Captain America, Vol. 1: Stand

Captain America (2023)

by J. Michael Straczynski, Jesus Saiz (cover_art), Lan Medina (artist)

Collects Captain America (2023) #1-4.J. Michael Straczynski returns to Marvel to tackle an American icon! Decades ago, Steve Rogers changed the world forever. Now, powerful and insidious forces are assembling to ensure he never does it again. Past, present and future collide as the Sentinel of Liberty reckons with an existential threat determined to set the world on a darker path - at any cost! So the last thing Steve needs is for Spider-Man to crash date night seeking help foiling the Sinister Six's latest plot! Meanwhile, more and more of Captain America's former enemies are being recruited by a mysterious entity - one seemingly connected to a foe Steve faced long before he picked up the shield. And when Misty Knight uncovers a string of murders with seemingly supernatural origins, something strikes Cap as familiar.

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Comic Book

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2024

About the author

Joseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome story of not just Captain America but Steve Rogers as well. I like the "here and now" as well as the "there and then" style of the story. I like how everything comes together. The artwork is also spot on for the story.

Captain America has always been the symbol of liberty, but Steve Rogers has been fighting for what he believes to be right for even longer. Even without the muscles to back him up, Steve still took a stand and never backed down. Now, an enemy Cap/Steve did not even know they had, or faced before, has returned to complete it's unfinished business.

The story shows pure guts and "moxie." I like everything about this book. I especially like the fact that the spirit that Cap/Steve showed in his youth continues over. Even when he is over matched as Cap, he will still not back down. Cap will face the worst of humanity whatever costume they wear. This book is not a quick read it is necessary texg heavy. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery that has some full-page but mostly thumbnail covers.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new Cap run. Great art and a great story, with one exception.

The one thing I didn’t like about this story? Well, it’s like this…

SPOILERS

At the end of this story, part of which is set during the time in Steve’s life before he became Captain America, Steve is told by a doctor that, due to his many health problems and the beating he took in this story, he has five years to live at most.

My problem with this is that it seems much less heroic for him to volunteer for the potentially fatal treatment that turned him into a super soldier now we know he literally had nothing to lose. I don’t like that. Your mileage may vary, of course.

[Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty sure this is the first Big 2 comic I've given 5 stars in a long time. This is the best Steve Rogers story I've read since United States of Captain America.

I love when writers dig into Steve's history and focus on how that impacted his work as a hero. A lot of books stick to smashy smashy, super strength stories instead of focusing on why Steve became a hero in the first place. This book has some features from other characters: Misty (always a joy), Sharon (new costume?), Spider-Man (kinda unnecessary tbh), and Steven Strange. The features don't overtake the entire story and there's no tie in to the 50000th Marvel event a casual reader of the trade paperback wouldn't understand. Instead, this story is just a representation of who Steve is at his heart: a little guy that stands up to bullies.

For those reasons, it's among my favorite Steve Rogers stories.

The art is lovely. I do think the artist took some inspo from Evans' playing of pre-serum Steve, it looked a lot like him at points. The colors really highlight the portion of the story that takes place in the 20s. Honestly, I can't remember the last time we got a story that spent this much time in Steve's past. I really appreciated it. I loved that we got to see Arnie Roth here, too. I especially love them showing that Steve's dedication to community extended to a group of women that may have been sex workers? I feel like that was hinted at.

The past story takes place after Steve lost his mother and ended up homeless before finding himself as the unofficial handy man in a run down apartment building. The parallel between him fighting the Nazi propaganda in the 20s and fighting against (tbh, undefined) fascism in the present was a nice touch.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and, if I buy any trades this year (I've only bought manga, novels, and K-pop albums this year), this will definitely be on the list. I've missed Steve.

[James DeSantis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uninspiring art mixed with a boring storyline. The slow padding plot and Steve going through life in the dullest way possible. None of the dialogue was fun or interesting, and while some cool moments where other heroes shined (Always liked Misty) the rest felt flat. This is not a good start for a new Cap run. I might need to wait till a new team takes over cause this is...not good.

[Jordan Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come for Captain America… Stay for Steve Rogers!

Straczynski nails the human elements that makes Steve Rogers so special. I could read an entire story arc just with Steve fixing up the old apartment building at the beginning of the story.

