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Captain America: Sam Wilson (Collected Editions)
Captain America: Sam Wilson, Vol. 5: End of the Line
When Steve Rogers could no longer wield the shield, Sam Wilson stepped up as an all-new, all-different and very much all-his-own Captain America. The public was divided. And when a reinvigorated Steve returned to share the mantle, the protests grew louder. Sam just kept fighting on, the only way he knew how. But is the world big enough for two Caps? And as Sam is pulled into the shocking events of Marvel’s next big event, will he — and the world — have to choose? At the end of the line, there’s no way out! Plus: The classic first appearance of Sam’s controversial pal, Rage! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #18-21 and AVENGERS (1963) #326.
112 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2017
7 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spencer
998 books345 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Nick Spencer is a comic book writer known for his creator-owned titles at Image Comics (Existence 2.0/3.0, Forgetless, Shuddertown, Morning Glories), his work at DC Comics (Action Comics, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents), and for his current work at Marvel Comics (Iron Man 2.0, Ultimate Comics: X-Men).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 5, 2017
Sam's time as Captain America comes to an end and there's not a dry eye in the house by the closing pages...
Well, there were two dry eyes in my house actually; my wife's. Her reaction was more along the lines of 'What are you blubbing about now, you galumphing great eejit?'
She loves me really.
I'm pretty sure.
Note to self: stop crying at comicbooks when the wife is in the room.
A-hem. Anyway. Mr. Wilson's run as Cap was great, as far as I'm concerned, despite some nonsensical elements along the way. While I'll be glad to have Steve back as Cap (non-brainwashed by Hydra, please) I'll remember FalconCap's stint very fondly in the years to come.
Well, there were two dry eyes in my house actually; my wife's. Her reaction was more along the lines of 'What are you blubbing about now, you galumphing great eejit?'
She loves me really.
I'm pretty sure.
Note to self: stop crying at comicbooks when the wife is in the room.
A-hem. Anyway. Mr. Wilson's run as Cap was great, as far as I'm concerned, despite some nonsensical elements along the way. While I'll be glad to have Steve back as Cap (non-brainwashed by Hydra, please) I'll remember FalconCap's stint very fondly in the years to come.
September 24, 2017
Who knew Sam Wilson would keep up such an impressive run after volume 2? Not me.
So this volume deals with the fallout of Rage. As you know he was trying to stop two super villains, lost, and while trying to leave gets beaten down by the Americops. This is all about Sam trying to help the young man get out of jail but Rage wants the people to see how the system works. How corrupt it is. Then in the shadows you see Steve's plan paying off and the volume ends ultimately on a sour note with the loss of a hero we need at a time like this.
Good: I really do love Sam's internal thoughts and dialog. Him trying to figure out how to fix up his life, and help the public, without getting harassed all the time is really well done. You feel for the guy and by the end you feel his pain. Rage's outcome is both heartbreaking and brutal to watch. The last few pages make us lose some hope yet somehow sneak a little in? A odd combination that they somehow pull off.
Bad: The pacing feels a bit rushed. I wished secret empire came out a few months later just so we can flush out Sam's loss of will. Here it feels like it happens all within a day or two.
Overall, I really really enjoyed volume 3 to the 5 of this Captain America run. Does it hit the highs of Ed's run? No. However, it really is very interesting political drama and by the end I felt the spirit of Captain America in Sam. Can't wait to jump into Secret Empire. A 4 out of 5.
So this volume deals with the fallout of Rage. As you know he was trying to stop two super villains, lost, and while trying to leave gets beaten down by the Americops. This is all about Sam trying to help the young man get out of jail but Rage wants the people to see how the system works. How corrupt it is. Then in the shadows you see Steve's plan paying off and the volume ends ultimately on a sour note with the loss of a hero we need at a time like this.
Good: I really do love Sam's internal thoughts and dialog. Him trying to figure out how to fix up his life, and help the public, without getting harassed all the time is really well done. You feel for the guy and by the end you feel his pain. Rage's outcome is both heartbreaking and brutal to watch. The last few pages make us lose some hope yet somehow sneak a little in? A odd combination that they somehow pull off.
