecure main character as they whine about their insecurity!
The other characters are pretty weak too. The main villain plays the archetypical mad scientist, the titular character’s shadowy design looks very similar to the Golden Age character, The Shadow, and Black Widow is mostly relegated to the role of doting girlfriend to Bucky.
Though Steve Epting only draws the one issue, Luke Ross and Butch Guice produce some excellent fill-in issues and it helps that their styles are very similar to produce a consistent look throughout.
Ultimately Brubaker was testing out his new character in a variety of scenarios some of which worked and some didn’t; Bucky as Cap wasn’t one of them. The Man with No Face is one of the few weak spots in Brubaker’s otherwise decent run on the title.
Turning Cap’s old, presumed-dead sidekick Bucky into the Winter Soldier was the best thing Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting did during their time at Marvel. But, besides the original Winter Soldier arc, I’ve never been much of a fan of the character and putting him in Cap’s outfit was just not a good idea.
In this arc, Bucky is haunted by the memory of a Chinese scientist, Zhang Chin, whom he rescued first as Bucky of the Invaders during WW2, then tried to assassinate when he was the brainwashed Soviet assassin the Winter Soldier, and is now butting heads with as the new Cap.
As confusing as all that sounds, Brubaker does a decent job juggling the different eras; the story just isn’t very memorable or that exciting to read and overall it’s completely disposable. I guess it’s cool when Cap and Batroc are fighting atop a moving truck (tres Matrix: Reloaded) but otherwise there aren’t many scenes that stand out.
Bucky as the protagonist meanwhile becomes tiresome quite quickly. He’s uncomfortable being Cap, he doesn’t know how to be a hero or live up to the uniform - fine and understandable, but he goes on and on about it. Similarly, he’s ashamed of his past as a villain and he goes on and on about that. Nothing less irritating than following a whiny, insecure main character as they whine about their insecurity!
The other characters are pretty weak too. The main villain plays the archetypical mad scientist, the titular character’s shadowy design looks very similar to the Golden Age character, The Shadow, and Black Widow is mostly relegated to the role of doting girlfriend to Bucky.
Though Steve Epting only draws the one issue, Luke Ross and Butch Guice produce some excellent fill-in issues and it helps that their styles are very similar to produce a consistent look throughout.
Ultimately Brubaker was testing out his new character in a variety of scenarios some of which worked and some didn’t; Bucky as Cap wasn’t one of them. The Man with No Face is one of the few weak spots in Brubaker’s otherwise decent run on the title.
September 11, 2011
This story takes place when the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, was taking one of those periodic dirt naps which superheroes seem to require. James ‘Bucky’ Barnes is starting to get more comfortable as the new Cap after Steve’s death, but his complicated past comes back to bite him in the butt.
In World War II as the original Cap’s sidekick, Bucky helped save a Chinese scientist from the Japanese. As the brainwashed Soviet super killer known as the Winter Soldier, Barnes tried to kill the same man in the ‘60s. In the present, this guy has gone completely mad scientist and has an evil scheme and a mysterious protector known as The Man With No Face. With a little help from Namor and Black Widow, Barnes will have to confront his ugly past as the Winter Soldier to feel worthy of carrying on the Captain America name.
This was another solid story from Ed Brubaker, who has rapidly become one of my favorite comic writers. The way he tied Bucky’s complex past along with current incarnation into one story was well done, and I liked that he tied in some of the old World War II Invaders story as well. The death of Cap was the one stunt killing of a major character that actually paid off in some interesting stories.
In World War II as the original Cap’s sidekick, Bucky helped save a Chinese scientist from the Japanese. As the brainwashed Soviet super killer known as the Winter Soldier, Barnes tried to kill the same man in the ‘60s. In the present, this guy has gone completely mad scientist and has an evil scheme and a mysterious protector known as The Man With No Face. With a little help from Namor and Black Widow, Barnes will have to confront his ugly past as the Winter Soldier to feel worthy of carrying on the Captain America name.
This was another solid story from Ed Brubaker, who has rapidly become one of my favorite comic writers. The way he tied Bucky’s complex past along with current incarnation into one story was well done, and I liked that he tied in some of the old World War II Invaders story as well. The death of Cap was the one stunt killing of a major character that actually paid off in some interesting stories.
April 28, 2014
A solid, self-contained story. The mad scientist is a credible and intimidating threat. I liked how Brubaker brought Bucky's past into the present. He's probably one of the very few characters who could actually team up with Namor at this point, and that's cool to see. And revisiting the original Human Torch makes for an unexpected but emotionally resonant plot development. I think this is one of the few Captain America stories set during the time that Steve was dead and Bucky was Cap that didn't revolve around Steve being dead, and it was nice to see Bucky take that step forward in the part.