The villain of this arc is a little bit of an odd choice for a Captain America story. Additionally, I feel like things wrapped up a little too quickly. I do think that Straczynski manages to include Doctor Strange in a manner that is allowing his presence in the book yet, doesn’t make it a team up book.

The story alternates between the present and before Steve got his powers. In the flashback sequences, we can see Steve acting as heroically and honorably as possible, despite not having his powers. While this works well for the story, they’re telling this volume, I do fear that Straczynski may have made Pre-superhero powers, Steve Rogers more important of an asset then maybe he should’ve been.

Overall, this was a lovely story arc to read, and I look forward to reading the remaining issues!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Excellent story. The back and forth between young Steve and current Steve was well done. I think I liked the young, pre-Cap Steve story better. But they worked well together.

Nazis and Neo-Nazis as the connectelive tissue. Represented by an unkillable demon. The metaphor is apt. And timely.

[Ricky Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. Michael Straczynski's "Captain America Vol. 1: Stand" offers a compelling reinvention of the iconic hero, balancing action and character depth in a way that feels fresh yet faithful to the essence of Captain America. Straczynski’s storytelling shines, blending modern issues with the timeless struggle for justice that Steve Rogers embodies.

Jesús Saiz and Lan Medina’s art is nothing short of spectacular. The illustrations capture both the grandeur of superhero battles and the subtleties of personal moments, making each page a visual treat. Matt Hollingsworth and Espen Grundetjern’s colors add a dynamic vibrancy, enhancing the mood and tone of the narrative seamlessly.

The plot delves into Captain America's role in a divided America, exploring themes of patriotism, duty, and morality. Straczynski’s script is sharp, with dialogue that feels genuine and engaging. The character development is particularly noteworthy; Steve Rogers is portrayed not just as a hero, but as a man grappling with the complexities of the modern world.

However, some readers might find the pacing a bit uneven, with certain segments feeling rushed. Despite this minor flaw, "Captain America Vol. 1: Stand" is a strong start to what promises to be a thought-provoking series, deserving of 4 out of 5 stars. It's a must-read for fans seeking a Captain America story that resonates with today's socio-political landscape.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. 👍🏼 Makes you really think about the current state of America 🤔🤔🤔

[Frédéric · Rating 2 out of 5]

When JMS was announced on Cap, I was expecting better than this rather banal story with threads that don't appeal to me - Cap vs demon - or don't convince me - young Steve Rogers buddy with Meyer Lansky.

None of the artists illustrating the series impress me either.

[Nicko · Rating 4 out of 5]

1
Really enjoyed this. I love the simplicity of the storytelling — in both the narrative and art. JMS must’ve chosen Saiz intentionally — his art and colors are so subdued — they match the story perfectly (also kinda reminds me of Epting’s work from the Brubaker run). I like how JMS is approaching Cap from a character-heavy perspective — I love Cap’s voice and narration here — there’s almost an elegance, a beauty, to Cap’s loneliness. Hoping this keeps up the rest of the volume.

2
I love that JMS chose a supernatural, but, very logically planned villain for this arc. Idk why but for some reason it contrasts really well with the simplicity in tone, character, and visuals that he’s going for. The back and forth between past and present is paced nicely, and it looks like, will pay off nicely as well.

3
This issue further develops the villain and I’m really digging it. There’s a lot to chew on. Firstly, I loved how JMS wrote the setup of the issue — with Cap and Misty investigating the crime scene while the actual crime scene prior was being told simultaneously using different colored dialogue bubbles. It felt like the best translation of a murder scene into comic form. The villain is becoming more and more supernatural and dark which at first seems like it wouldn’t mesh with Cap at all. But for some reason is really working. JMS writes Rogers’s voice pretty spot on imo — I love how he views the concept of time. I’m curious to see how this Mr. Lansky plot will unravel. Lastly, I loved Medina’s art section in this. Overall, again, the art is really striking that Epting Brubaker run feel and I absolutely love it. So fitting.

4
Really good. Saiz is off pencil duties which is a shame but Medina is also awesome. Steve running you through how he sizes up his opponents was really cool. It gave us a look into his smarts and how smart he was. He’s not intelligent, but, more street smart and I loved that. I’m not sure how each of the different timelines are going to tie into each other but I hope it sticks the landing.