Bad: The pacing feels a bit rushed. I wished secret empire came out a few months later just so we can flush out Sam's loss of will. Here it feels like it happens all within a day or two.
Overall, I really really enjoyed volume 3 to the 5 of this Captain America run. Does it hit the highs of Ed's run? No. However, it really is very interesting political drama and by the end I felt the spirit of Captain America in Sam. Can't wait to jump into Secret Empire. A 4 out of 5.
September 24, 2017
The Rage storyline concludes as he's put on trial for breaking into the pawnshop when in reality he was stopping a robbery. Spencer ignores a lot of facts to tell the story he wants to tell here. Rage was friends with the owner of the store. Wouldn't the owner decline to press charges, especially when presented with Sam's video evidence, inadmissible or not? Rage is much stronger than the Americops and there's no way they'd be able to knock him unconscious. He's also a 14 year old boy, I doubt he'd be tried as an adult. Spencer conveniently forgets this, even though it's reprinted in the back of the book.
OK, now that that is out of the way. Spencer did do a fair job of portraying some of the injustices of being a black man in today's society and co-opting people's rage on both sides of the issue in locations like Ferguson or St. Louis. Are there any easy answers? No. I don't blame anyone for being scared of law enforcement these days. With the advent of cellphone video, we've seen unarmed men time and again shot for no reason. At the same time, is there any tougher job than being a police officer today? I can't think of a job more scrutinized or stressful.
BTW, this is only 4 issues long with a reprint of Rage's first appearance as filler in the back.
OK, now that that is out of the way. Spencer did do a fair job of portraying some of the injustices of being a black man in today's society and co-opting people's rage on both sides of the issue in locations like Ferguson or St. Louis. Are there any easy answers? No. I don't blame anyone for being scared of law enforcement these days. With the advent of cellphone video, we've seen unarmed men time and again shot for no reason. At the same time, is there any tougher job than being a police officer today? I can't think of a job more scrutinized or stressful.
BTW, this is only 4 issues long with a reprint of Rage's first appearance as filler in the back.
April 30, 2017
In a development that will startle every reader, the Cap book which isn't entirely ramping up to a colossal crossover works out rather better than the one that is. Nick Spencer's take on racialised and militarised policing isn't perfect - for a start there's a pretty enormous shift in the character of Rage from Spencer's earlier issues to these ones, which is needed to justify the plot. And the response to private police brutality tends to be an individual one - what should Rage, or Cap, or Misty do? - with little sense that the wider community has settings beyond quiescent and rioting - which makes the story a very poor analogue to the Black Lives Matter movement.
But at least there *is* a story here, with comprehensible motivations and actions and opposing forces. Sam Wilson's dilemma - has accepting the position of Captain America dulled his instincts and weakened his ability to do actual good? - is a valid one and unlike a lot of 'relevant' comics past and present there's a realistic sense of who has actual power in an oppressive situation. People are going to whine about political superhero comics however weak they are so there's nothing to be gained from half measures, and while it put a few feet wrong CA:SW at least realised this. The main regret is that the imminent crossover does cast some shadow, and Wilson himself ends the book a diminished figure thanks to it.
But at least there *is* a story here, with comprehensible motivations and actions and opposing forces. Sam Wilson's dilemma - has accepting the position of Captain America dulled his instincts and weakened his ability to do actual good? - is a valid one and unlike a lot of 'relevant' comics past and present there's a realistic sense of who has actual power in an oppressive situation. People are going to whine about political superhero comics however weak they are so there's nothing to be gained from half measures, and while it put a few feet wrong CA:SW at least realised this. The main regret is that the imminent crossover does cast some shadow, and Wilson himself ends the book a diminished figure thanks to it.
July 29, 2017
The realist book out today. Even in the midst of the Secret Empire storyline this series manages to stay true to its core.
September 25, 2017
Oh, Sam. I wish it didn't have to end this way. (At least we'll always have Steve Rogers as a secret Nazi/Hydra agent?)
Let's start with everything I loved about this volume:
The inside cover has a Sam Wilson Reading Oder! Hallelujah!
EVERY comic book needs to have this page!