June 26, 2019
Finally got to the "Good" but not "great" volume for Ed Brubaker's run. I knew it had to happen eventually.
The thing is it's not bad. Bucky is basically chasing the man with no face and his scientist pal Chen. This is simple enough plot. You also have some memories from Bucky going over when he fought alongside Steve, Namor, and the original Human Torch. So Bucky is not on his mission to stop this evil scientist but when he finds out what they've been doing to a old friend, it's time to take matters even more serious.
This is fine. The plot itself is simple but works for the characters. I did love the fights, as always the art does an amazing job of showing that off. I also like Bucky...alot. I never was a huge fan of him before this, but he's so well done. Multi-layer character with tons of good character growth. I also always enjoy Namor's presence. However, there's nothing amazing about this story. It's kind of basic and nothing major really happens.
Overall though, this is still good. Even at worst it's still a 3 or maybe even a 3.5. But I can't get it to a 4 when the other volumes are better.
The thing is it's not bad. Bucky is basically chasing the man with no face and his scientist pal Chen. This is simple enough plot. You also have some memories from Bucky going over when he fought alongside Steve, Namor, and the original Human Torch. So Bucky is not on his mission to stop this evil scientist but when he finds out what they've been doing to a old friend, it's time to take matters even more serious.
This is fine. The plot itself is simple but works for the characters. I did love the fights, as always the art does an amazing job of showing that off. I also like Bucky...alot. I never was a huge fan of him before this, but he's so well done. Multi-layer character with tons of good character growth. I also always enjoy Namor's presence. However, there's nothing amazing about this story. It's kind of basic and nothing major really happens.
Overall though, this is still good. Even at worst it's still a 3 or maybe even a 3.5. But I can't get it to a 4 when the other volumes are better.
November 23, 2021
This was pretty good!
It focuses on Bucky as he is trying to solve the case of Professor Shin and the man with no face and we see their history in the 40s and early 70s and when one of his old friends is kidnapped by this Shin, its upto Bucky to team up with Nat and Namor to take down this bad guy and I love the way Brubaker writes him and shows their history and he makes it intriguing and showing the toll that it takes on Bucky and there are really cool panels of the winter soldier action and a great ending and this is the volume I feel like where Bucky finally feels comfortable being cap and its awesome and really well done with the art supporting it.
It focuses on Bucky as he is trying to solve the case of Professor Shin and the man with no face and we see their history in the 40s and early 70s and when one of his old friends is kidnapped by this Shin, its upto Bucky to team up with Nat and Namor to take down this bad guy and I love the way Brubaker writes him and shows their history and he makes it intriguing and showing the toll that it takes on Bucky and there are really cool panels of the winter soldier action and a great ending and this is the volume I feel like where Bucky finally feels comfortable being cap and its awesome and really well done with the art supporting it.
May 6, 2014
Good solid story featuring Bucky as Captain America.
It's got pretty much everything you'd want in it really.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to WWII with Namor and the original Human Torch, and I liked the present-day stuff with Natasha.
Awwww. What a cute couple!
So, back in the day Bucky helped rescue this kid from the Nazis...and then he went back to kill him when he was Winter Soldier. But something about the man triggered a few of those repressed memories, and he botched the mission.
But.
Not before he managed to kill the guy's wife.
So.
Now there's this little old man (who moonlights as a Mad Scientist) that's out to kill the new Captain America.
Any thoughts on who it is?
Good stuff.
It's got pretty much everything you'd want in it really.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to WWII with Namor and the original Human Torch, and I liked the present-day stuff with Natasha.
Awwww. What a cute couple!
So, back in the day Bucky helped rescue this kid from the Nazis...and then he went back to kill him when he was Winter Soldier. But something about the man triggered a few of those repressed memories, and he botched the mission.
But.
Not before he managed to kill the guy's wife.
So.
Now there's this little old man (who moonlights as a Mad Scientist) that's out to kill the new Captain America.
Any thoughts on who it is?
Good stuff.
January 30, 2024
Feels like a fairly stock superhero story to show off Bucky Barnes as Captain America. There's some pretty cool storytelling as we see Bucky interact with the same people in WW2, as the Winter Soldier, and in present day. Mostly forgettable and I don't think Bucky works well as Captain America.
June 30, 2019
Finally got to the "Good" but not "great" volume for Ed Brubaker's run. I knew it had to happen eventually.