5
I really love JMS’s idea of an “astral extension” of Strange in the form of the doll lol. Lends good humor, too. I also, again, have been really enjoying cutting between the two timelines. Makes for an entertaining read, especially since they correlate with each other. I’m hoping why Steve feels all this familiar is a good reason. Really loving Medina’s pencils. Last thing — sure, I’m not sure they have a good enough reason for the peace rally to still go on despite what Misty told them. But I’ll let it slide..

6
I thought this was a little bit rushed, but, still enjoyed this book overall. JMS kind of tied it up in a bow (albeit a little too nicely). I really liked JMS’s concept of time that he introduces through Steve here. That we just perceive time as happening at different places. But really, it’s constantly the “same”. Which kind of means it’s cyclical. One, it’s very fitting for Steve, a man “out of time” to believe. But two, also goes well with how history repeats itself. Strange giving Steve the Eye of Agamotto was awesome genre stuff. A little too convenient, but, I’ll take it. One thing though is, if Asmoday can kind of “see” his version of plans for the world and can detect change agents, etc…why did he tell Rolf to hold off on shooting young Steve if he eventually becomes Captain America?

Side note: I did like Asmoday/Emissary’s inner workings; the sort of “algorithmic” calculations he somehow has to detect who are “change agents” and “nexus events”, etc. Hoping the next volume is just as good or better!

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as individual comics, ratings below:
#1= 3.5 stars
#2= 5 stars
#3= 3 stars
#4= 3 stars
#5= 3 stars
#6= 4 stars
Overall rating of 3.5 stars

[Alex Sarll]

J Michael Straczynski back to do another big superhero character in a shared universe? I'm sure that, unlike all the other times, this run will conclude in a manner satisfactory to all parties, and only a cynic would say otherwise. Though in the meantime, it definitely helps that this time around he's not trying to reinvent the character so much as offer a restatement of who he is and why he matters. Not all of it worked for me; the voiceover, especially in the first issue, feels like it was intended to offset the fundamental sincerity of Steve with a note of self-awareness, but if anything comes off even more gloopy, verging on Wonder Years at times. Then too, there's the idea of Steve as unable to refuse a request for help, which in itself makes sense, but when you emphasise it as leading to him repeatedly having to cancel dates with Sharon, it risks sliding into the self-flagellating sadsack self-sabotage of the insufferable Peter Parker. Who does pop up here, as one of those friends in need, and at least we know JMS can write him, at least when he keeps off the totem bollocks. Not all of the other guest stars are so convincing; Strange plays a big part in the story (though also a surprisingly little one, through an ingenious new idea), but aside from one perfectly deployed "dreary", I'm not convinced JMS has his voice down.

Why is Strange involved? Because the present-day strand of the story has a demon hunting Cap, part of a long-standing and now accelerated scheme to snuff out people who make the world a better place, and thereby ensure a future of darkness and fear. And on the face of it, that's an incredibly timely story for a character who's always been useful for asking what the hell is up with America lately (or indeed the world, but being written by Americans, the two tend to get conflated). The problem is that here, the new iteration of the scheme only got started two years ago, and even then, most of the early stages seem to be taken up with assorted faff and misdirection. Now, if you were to go for a more thematically appropriate timescale – say, eight years – you run into the problem of Marvel's sliding timeline, and the question of why the heroes didn't do something sooner, and the fact that the Marvel USA has had at least two fascist takeovers during that period already, so you can see why they didn't do it. But there remains a niggling sense that with a couple of screws tightened and pieces moved, there would have been a way to make this idea hit much harder.

Quite how hard JMS can hit – and how hard Marvel are letting him – becomes apparent in the parallel 1930s storyline, following Steve before the Super-Soldier Serum, and entangling him in the real history of Nazi collaborationist scum the American Bund, and the Jewish gangsters who fought them when the authorities wouldn't. JMS has always had a weakness for speechifying, but on a good day he does it damned well, and when your settings include political rallies and backroom strategy sessions, it doesn't feel as implausible as it sometimes can. When he runs through the old dictatorial playbook of manufacturing a threat and offering yourself as the solution, demonising the other, all the rest, he's really not pulling any punches in terms of present day resonances; you could only make it more obvious by making the frontman a blithering gasbag called Ronald Chump, and even that would let historically accurate prick Fritz Kuhn off the hook (though there's still space for jabs at New York property greedheads elsewhere).