Sam is such a well-written heartfelt character. I wish this story could have gone on a bit longer just so we could have Sam holding the shield for another volume or two. Our story ends here with the system failing Rage, and honestly failing Sam. He's trying as hard (if not harder) than our other heroes, yet he's getting his butt handed to him on every front. Spencer has done a fantastic job with this series.
The art throughout is really good along with colors and shading. Pay special attention to the faces in this one. Every one expresses outrage, sadness, upset, and determination.
Though I don't really want to, I guess I'll read Captain America: Secret Empire to see what happens next.
Let's start with everything I loved about this volume:
The inside cover has a Sam Wilson Reading Oder! Hallelujah!
EVERY comic book needs to have this page!
Sam is such a well-written heartfelt character. I wish this story could have gone on a bit longer just so we could have Sam holding the shield for another volume or two. Our story ends here with the system failing Rage, and honestly failing Sam. He's trying as hard (if not harder) than our other heroes, yet he's getting his butt handed to him on every front. Spencer has done a fantastic job with this series.
The art throughout is really good along with colors and shading. Pay special attention to the faces in this one. Every one expresses outrage, sadness, upset, and determination.
Though I don't really want to, I guess I'll read Captain America: Secret Empire to see what happens next.
July 5, 2018
Spencer's final standalone volume of Sam Wilson has the strength that this comic always promised and never quite delivered. It puts its focus tightly on inequality in America, and how even Sam has been falling down in the quest for a better America.
Yeah, Rage acts kind of dumb, but it's not out of character from what we've seen of him over the years. And, yeah, Sam gets a little talky in the end. But before that we get a great and realistic example of the problems faced by a wrongly accused black man. And the horrific consequences. It's a strong statement of what the Sam Wilson comic should have been.
Yeah, Rage acts kind of dumb, but it's not out of character from what we've seen of him over the years. And, yeah, Sam gets a little talky in the end. But before that we get a great and realistic example of the problems faced by a wrongly accused black man. And the horrific consequences. It's a strong statement of what the Sam Wilson comic should have been.
November 8, 2017
Nick Spencer completely sticks the landing in this penultimate story of Sam Wilson’s service as Captain America. Picking up mere moments after the conclusion of the prior volume, we see Sam reacting to the savage beating and arrest of the young African-American hero, Rage, by the Americops.
Spencer has been telling a story of racial inequality and racism in this series, making this particular run on Captain America highly political, topical, and timely. Front and center now is police violence carried out against Black Americans and Black communities, with plenty of commentary on the prison industry, the America legal system, and the way our society is rigged against people of color.
Had it been written today Volume 5 might have been called Take A Knee rather than End Of The Line. The concluding chapter is especially powerful as Sam examines his role and accomplishments as Captain America, and how best to continue serving his country while remaining loyal to his own ideals and patriotism.
Without a doubt, this is by far my favorite entry in Spencer’s run with Sam Wilson thus far. In terms of story, scripting, layout, and art design, this is a grand slam.
Spencer has been telling a story of racial inequality and racism in this series, making this particular run on Captain America highly political, topical, and timely. Front and center now is police violence carried out against Black Americans and Black communities, with plenty of commentary on the prison industry, the America legal system, and the way our society is rigged against people of color.
Had it been written today Volume 5 might have been called Take A Knee rather than End Of The Line. The concluding chapter is especially powerful as Sam examines his role and accomplishments as Captain America, and how best to continue serving his country while remaining loyal to his own ideals and patriotism.
Without a doubt, this is by far my favorite entry in Spencer’s run with Sam Wilson thus far. In terms of story, scripting, layout, and art design, this is a grand slam.
May 26, 2017
I read this in individual issues.
Wow this is so much better than Steve Rogers. The difference here is the storytelling. There is much more tension here in this series and the build up to Secret Empire is stronger. This collection slso stands on its own. I also really liked the art.
Wow this is so much better than Steve Rogers. The difference here is the storytelling. There is much more tension here in this series and the build up to Secret Empire is stronger. This collection slso stands on its own. I also really liked the art.
September 7, 2017
This was a little short and I think your mileage will vary based on how much you agree with its politics. It seems a little bit like the author is hijacking someone else's "hard life" (albeit a fictional one) to mouth his beliefs.