The thing is it's not bad. Bucky is basically chasing the man with no face and his scientist pal Chen. This is simple enough plot. You also have some memories from Bucky going over when he fought alongside Steve, Namor, and the original Human Torch. So Bucky is not on his mission to stop this evil scientist but when he finds out what they've been doing to a old friend, it's time to take matters even more serious.
This is fine. The plot itself is simple but works for the characters. I did love the fights, as always the art does an amazing job of showing that off. I also like Bucky...alot. I never was a huge fan of him before this, but he's so well done. Multi-layer character with tons of good character growth. I also always enjoy Namor's presence. However, there's nothing amazing about this story. It's kind of basic and nothing major really happens.
Overall though, this is still good. Even at worst it's still a 3 or maybe even a 3.5. But I can't get it to a 4 when the other volumes are better.
The thing is it's not bad. Bucky is basically chasing the man with no face and his scientist pal Chen. This is simple enough plot. You also have some memories from Bucky going over when he fought alongside Steve, Namor, and the original Human Torch. So Bucky is not on his mission to stop this evil scientist but when he finds out what they've been doing to a old friend, it's time to take matters even more serious.
This is fine. The plot itself is simple but works for the characters. I did love the fights, as always the art does an amazing job of showing that off. I also like Bucky...alot. I never was a huge fan of him before this, but he's so well done. Multi-layer character with tons of good character growth. I also always enjoy Namor's presence. However, there's nothing amazing about this story. It's kind of basic and nothing major really happens.
Overall though, this is still good. Even at worst it's still a 3 or maybe even a 3.5. But I can't get it to a 4 when the other volumes are better.
February 3, 2019
Bucky faces his past and comes out for the better.
Rating: 4/5
Rating: 4/5
January 7, 2016
Another great Brubaker Captain America book. In this one, Bucky Barnes comes face to face with something from his past. A mad scientist is on the loose, and has plans to desecrate a true America Hero. Namor and Black Widow guest star as the face off against Batroc the Leaper and The Man With No Face.
This book gets docked a star only because it doesn't quite have the same sense of urgency as the previous Brubaker Cap volumes. What a dilemma for the reader to have to face! Nevertheless, it's great seeing some references to the WW2 Invaders and seeing a "loose end" from that time wrapped up.
Brubaker really has some great character moments here with all three of the heroes. Bucky has just enough self doubt and regret, the Widow is steely yet sensitive, and Namor is his usual arrogant, prickish self. Brubaker writes a better Namor than Jonathan Hickman ever did.
Next up: Road to Reborn!
This book gets docked a star only because it doesn't quite have the same sense of urgency as the previous Brubaker Cap volumes. What a dilemma for the reader to have to face! Nevertheless, it's great seeing some references to the WW2 Invaders and seeing a "loose end" from that time wrapped up.
Brubaker really has some great character moments here with all three of the heroes. Bucky has just enough self doubt and regret, the Widow is steely yet sensitive, and Namor is his usual arrogant, prickish self. Brubaker writes a better Namor than Jonathan Hickman ever did.
Next up: Road to Reborn!
May 8, 2019
A solid story that revolves entirely around Bucky (Cap is taking a dirt nap). Bucky is growing more comfortable, albeit slowly, carrying the mantle of Captain America, but his crimes as the Winter Soldier, expectedly, come back to bite him in the ass.
Brubaker does a good job bringing Bucky’s past from both WWII and the Cold War. Here we have a mad scientist that Bucky has both saved and attempted to kill on the loose and he teams up with an old WWII pal to stop him. Hey, Namor!
I like Bucky and Nat's relationship. There cute and work really well together. I smiled when he referred to her as his best friend. **cue the awes** I love seeing her uncover things as a spy and could've used more of it.
Brubaker does a good job bringing Bucky’s past from both WWII and the Cold War. Here we have a mad scientist that Bucky has both saved and attempted to kill on the loose and he teams up with an old WWII pal to stop him. Hey, Namor!
I like Bucky and Nat's relationship. There cute and work really well together. I smiled when he referred to her as his best friend. **cue the awes** I love seeing her uncover things as a spy and could've used more of it.
September 15, 2018
Im really getting into this. A new adventure a new captain, but something returns from the past to threaten the world. Good action scenes with some standard marvel art. I dont think this is Brubakers best but its still fun.
March 7, 2023
Ehhh Winterwidow was the ONLY thing that did it for me in this one. I love their relationship and I love getting to see it. 😍😍 But I wasn't too into the story.
Bucky is Captain America and he gets involved in trying to stop a Professor from his past. The story was just completely lacking for me which was disappointing considering how much I've loved every single volume in this series so far. I do like that it finally seems like Bucky is getting comfortable being Captain America though.