Along with the warning from history, this strand of the story reminds us that even before he was empowered by Dr Erskine, back when he was just a scrawny kid, Steve already didn't know when to quit. Which in turn makes more sense of the present-day storyline, and why he wouldn't just tag in Hellstorm, Wanda, Voodoo, or any of the other heroes better placed to handle a threat so far outside his area. Also, of course, it is his area, because occult or not, it's a threat to the heart of America (or the world; see above). And by the end, once we're past the wonky build-up and into Cap heroically saving the day, that makes for a suitably cathartic conclusion – albeit one still smart enough to remind us that this is a battle won, not the war. And similarly, this is by no means a perfect comic, but it's a bloody good start. Until such time as the run near-inevitably careers off the rails, I'll be following keenly.

[Jordan Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The calendar says this happened decades ago. But deep inside, it feels like it happened
yesterday. Because everything’s happening right now. Could be today. Could be yesterday…” - Steve Rogers

Superhero comics are fantasy fiction. *Good* superhero comics are fantasy fiction that tell the truth about human nature and sometimes provide a commentary on or a lens through which to consider current events.

Straczynski’s Captain America is a very good superhero comic.

Straczynski is strong in his writing—he just gets Captain America and successfully fleshes out the most admirable qualities of the character. This story arc, comprising issues #1-6 of the run, beautifully ties together a present day Cap storyline with a pre-serum Steve Rogers in 1939 New York amidst the backdrop of the real life and infamous German American Bund Nazi Rally at Madison Square Garden. Some of the story perpetuates uncorroborated interpretations of history—specifically portraying that the Nazis were responsible for the Reichstag fire, which most historians regard as unverifiable while agreeing that regardless of who was responsible the Nazis successfully used the event to eliminate civil rights in Germany, cement their power in place, and complete the downfall of the democratic Weimar Republic. But this liberty that Straczynski takes with that specific history is important for a foundational plot point and character motivation to make sense, so it can be forgiven. Just don’t rely on superhero comics for fully contextualized history, kids!

The story arc is at once nostalgic (in the best way) and prescient, with Steve Rogers/Captain America placing his health and safety on the line to battle the forces of hate in more ways than one. In the best traditions of the character, Straczynski’s Cap shines through as the very best version of America—empathetic, compassionate, fair-minded, self-sacrificing, honest, courageous—a version that will always be a fantasy unless those who admire Cap’s example try their best to exemplify it.

“We didn’t end the war with Germany because we decided to stop fighting Nazis.

We stopped because we ran out of Nazis to fight. They ditched their uniforms and ran from the field of battle.

So if anyone else ever wants to put those uniforms on again, and step back onto the battlefield, well—I’ll be waiting for them.” - Captain America

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

JMS is BACK!

He's, admittedly, had some highs and lows at Marvel (see his ASM run with *shocker* Gwen Stacy's /Norman Osborn children ...and his Thor run with a 'Asgard in the Midwest')

They gave him the reigns to Captain America, which itself had just finished an epic run, and cut him loose. They used a little used time in Cap's early years. The time after his mother passed and before he was given the Super Soldier serum. It's a Steve Rogers with no powers and plenty of moxy. No handouts, stubborn as heck, and loyal to a fault. We also see how Steve dealt with an America on the cusp. The German American Bund was making inroads across the US. Trying to get America on Germany's side before WW2 began.

Balance that out with a new supernatural/science hybrid threat that seems to be targeting individuals that will potentially do the most good in the future. Culling, the nicest term for killing, those individuals will lead the world down an exceedingly dark path.

Yes, it's a bit wordy at times. JMS always has been, but it's paced well and it doesn't quite hit 'full page of dialogue and plot'.

Bonus: Holy crap, was Steve sickly. We're reminded of his list of ailments before the serum...

* asthma
* scarlet fever
* rheumatic fever
* heart palpitations
* nervous trouble
* bone deformity
* scoliosis
* high blood pressure
* diabetes
* anemia
* partial deafness
* astigmatism

Bonus Bonus: Doctor Strange dolls? Be the first on your block with one! Hahaha.