Also, isn't Rage stronger than that?
Also, isn't Rage stronger than that?
December 13, 2017
Very political stuff, Spencer's deep in it and I like it.
Rage is arrested for a crime he didn't commit and, despite video proof of the contrary is convicted. Riots start to spread in NY and Sam has to stand for law and order where there's only injustice to defend.
I see no reason comics couldn't be political or at the very least dealing with social issues. Entertainment shouldn't be synonymous of brain-washing.
So here it deals with issues relevant to many countries, the US of A included and, as disagreeable it may be, no less pertinent and interesting to be confronted to. Especially in a medium not particularly accustomed to this kind of treatment.
And all the while digging up the way to the main scheme, namely Secret Empire.
So as far as I'm concerned Spencer does a very good job, with conviction. I can see it's divisive but I do think it still makes for a good plot, not unseen before but still enjoyable. Better if you share the guy's opinions, tho'.
Note that this volume is particularly wordy, without much action. More Law & Order than Hawaii 5-0 if you see what I mean.
Rage is arrested for a crime he didn't commit and, despite video proof of the contrary is convicted. Riots start to spread in NY and Sam has to stand for law and order where there's only injustice to defend.
I see no reason comics couldn't be political or at the very least dealing with social issues. Entertainment shouldn't be synonymous of brain-washing.
So here it deals with issues relevant to many countries, the US of A included and, as disagreeable it may be, no less pertinent and interesting to be confronted to. Especially in a medium not particularly accustomed to this kind of treatment.
And all the while digging up the way to the main scheme, namely Secret Empire.
So as far as I'm concerned Spencer does a very good job, with conviction. I can see it's divisive but I do think it still makes for a good plot, not unseen before but still enjoyable. Better if you share the guy's opinions, tho'.
Note that this volume is particularly wordy, without much action. More Law & Order than Hawaii 5-0 if you see what I mean.
December 3, 2019
I’m rating this not having read through secret empire. This book as a book is a very powerful story and is speaking to deep problems in our society. It’s written well.
Sam’s run as Cap. I absolutely loved him as cap but I can’t be fully on board with how they handled him. They rebooted his character 3 times, brought back the other Captain America and sidelined sam. In the final incarnation, they made him mope around for 15 issues. With 1st string Cap around, Sam always was going to be 2nd tier cap. Honestly, for me the biggest crime is that they gave him a full run without once winning the respect of the people. I’m sorry but the message of Sam Wilson as Cap is it’s hard for a black man to be Captain America and so then he quits? It’s actually infuriating.
Let’s see how it’s handled in the MCU.
Edit after reading "Secret Empire": They did his character justice in "Secret Empire" and in "Captain America: Generations". Those are musr reads for Sam Wilson Cap fans.
Sam’s run as Cap. I absolutely loved him as cap but I can’t be fully on board with how they handled him. They rebooted his character 3 times, brought back the other Captain America and sidelined sam. In the final incarnation, they made him mope around for 15 issues. With 1st string Cap around, Sam always was going to be 2nd tier cap. Honestly, for me the biggest crime is that they gave him a full run without once winning the respect of the people. I’m sorry but the message of Sam Wilson as Cap is it’s hard for a black man to be Captain America and so then he quits? It’s actually infuriating.
Let’s see how it’s handled in the MCU.
Edit after reading "Secret Empire": They did his character justice in "Secret Empire" and in "Captain America: Generations". Those are musr reads for Sam Wilson Cap fans.
April 11, 2021
And here it (nearly) ends exactly where I had hoped it wouldn’t go, but knew in my heart it’s the only place this story can land A at least in our universe.
It’s a fucking shame that any non-Aryan type only gets to be the legacy hero for a short while round here - even with an editorial crew as progressive as Marvel has always been, it’s just impossible to let a pretender stay on the throne. Superior Spider-man, Jane Foster Thor, Sam Wilson Cap - they all step aside eventually.
This isn’t a political statement, just an observation of facts. As much as it is an observation of facts that Rage got screwed by the American justice system like so many of the non-Aryan types disproportionately do. It’s almost a truism, except it’s neither a law of nature nor is this specific “white skins don’t deserve punishment” bias wired into our DNA.