Obviously a personal problem and probably my hate but the bad guy is literally nicknamed Professor Pandemic and wants to release a global pandemic that would kill 20-30% of the population just to get revenge. That whole plotline just gonna be a no from me dawg.
Bucky is Captain America and he gets involved in trying to stop a Professor from his past. The story was just completely lacking for me which was disappointing considering how much I've loved every single volume in this series so far. I do like that it finally seems like Bucky is getting comfortable being Captain America though.
Obviously a personal problem and probably my hate but the bad guy is literally nicknamed Professor Pandemic and wants to release a global pandemic that would kill 20-30% of the population just to get revenge. That whole plotline just gonna be a no from me dawg.
May 19, 2025
3.5? Bucky/The Winter Soldier/The New Captain America have a showdown with an old enemy. As a young man, Bucky saved Zhang Chin. As the Winter Soldier, he attempted to assassinate him. Now, as Cap, he’s trying to stop Zhang from creating a deadly virus.
I like Bucky as Captain America. This has some fun espionage and action moments. It dives a little deeper into Captain America lore (I didn’t know any of the villains; Namor and the original Human Torch appear). That being said, I’m not sure if this volume stands out as particularly exceptional.
I like Bucky as Captain America. This has some fun espionage and action moments. It dives a little deeper into Captain America lore (I didn’t know any of the villains; Namor and the original Human Torch appear). That being said, I’m not sure if this volume stands out as particularly exceptional.
June 24, 2020
This arc wasn't as interesting as the previous ones. I think that was partly due to the fact that it was stretched out over two issues more than the story needed, to be honest.
Still, I enjoyed Bucky's internal monologue. I loved seeing his closeness with Nat. I liked Namor's appearance - it's always a treat when he shows up.
I just think the arc didn't need this many issues.
Still, I enjoyed Bucky's internal monologue. I loved seeing his closeness with Nat. I liked Namor's appearance - it's always a treat when he shows up.
I just think the arc didn't need this many issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
Felt like filler, but the art and story was still pretty good. Certainly not on the same level as what came before by Ed Brubaker, though.
July 10, 2011
This is one of the follow up stories to the Death of Captian America storyline. Overall, I liked it. It didn't go into as much depth or backstory as I would have liked to see. This is the kind of story where you actually have to know the beginnings of Captain America and the story of Bucky Barnes. I did like to see how Bucky struggled to be Captain America while also have to deal with his past as Winter Soldier. If you do/have enjoyed "Cap" comics before, I think that this one is a great start to people getting used to Bucky as the new Cap. It was really only about 5 issues, but I feel like if they had wanted it to, it could have easily been at 8-10. If that had been the case, I think I would have probably liked the story more.
February 27, 2024
This continues to be great. In this volume, the Winter Soldier confronts more of his past as a chinese scientist he encountered twice before is attempting to use the original Human Torch to create a virus to wipe out half of the world's population in order to make things better for the survivors. (Think Ra's Al Ghul.) Bucky wants to stop it, and enlists Namor to help. There's another bit of foreshadowing with Brubaker referencing a pandemic from China many years before COVID. This series has been prophetic more than once, which is a little eerie.
February 28, 2020
I read several reviews that says this spends too much time on Buckys last. Which is interesting because I think it’s the right amount. We really haven’t seen too much of Bucky dealing with what he went through until this point and it felt to me like this had all moved quickly anyways.
That being said, this isn’t really tied into the overall story, but more Bucky dealing with someone in his past and reconciling that with the future of him as Captain America.
That being said, this isn’t really tied into the overall story, but more Bucky dealing with someone in his past and reconciling that with the future of him as Captain America.
October 18, 2025
Yeah, I liked it! Not as much as the ones before, but it was solid in its own right and gave more backstory to Bucky and his progression into this role
May 8, 2022
I liked this a lot less than the other issues in this series. I found a lot of this volume just lacking unfortunately.
January 27, 2010
Not since Christopher Priest's excellent run on Black Panther has a writer, in this case Ed Brubaker, mixed thriller + polictical/spy tropes with a standard Marvel superhero comic. In this volume The new Captain America, Bucky Barnes (whom Brubaker surprised me with how well he pulled off the resurrection) has to face demons from his past both in WWII and as a mind-controlled Soviet agent. There is also good interplay between Bucky and Natalia, with this being one of the rare portrayals of Natalia using her brains as a spy.
August 24, 2015
Bucky was sent to save a Chinese scientist in the 40s, then sent as the Winter Soldier to kill him in the 60s, and now as Captain America is trying to save himself from the scientist's revenge. Mostly solid story, enjoyed his working through what he did as Winter Soldier, rather hope we see his arm's electrical charge in the movies. I also love his and Natalia's relationship, how he considers her his best friend, how they work together so smoothly.