[Subham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of the best Captain America stories I have read, wow this was so good. Before you read this review or any other, just read this book, you will be doing yourself a favor and you might as well be thanking me for this. I just love how this book is contemporary and timeless also and like the most important Captain America story in so long.

I love how this fills in the time gap of where Steve was between 14-18 and like the hardships and difficulties of growing up post great depression America and well dealing with the growing fascism in US and I love how its explored, and showing where he was and how hard he worked, how he teamed up with even Meyer Lensky to take on the Nazis, it was kinda cool and that drowning scene to prevent the massacre.. that was heroic and showed Steve being heroic even before his powers and I love it.

Also the way the villain ASMODAY aka The Emissary informs both the past and present stories is kinda awesome and ties both the time period and you see Steve becoming a landlord and helping people and all that, then the stuff with fighting this villain multiple times and teaming up with a Strange doll was kinda fun and makes the incident funny, but the way it ends with setting up the change agents and the fallout of eradicating a demon of hell.. well thats gonna be interesting.

Amazing volume and amazing art and its such a memorable arc!

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do you keep going? What are you fighting for?

Captain America by J. Michael Straczynski Vol. 1: Stand sees a return of the author known for a notable run on amazing Spiderman (and we don’t talk about Fantastic Four).

This isn’t a traditional captain America story.

While the present focuses on him buying and managing the New York brownstone he has long lived in to help his neighbors and community, the past takes a look at Steve Rogers when he was just a scrawny young man. Orphaned by the deaths of his parents and trying tos survive as a homeless teen, the story weaves in the history of the American Bund, the notorious pro Nazi organization that had a firm grip on New York prior to World War II.

Meanwhile, a new growing threat emerged in the present…one with an old store to settle with the sentinel of liberty.

This was a wonderful story about who Steve Rogers is…and how he was capable of becoming the symbol needed during World War II…through beliefs started long before.

I don’t recall any prior stories that dealt with Steve’s early life so this does a lot to shape his upbringing.

Random superhero favors, Meyer Lansky, Dr Strange ventriloquist dummy, and other wonderful surprises are in store for those interested in checking this out.

I’m glad to see JMS back to writing comics and coming up with a new cap run that I can get into…

[· · Rating 3 out of 5]

(11 November, 2024)

Hate, a plague only the human species could create. Steve Rogers strives for something more, something better, even pre-serum! Within each of us, the potential for heroic action - however small - is already there, no exterior agent needed.

Steve is a great role model for everyone, Meyer Lansky is not. What the latter did to beat the shit out of witless Nazi wannabes is commendable but setting him up as a saviour of some kind is an incomprehensible decision on the writer's part. There's way too much blood on his hands!

In the 1930s and the 2020s, interestingly both designated as 'now' by Steve, supernatural hate-fuelled catastrophes are afoot. Steve, with help in both times, is there to stop them. Captain America showing us the way in helping others.

Straczynski gives us a relatable Steve, not too perfect for resentment to well-up in any reader. He helps others, often... very often. His motivation? His own life, before Captain America. He's not walking around telling others how good he is, he's making the world better one act at a time, without pretence, virtuous with zero false sentimentality.

The graffiti at the end, sadly inspired by real life examples, is heart-breaking. Luckily, Steve is there to paint over it, maybe one day intolerance will be as easy to wipe out.

[Michael Emond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look I could rate this 3 and pretend it was typical JMS writing. Solid story - good character development - well structured. But I have to say this really didn't do it for me. the main hook is we go back and forth between flash backs of Steve Rogers before he was given his powers in the 1940's and modern Captain America. The stories are tied together because an ancient evil is trying to kill all the "good people" of humanity so we fall back into our evil ways without leaders to guide us towards good. Not a horrible idea but there weren't any clever twists - I just felt it was all so straight forward. And there were times - due to sloppy writing - I was pulled out of the story. there was a whole weird thing with Doctor Strange helping Captain America out but doing it thorough a doll. Again - kind of clever - I just didn't buy into it. I guess my main problem was "was this a Captain America story or could almost any hero have been used as the protagonist?" and while there was a justification for it being a Cap story (he is one of the good ones the evil being wants to destroy) in the end it didn't really need him and it was Doctor Strange's magic that really saves the day.

Maybe I am a bit sour of JMS' writing style. But for some reason I didn't get into this story.

[José · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Re)leído en números individuales de Panini España.

Estos seis números abrieron la etapa de J. Michael Straczynski en una etapa... polémica sobre el Capitán América. Es una declaración de intenciones en toda regla, ya que esta es la historia de cómo Steve Rogers compra el edificio donde vive para que no desahucien a sus vecinos, pero también la historia de cómo el fascismo crece en América a cada momento, teniendo en cuenta el barrio. Cuenta una doble historia temporal. Rellena algunos huecos que ningún guionista había escrita, esos años antes de que Steve tuviera el suero de supersoldado después de la muerte de su madre. Este tomo suele gustar bastante porque la doble historia temporal está muy bien contada.

Sin embargo, es más polémica la inclusión de la magia en el mundo del Capitán América, siempre de una índole más realista. A mí no me ha disgustado. A momentos divertida y a momentos emocionante, creo que Straczynski usa el mundo mágico para enfrentar a Steve a unas fuerzas contra las que no suele luchar.

Es una pena que el concepto no haya funcionado tan bien como en Spiderman o en Thor.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Captain America returns to a more Earthbound, history-focused narrative in Stand, which might be welcome for some readers, but I'll be honest: I really dug the bonkers conspiracy and floating city filled with string-pullers in the previous Cap run. This new run is aggressively fine and familiar. I mean, we've got Captain America fighting Nazis again, for god's sake.

That's one of the storylines (which takes place in the past, before Steve Rogers was actually Captain America). In the other storyline, modern Cap battles a demon that's infusing people with superpowers. (Technically, the demon was behind the American Nazis as well.) There's a decent mystery, but it plays out slowly with too much dialogue. The art is good, but when artists change, it's far too evident. Stand almost feels like a throwback to an earlier era of comic storytelling. There's quite a bit of telling and not a ton of showing. And the bland villain is ultimately pretty forgettable, even if the whole narrative goes down pretty smooth.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the "Cold War" storyline, the Cap book gets back to Steve Rogers. This Volume takes a more direct and nostalgic approach, by covering two storylines. One has Steve as a pre-serum young man, standing up to WWII American Nazi Party (German American Bund, which was a real group!) by teaming up with some minor criminals. The other is modern day Cap fighting against "The Emissary", a Nazi agent who encountered Steve as a youth, and is now altered by demonic possession. Cap is able to free him from the influence by adding the Eye of Agamotto, borrowed from Dr. Strange, to his shield.
Throughout the book is also a pure Steve tale about buying the apartment building where he was living and remodeling it to allow people down on their luck to live there. He's such a good person!
Really nice to see Cap getting back his roots. I do love him as part of the Avengers, but solo stories are good as well.
Recommend.

[Rahul Nadella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why the critics seem so put off by this title. Is it wordy? Sure. But what's being said is usually pretty poignant, and when it's not, it's fairly breezy dialogue that doesn't feel forced. This arc is a near-classic sort of Captain America story. Nazis are bad; progress is good. I don't see the big misstep that I hear about in the reviews. One of the best aspects about the Captain America character that is ever-present in this first arc is his indomitable will. His persistent and unwavering defiance of strongmen. His frank inability to stand by and let hatred go unanswered. It's Cap at his best. This is a trade I would hand to someone who doesn't get Captain America, because I don't think you can read it and come away still misunderstanding who this character is. I have nothing but praise for it

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty reluctant to read another JMS comic after he abandoned Supreme Power. And Wonder Woman. And Superman. A bunch of great storylines that never went anywhere due to (I believe) overscheduling.

But after seeing he'd made a year-and-a-half on Cap (but apparently not much more) I was willing to get this run a run.

And, it's pretty good. The highlight of this volume is surely the flashback story of Steve fighting the Bund before the Super Soldier Serum. Have we ever seen such an extended look at who scrawny little Steve Rogers was? Though him fighting Nazis as a sickly youth at first stretched credulity, I increasingly realized it demonstrated how he could become Captain America. Pretty cool.

The modern-day demonic storyline has some highlights, but ends up being a somewhat dull fight. But there are charming and horrifying moments alike.

[Jason Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

JMS always crafts a solid story. Even when it's a bad one (Sins Past), it's written in a detailed, workmanlike manner. The best ones (The Twelve, his first ASM arc), are transcendent. Captain America: Stand falls somewhere in the middle. It's good, but a long way from great. It wants to evoke something, but for me at least, it falls short, emotionally speaking. It is really, a fairly by the numbers Cap story. (Aside: Captain America has been consistently one of the best comics out there since the Brubaker run. So, maybe I'm a little spoiled.) But there is a lot to enjoy. And the art by Saiz et all really raises the bar. This is a good opener overall, but it has potential to get better, and I hope it does.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

JMS back at Marvel? Be still my beating nerd heart.

In true JMS style, he's keeping things off-kilter, as he pits Captain America against a magical foe whose roots reverberate back through to Steve's time pre-World War II. The parallel timelines thread together nicely, and it's fun to see Steve fight a) a bad guy he hasn't fought before and b) someone he can't just punch into submission.

JMS draws in some nice guest stars like Doctor Strange (in doll form!) and Misty Knight, and there's definitely a sense that he's in for the long haul with this story.

The art's nice too, although it would have been nicer if Jesus Saiz had been able to draw all of it.

[Benjamin Kimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

JMS takes over Cap and delivers a pretty good start. In this book Steve has to fight a demon that wants to prevent people from changing the world. Straczynski tells the story in two timelines, the present day with Captain America working to stop A.I.M. from carrying out the demons wishes, and the past where pre-super soldier serum Steve works to stop the Bund from doing the same thing. I like that he’s not changing anything about Cap’s origin, but adding to his pre-superhero life. This whole story really worked for me. One thing I like is that this book doesn’t feel like a complete reinvention of everything. It continues naturally from the previous run, Cap still lives in the apartment but now he buys it, Sharon is still the destroyer and they’re still together, it’s fun. I also liked the art Jesús Saíz has a really unique moody style that set a really good tone for the series. Then Lan Medina took over halfway through and he does similar work but with more of an action punch. Also, the colorists, Matt Hollingsworth and Espen Grundertjern, did a great job with the moody coloring of this series. I’m looking forward to where this series goes.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Captain America changed the world back in the 40s because he was underestimated by the evil around him, but they won't make that mistake a second time--this group is out to kill all of the changemakers before they change the world for the better, and Steve is definitely on their list. This was SO FUCKING GOOD, omg. I love this Steve, he's sassy and strong and good, but not perfect. I want JMS to write him forever. I loved the plot, with the blend of the 40s and now, and the Doctor Strange doll was hilarious.

Loses points for art accuracy, though--Steve's childhood looked just as 40s as his young adulthood, instead of being 20s/30s. Boo.

[Wolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael J. Straczynski der Schöpfer von Babylon 5 erzählt die Coming of Age Geschichte von Cpt. America.
Wir erleben auf der einen Storyline also die Vorgeschichte von Steve Rogers bevor er Cpt. America wurde und auf der anderen Seite sowas, dass ich Marvel Gegenwart nenne, in Steve Rogers das Apartment, in dem er als Kind gewohnt hat, wieder aufmotzt. Das ist dann auch die Verbindung zur Gegenwart, allerdings kommt das in diesem ersten Band nur am Anfang vor.

Alles in allem ein rundes Ding für einen ersten Band. Man wird gut eingeführt in die Story, besonders die Vergangenheit von Rogers ist spannend. Ein kleines Antifacomic versteckt sich hier eigentlich.
4,5

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exceptional - an excellent pairing of writing & art.
I finished reading this on November 6th 2024; what a day to do so as it ties in directly with the rally at Madison Square Gardens in February 1939, the echoes of history and the horrid propensity of the human race to favour hate & fear over the much better sides of our nature...
I am very pessimistic over the future direction of the U.S. (both home & foreign policy) and it's influence over the world in general, especially over the next few years 😢

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to what is hopefully a long run on the title. This is a nicely bookended story that has Steve Rogers facing the same foe, both now and in the past, in the pre-war years when the German-American Bund was trying to convince Americans to side with Germany. The artwork is strong through most of this, though when it does change, it's a bit jarring. Lan Medina's work just doesn't fit with Jesus Saiz. Otherwise, a strong outing for this new creative team.