So it’s frustrating and tragic that this shit keeps coming round the carousel like clockwork, and I want to read the stories where this *doesn’t* happen - but that’d just be an insulated fantasy, wouldn’t it?
Then something happened during the Secret Empire epilogue: I realised what was missing in the second half of this run. Spencer took Sam on the run, without the shield, just trying to help people. And the latest version of Patriot chews him out for giving up on being Cap, and Sam finally backs down and cracks wise - that’s when I knew that Sam had finally accepted (and when Spencer had stopped proselytising and just let the characters do the lot heroic thing their way): the jokes came back, and it felt easy again, like no one was straining to be someone they’re not supposed to be, but being the best at who they are. (Thanks Friga!)
It’s a fucking shame that any non-Aryan type only gets to be the legacy hero for a short while round here - even with an editorial crew as progressive as Marvel has always been, it’s just impossible to let a pretender stay on the throne. Superior Spider-man, Jane Foster Thor, Sam Wilson Cap - they all step aside eventually.
This isn’t a political statement, just an observation of facts. As much as it is an observation of facts that Rage got screwed by the American justice system like so many of the non-Aryan types disproportionately do. It’s almost a truism, except it’s neither a law of nature nor is this specific “white skins don’t deserve punishment” bias wired into our DNA.
So it’s frustrating and tragic that this shit keeps coming round the carousel like clockwork, and I want to read the stories where this *doesn’t* happen - but that’d just be an insulated fantasy, wouldn’t it?
Then something happened during the Secret Empire epilogue: I realised what was missing in the second half of this run. Spencer took Sam on the run, without the shield, just trying to help people. And the latest version of Patriot chews him out for giving up on being Cap, and Sam finally backs down and cracks wise - that’s when I knew that Sam had finally accepted (and when Spencer had stopped proselytising and just let the characters do the lot heroic thing their way): the jokes came back, and it felt easy again, like no one was straining to be someone they’re not supposed to be, but being the best at who they are. (Thanks Friga!)
April 6, 2018
Alas, the story of Captain America: Sam Wilson ends with not a bang but a whimper. I, honestly, am a longtime Captain America fan who thinks Sam Wilson needs to be Captain America full-time. I love Steve Rogers but like John Stewart, there's plenty of room for Falcon as permanently part of
the book with the mantle of the Captain.
This volume follows the arrest of Rage, a character I always enjoyed in the New Warriors, getting arrested and convicted for a crime he obviously didn't commit. No surprise there. It was an obvious ending to the story of Sam Wilson trying to clear his friend's name but that makes it no less impactful.
Unfortunately, this is the kind of story I really wanted to see Captain America: Sam Wilson emerge triumphant for rather than beaten. SECRET EMPIRE should have ended with Sam Wilson beating the crap out of Captain Hydra but it didn't.
As such, the story ends on an immense downer. That isn't necessarily bad, though. Still, I want more Sam Wilson as Captain America and the cancellation of that series is quite a pain.
9/10
the book with the mantle of the Captain.
This volume follows the arrest of Rage, a character I always enjoyed in the New Warriors, getting arrested and convicted for a crime he obviously didn't commit. No surprise there. It was an obvious ending to the story of Sam Wilson trying to clear his friend's name but that makes it no less impactful.
Unfortunately, this is the kind of story I really wanted to see Captain America: Sam Wilson emerge triumphant for rather than beaten. SECRET EMPIRE should have ended with Sam Wilson beating the crap out of Captain Hydra but it didn't.
As such, the story ends on an immense downer. That isn't necessarily bad, though. Still, I want more Sam Wilson as Captain America and the cancellation of that series is quite a pain.
9/10
Read
October 5, 2017A powerful and heartfelt story about the ways in which America's justice system systematically fails its black citizens. Except that the needle occasionally screeches off the record as the volume awkwardly does double duty leading in to a big crossover about the other Captain America secretly being a fascist. It's all the more frustrating because, if only the whole project hadn't been hamstrung by the bizarre insistence that Hydra are now non-racist fascists, the two strands could have dovetailed perfectly.
August 25, 2019
This one took a dark turn. While the Steve Rogers series has been busy building Secret Empire, this title was going in a different direction and instead making a statement about race, crime, divisiveness and more in America. I think we all knew Falcon wouldn't remain Captain America forever, but this story paints a very bleak (even if mostly true) story of the court system. The good news is the status quo is about to change, but the bad news is that it will change into a totalitarian state under Hydra. In hindsight, that's not good news at all.
Next up, Secret Empire...
Next up, Secret Empire...
November 20, 2017
A bit thin on the story. Leads into the Secret Empire event series.
September 14, 2017
Really liked this one. It is telling an important story and I like seeing real issues discussed. I am really looking forward to the next part.
February 6, 2018
A great premise but badly delivered. While it's great to see Captain America take on the nation's past while Steve goes around hailing Hydra, the volume lacks the depth and maturity to tackle a nation's guilt.
February 4, 2018
This volume deals with police brutality and justice (or rather, the lack of it). We see Sam struggling to find the "correct way" to fight for what is right, and we see how tired being Captain America has made him. He has had enough of having to live up to unreasonably high expectations of the public, a big part of who refuses to listen to what he has to say just because of his skin colour, and makes the decision to give up the shield.
My heart broke for Sam, for Elvin, for Joaquin, for Misty. I might dislike Nick Spencer for creating Hydra Steve, but this run was very much needed, in my opinion. It highlighted so many issues still going on today that people of colour still have to face, eg white privilege, police brutality and the way the media twists the actions of poc into whatever way they want to intepret it, & that is so important. I always look up to writers who shine light on hard truths and make you reflect upon society today. Poor sam......he tried so hard, knowing that he never could've won. His strength & perseverance really impacted me & made me love him.
Nick Spencer once again highlights the issues people of colour still have to face to this day and the extent of impact those issues have on the lives of many. A very important run - I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
My heart broke for Sam, for Elvin, for Joaquin, for Misty. I might dislike Nick Spencer for creating Hydra Steve, but this run was very much needed, in my opinion. It highlighted so many issues still going on today that people of colour still have to face, eg white privilege, police brutality and the way the media twists the actions of poc into whatever way they want to intepret it, & that is so important. I always look up to writers who shine light on hard truths and make you reflect upon society today. Poor sam......he tried so hard, knowing that he never could've won. His strength & perseverance really impacted me & made me love him.
Nick Spencer once again highlights the issues people of colour still have to face to this day and the extent of impact those issues have on the lives of many. A very important run - I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
October 31, 2017
Collects Captain America: Sam Wilson issues #18-21 and Avengers (1963) issue #326 (Rage's first appearance)
I think this book has something important to say, it's just that the importance is lost in an extremely boring story.
I think this book has something important to say, it's just that the importance is lost in an extremely boring story.
December 15, 2017
The book ended where it had been headed all along, and its challenge to "the system" (if that's not too cliched) is most powerful here. Sam steps forward to prove true to himself one last time by stepping down as Captain America.
I've had mixed feelings about this book. It bugged me a bit that it seemed necessary to stick an African-American hero in the role of a classic white guy in order to make him relevant. Wasn't Sam enough of a hero before? At the same time there's some darn cool symbolism in taking an African-American hero and making him Captain America within the confines the main MU in an ongoing series rather than as a mini-series with little consequence like "The Truth" series from several years ago. And, to answer my own question from above, no and yes. A version of this story could have been told without making Sam Wilson a Steve Rogers replacement. But then again, this exact story could not have been told any other way. it wouldn't have the ring, the impact, or the power if Sam hadn't been Captain America as the events of this book played out.
It's not a perfect comic. I still have a fondness for Steve Rogers as Captain America--I only read these in collections and haven't gotten a hold of Secret Empire yet, but I pray this Hydra Steve storyline is over and done with. I get it, it's creative, it's cool, etc. but man, oh man it's felt protracted and I just want Steve Back--but this was a great way to take main stream comics, about as generally neutral and escapist a piece of media content as you can find and to try something with it that goes beyond mythic/archetypal storytelling to something specific and timely. It's different from anything I've ever seen Marvel do.
I've had mixed feelings about this book. It bugged me a bit that it seemed necessary to stick an African-American hero in the role of a classic white guy in order to make him relevant. Wasn't Sam enough of a hero before? At the same time there's some darn cool symbolism in taking an African-American hero and making him Captain America within the confines the main MU in an ongoing series rather than as a mini-series with little consequence like "The Truth" series from several years ago. And, to answer my own question from above, no and yes. A version of this story could have been told without making Sam Wilson a Steve Rogers replacement. But then again, this exact story could not have been told any other way. it wouldn't have the ring, the impact, or the power if Sam hadn't been Captain America as the events of this book played out.
It's not a perfect comic. I still have a fondness for Steve Rogers as Captain America--I only read these in collections and haven't gotten a hold of Secret Empire yet, but I pray this Hydra Steve storyline is over and done with. I get it, it's creative, it's cool, etc. but man, oh man it's felt protracted and I just want Steve Back--but this was a great way to take main stream comics, about as generally neutral and escapist a piece of media content as you can find and to try something with it that goes beyond mythic/archetypal storytelling to something specific and timely. It's different from anything I've ever seen Marvel do.
May 6, 2024
This volume is a culmination of all the other volumes, and leads to a decision borne out of all the tribulations that Sam has so far faced.
This was... really interesting. Nick Spencer is kind of hit and miss with me, with this one leaning more towards the "miss" side of things, but here he takes a bold move by making Sam make a big decision. Because of the injustice and frankly, tyranny, that he is experiencing in our modern day society - by way of the treatment of Rage - Sam decides to I think Nick Spencer knocked it out of the park with the characterization of Sam in this one, and it definitely makes me want to see where he takes it from there.
The lower score is only because the volume is a bit sparse - and that's due to the upcoming "Secret Empire" event. But still, wanting more is not necessarily a bad thing, but I did feel like I could've used a bit more substance for the volume overall.
Like I said, this pulled me back in and am definitely looking forward to where the story goes from here.
This was... really interesting. Nick Spencer is kind of hit and miss with me, with this one leaning more towards the "miss" side of things, but here he takes a bold move by making Sam make a big decision. Because of the injustice and frankly, tyranny, that he is experiencing in our modern day society - by way of the treatment of Rage - Sam decides to I think Nick Spencer knocked it out of the park with the characterization of Sam in this one, and it definitely makes me want to see where he takes it from there.
The lower score is only because the volume is a bit sparse - and that's due to the upcoming "Secret Empire" event. But still, wanting more is not necessarily a bad thing, but I did feel like I could've used a bit more substance for the volume overall.
Like I said, this pulled me back in and am definitely looking forward to where the story goes from here.
June 11, 2020
Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line deals with Sam as he has to take a hard lines with people who have a vested interest in getting Steve Rogers back with the SHIELD. Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line doesn't pull it punches with the intolerance and racism all dealt with head on! At the same time Steve Rogers is secretly working for Hydra and you can see how previous plot point are coming together and new ones are being setup. Hydra continues to worm its's way into things and Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line handles this brilliantly keeping you guessing at every point!
Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line art is brilliant neatly combining with the script where you can see characters expression mirroring the script brilliantly! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line at gives everything a cinematic scene working brilliantly with the script in a pulse bounding book that is isn't afraid of epic issues! :D Crisp High Five! :D Brilliant and Highly Recommended! :D Get it When You Can! :D
Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line art is brilliant neatly combining with the script where you can see characters expression mirroring the script brilliantly! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 5: End Of The Line at gives everything a cinematic scene working brilliantly with the script in a pulse bounding book that is isn't afraid of epic issues! :D Crisp High Five! :D Brilliant and Highly Recommended! :D Get it When You Can! :D
May 3, 2021
The final volume of Spencer’s Sam Wilson run, and it was great. Heroes often fight aliens, or dragons, or monsters, but showing them fight real life injustices is so important, and much more meaningful. That’s the real reason they are heroes, for how they lead, sacrifice, and inspire. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed almost all of this run, and this volume is the most poignant.
The art was consistently good for the whole run, mainly done by Acuna and Renaud. Spencer started off sillier, but still managed to put together a serious story that satisfies as a superhero comic, while also incorporating actual injustices our society faces. I applaud his ability to do so as boldly as he did, and still writing a good story and characters, with his signature humor.
The ending is (to me) somewhat unsatisfying, only in that everything isn’t wrapped up in a neat little bow. I really hope it is in the Secret Empire event (kinda doubt it tbh), but I’ll just have to find out. In the end, I left this series with a newfound appreciation and affinity for Sam Wilson, Cap or not, and will miss this era.
The art was consistently good for the whole run, mainly done by Acuna and Renaud. Spencer started off sillier, but still managed to put together a serious story that satisfies as a superhero comic, while also incorporating actual injustices our society faces. I applaud his ability to do so as boldly as he did, and still writing a good story and characters, with his signature humor.
The ending is (to me) somewhat unsatisfying, only in that everything isn’t wrapped up in a neat little bow. I really hope it is in the Secret Empire event (kinda doubt it tbh), but I’ll just have to find out. In the end, I left this series with a newfound appreciation and affinity for Sam Wilson, Cap or not, and will miss this era.
December 26, 2021
I have some issues with the way this was handled, but generally an okay job trying to reckon with the injustice in the criminal legal system, with a lot of credit for the effort. Rage gets arrested for a break-in he wasn’t responsible for and decides to use his trial to shine a spotlight on how the system usually works for young Black men like himself by refusing The Avengers’ offers to post his bail and hire him private counsel. Sam grapples with his role propping up this system having taken up the mantle of Captain America. Superhero comics should be trying to deal with these issues more, especially given the role they have played over the decades in reinforcing carceral systems in our culture.
This collection also includes the comic that Rage first appeared in, I think from 1990, which was fun to read.
This collection also includes the comic that Rage first appeared in, I think from 1990, which was fun to read.
October 23, 2017
Sam’s story remains sad, relevant, and engrossing. He is surrounded by people who love him and support him, but who are all dealing with growing societal tension in wildly different ways. It’s a thoughtful approach to a sensitive topic, and I love it.
I also love seeing a peaceful and positive portrayal of faith in a comic book; I feel like that doesn’t happen very often.
Even though it had to happen, I’m still disappointed to see a) Steve Rogers descend into villainy and b) Sam Wilson finally give up the shield. I wish Steve Rogers going bad and manipulating the crap out of everyone didn’t have to be the reason Sam relinquished the shield.
I also love seeing a peaceful and positive portrayal of faith in a comic book; I feel like that doesn’t happen very often.
Even though it had to happen, I’m still disappointed to see a) Steve Rogers descend into villainy and b) Sam Wilson finally give up the shield. I wish Steve Rogers going bad and manipulating the crap out of everyone didn’t have to be the reason Sam relinquished the shield.
March 20, 2018
I think the final legacy of this series will be one of missed opportunities. There was a chance to do what this book started out doing....focusing on the differences between what a white Captain America would experience compared to a black Captain America. How would their approaches to the job differ? What sort of crimes would each of them focus on? How would their interaction with the public differ? Unfortunately, just when this title was drilling down on some interesting topics and questions, it gets completely derailed by the horrible Secret Empire plot. So sad. This could have been an important book.
March 18, 2018
This whole run was mostly too heavy-handed for my tastes. There was some pretty good stuff here and there, but overall, a corporate superhero comic is just not the place for a nuanced take on race relations and police brutality in America (especially when written by a white guy, regardless of how well-meaning he might be). And killing off a character to start some riots (mirroring the LA riots that started after the Rodney King beating) left a bad taste in my mouth. Still, Nazi Steve is Nazi Steve-ing, and that’s something corporate superhero comics actually do well.
July 16, 2018
America sees how failed the system really is with the incarceration of Rage. Who was given a lawyer who didn't know the details of his case. A jury of people who had already made up their minds about him. Even with Sam releasing the video proving that Rage didn't rob the pawn shop, it was not enough. He was sent to prison and beaten to within an inch of his life. Now Sam cannot keep carrying the shield because he doesn't fully believe in it anymore. America is torn and he must stand as Sam Wilson in protest to what has happened.
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