February 7, 2012
It's great to see more of Bucky's past, and the interweaving of the WWII and Winter Soldier past missions is particularly good. However, the comic bookiness of the mad scientist detracts from the arc, and the gravitas is impaired by just not getting a very good sense of who Jim Hammond was. Natasha is also more a convenience than a character here.
June 16, 2015
A really well done story of Bucky Barnes in all his incarnations, and the inward struggle he endures trying to reconcile them all. It's nice to read a story that actually remembers the original Human Torch.
June 6, 2010
Nice stand alone story about Bucky's past as the winter soldier coming back to haunt him... but kind of uneventful and not quite as interesting as any of the stuff related to the ongoing story arc.
June 8, 2015
Very good book. My first Captain America and Ed Brubaker. Will definitely be seeking out more.
August 22, 2015
This was GOOD.
March 21, 2019
In my recent review of
Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book Six
I noted that the storytelling from Alan Moore as he closed his run on the book felt tired, and that Moore had said all he had to say when it came to Swamp Thing. When Moore walked away from Swamp Thing he had been a part of the book for almost four years, having written 42 of the 44 issues published between taking over the book in issue #20 and when he walked away with issue #64. What does this have to do with Ed Brubaker? Well by the time we get around to The Man With No Face Brubaker had also been on Captain America for exactly 42 issues (43 if you want to count Winter Soldier: Winter Kills which is tangentially related to Captain America but lays some of the groundwork for "The Death of Captain America" arc. Unlike Moore, who seemed to be ambivalent at best toward the end of his Swamp Thing run, Brubaker's tank seems to be still full of gas.
To be sure, this has probably been my least favorite of Brubaker's arcs that I have read so far, but frankly this is because I finally found the letdown that I had been expecting since I finished "Winter Soldier. It is a tribute to Brubaker's work that it took him 42 issues and not 14 to finally have a bit of a let down. And it is only a bit of a letdown. The Man With No Face is effectively a Bucky/Winter Soldier story--it feels like Brubaker's attempt to make Bucky his own man, even though he is (at this point) carrying on the legacy of Captain America. Maybe it's because Brubaker had to give the Red Skull a rest after 42 issues that I just feel like the stakes aren't as high here. But you can't go to the Red Skull well all the time, even though he is the quintessential Cap villain. For one thing (and I think this is something Brubaker is cognizant of), the Skull was the Steve Rogers Captain America's nemesis, not Bucky's. Of course, by taking the mantle of Captain America, Bucky will end up on the Skull's radar, but he had just ended an almost four year epic featuring the Skull, so that was off the table. But even if this collection is a letdown, it gives us more insight into Bucky/Winter Soldier which knowing how Brubaker had handled Captain America to this point in his run, probably has some later impact in a future story arc. We'll see.
If this collection is an indication of a "disappointing" Captain America arc from Brubaker, then we should all be so lucky. I've been through four years of Brubaker's Captain America by now, and it is obviously one of the all time great runs on a book, even though I know I still have three years of Brubaker Cap stories to go.
To be sure, this has probably been my least favorite of Brubaker's arcs that I have read so far, but frankly this is because I finally found the letdown that I had been expecting since I finished "Winter Soldier. It is a tribute to Brubaker's work that it took him 42 issues and not 14 to finally have a bit of a let down. And it is only a bit of a letdown. The Man With No Face is effectively a Bucky/Winter Soldier story--it feels like Brubaker's attempt to make Bucky his own man, even though he is (at this point) carrying on the legacy of Captain America. Maybe it's because Brubaker had to give the Red Skull a rest after 42 issues that I just feel like the stakes aren't as high here. But you can't go to the Red Skull well all the time, even though he is the quintessential Cap villain. For one thing (and I think this is something Brubaker is cognizant of), the Skull was the Steve Rogers Captain America's nemesis, not Bucky's. Of course, by taking the mantle of Captain America, Bucky will end up on the Skull's radar, but he had just ended an almost four year epic featuring the Skull, so that was off the table. But even if this collection is a letdown, it gives us more insight into Bucky/Winter Soldier which knowing how Brubaker had handled Captain America to this point in his run, probably has some later impact in a future story arc. We'll see.
If this collection is an indication of a "disappointing" Captain America arc from Brubaker, then we should all be so lucky. I've been through four years of Brubaker's Captain America by now, and it is obviously one of the all time great runs on a book, even though I know I still have three years of Brubaker Cap stories to go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews