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Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection
Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1
Sam Wilson takes flight as the soaring Sentinel of Liberty - Captain America! Handed the shield by Steve Rogers himself, the former Falcon is joined by new partner Nomad to tackle threats including the fearsome Scarecrow, Batroc and Baron Zemo's newly ascendant Hydra! But stepping into Steve's boots isn't easy -and Sam soon finds himself on the outs with both his old friend and S.H.I.E.L.D.! Plus, the Sons of the Serpent, Doctor Malus -and the all-new Falcon! And a team-up with Spider-Man and the Inhumans! The headline-making Sam Wilson is a Captain America for today!
COLLECTING: CAPTAIN AMERICA (2012) 25, ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA: FEAR HIM (2015) 1-4, ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA (2014) 1-6, AMAZING SPIDERMAN SPECIAL (2015) 1, INHUMAN SPECIAL (2015) 1, ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA SPECIAL (2015) 1, CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON (2015) 1-6
COLLECTING: CAPTAIN AMERICA (2012) 25, ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA: FEAR HIM (2015) 1-4, ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA (2014) 1-6, AMAZING SPIDERMAN SPECIAL (2015) 1, INHUMAN SPECIAL (2015) 1, ALL-NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA SPECIAL (2015) 1, CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON (2015) 1-6
488 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2020
21 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Rick Remender
1,244 books1,423 followersRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. He is the writer/co-creator of many independent comic books like Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent and Seven to Eternity. Previously, he wrote The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 25, 2020
It’s such an unbalanced collection.
The Remender stuff alternates between boring and ok. “Fear Him” was a struggle. All-New was forgettable. I’ll be honest, this would be a 1 or 2 star review if it wasn’t for Nick Spencer’s excellent Captain America: Sam Wilson (2015) series in the last half of the volume. That was pretty badass. I really liked if.
If this was just the Nick Spencer stuff, it would be a 4 or 5 star review. As it stands, I can’t give something a 4 if half of it is painfully boring.
Definitely see if you can check out the Spencer stuff without reading all this other shit.
The Remender stuff alternates between boring and ok. “Fear Him” was a struggle. All-New was forgettable. I’ll be honest, this would be a 1 or 2 star review if it wasn’t for Nick Spencer’s excellent Captain America: Sam Wilson (2015) series in the last half of the volume. That was pretty badass. I really liked if.
If this was just the Nick Spencer stuff, it would be a 4 or 5 star review. As it stands, I can’t give something a 4 if half of it is painfully boring.
Definitely see if you can check out the Spencer stuff without reading all this other shit.
November 2, 2024
6.2/10
This Collection of Sam Wilson's first few storylines as the all-new Captain America was certainly a mixed bag. Rick Remender's 4 part-series 'Fear Him' was a decent start, not an incredible plot but I enjoyed Sam Wilson as Captain America as well as the dynamic between him and Nomad, a character probably underreprensented in Marvel comics. I thought the All-New Captain America series was the most lacklustre part of the volume, with a plot which never really drew me in and was just felt uninspired all-round, especially as one the new Captain America's first storylines. Nick Spencer's 6-issue run at the end of this volume what was made the collection truly worthwhile in my opinion, and solidified my enjoyment of Sam Wilson as Captain America. I also thought the side characters such as Misty Knight, as well as the antagonists, Serpent Solutions, were really well written and enjoyable to read. In general, this part of the book was much more fun than the rest of the book - which wasn't bad, just a little flat
The three specials in the middle of the collection didn't feel like they necessarily belonged in this collection, as they were really Spider-Man stories. Those specials were the only part of the collection wasn't quite up to standard - the art in the rest of the collection was great and perfectly complemented the stories and characters it portrayed. I particularly liked the political themes in this book, not overdone, but reflective of the real USA, without being obnoxiously in-your-face. I also liked how Sam Wilson faced serious problems in being the new Captain America , such as negative public opinion and self doubt. Both of these helped provide a more realistic take on what it would be like to be Captain America. However, I do feel that his constant self-reflection became somewhat repetitive at a point.
Overall, Vol 1 of Sam Wilson's Captain America leaves a lot to be improved, but is still certainly a solid and stable start to his new comic career.
This Collection of Sam Wilson's first few storylines as the all-new Captain America was certainly a mixed bag. Rick Remender's 4 part-series 'Fear Him' was a decent start, not an incredible plot but I enjoyed Sam Wilson as Captain America as well as the dynamic between him and Nomad, a character probably underreprensented in Marvel comics. I thought the All-New Captain America series was the most lacklustre part of the volume, with a plot which never really drew me in and was just felt uninspired all-round, especially as one the new Captain America's first storylines. Nick Spencer's 6-issue run at the end of this volume what was made the collection truly worthwhile in my opinion, and solidified my enjoyment of Sam Wilson as Captain America. I also thought the side characters such as Misty Knight, as well as the antagonists, Serpent Solutions, were really well written and enjoyable to read. In general, this part of the book was much more fun than the rest of the book - which wasn't bad, just a little flat
The three specials in the middle of the collection didn't feel like they necessarily belonged in this collection, as they were really Spider-Man stories. Those specials were the only part of the collection wasn't quite up to standard - the art in the rest of the collection was great and perfectly complemented the stories and characters it portrayed. I particularly liked the political themes in this book, not overdone, but reflective of the real USA, without being obnoxiously in-your-face. I also liked how Sam Wilson faced serious problems in being the new Captain America , such as negative public opinion and self doubt. Both of these helped provide a more realistic take on what it would be like to be Captain America. However, I do feel that his constant self-reflection became somewhat repetitive at a point.
Overall, Vol 1 of Sam Wilson's Captain America leaves a lot to be improved, but is still certainly a solid and stable start to his new comic career.
August 15, 2021
Overall I enjoyed reading this collection, it actually made me like Sam's Captain America which I didn't expect to, if it wasn't because of the Disney+ show I wouldn't have checked this out. The quality isn't the same throughout unfortunately as you have 2 great stories by Rick Remender, followed by a Spider-Man story. I have no idea why it's collected in this, I think it's simply to pad this complete collection out, then a mediocre story by Nick Spencer.
Captain America #25
So I skipped this issue, I don't see a point of it being collected in this. It's the final issue of Rick Remender's Captain America run so if you haven't read the rest of the series, you won't understand the it, except for the passing of the mantle.
All-New Captain America: Fear Him
Strong start, it was Captain America vs Scarecrow, yes a carbon copy of the DC version. Right down to the fear toxin and getting off on peoples fear, this one had some crows though, that's different enough right? He's set his sights on Nomad, Steve's son as he's never felt fear before, so naturally it intrigues him.
I really liked the banter between Sam and Nomad, this is their first mission together and you can tell it's an uneasy partnership. Sam tries to take lead, even though Steve is giving him orders, so Nomad doesn't listen to Sam. Which causes them quite a few problems throughout the story, I love the fact Sam isn't a pro straight away. He genuinely struggles in the leadership position and saving others, Scarcrow was a good choice as he's a basic character, so it gives you a lot more time to develop the heroes, interesting choice.
Even if this trade is naff in the end, I'm glad I picked this up as this story was great. Sam is nothing like he was in Rick Remender's run he actually had some personality, it was quite refreshing.
All-New Captain America: Hydra Ascendant
Wasn't as good as the previous story, the banter between Nomad and Sam has gone. There are a lot of pointless flashbacks about Sam's past, that doesn't add anything to the story. I did the like whole Hydra part though, their plan was actually quite smart. The fact that Sam and Nomad are still struggling, is amusing to. They save this kid, try to escape and then get caught up in the big bads. Like Zemo and Crossbones, couldn't be more screwed if they tired.
There was a pretty dark moment in this, which unfortunately they cut away from. It would have been nice to see the gore, as I feel it would have been a lot more impactful. A bad side to it is they try to create the same tension twice over, which doesn't really work. Whereas Zemo's monologue worked, it didn't have nearly the same impact when Sin and the vampire did it. As both are effectively nobodies in the story, the twist of the end was awesome, I did not see it coming.
Whilst it was as impactful as Fear Him, I think this is worth checking out. I'm slowly becoming a fan of Sam Wilson as Captain America and I didn't expect that.
Amazing Spider-Man/Inhuman/All-New Captain America: Inhuman Error
Honestly I don't understand why this is collected in here, the 3 specials come together as one story but the main character is Spider-Man. Captain America only shows up at the last page of the second special and in bits of the third, the narrative focus on a terrigan bomb that the inhumans set off, so I'm baffled as to why this was included. Spider-Man took the piss out of Capt the whole time, saying that he's just a dude who can talk to birds.
Story wise it was alright, with some interesting implications on what it means to be a superhero and the state of Inhumans. They got a big boost in 2015, where they had multiple titles kind of taking the role that the X-Men at the time. As I said some interesting bits but there was no pay off in this, it just ended normally like a meaningless story would.
Captain America: Sam Wilson, Vol. 1: Not My Captain America
This one was a bit messy, it starts off in the present but skips back to a few days before. It does this a few times which ruins the tension as you know exactly where the characters are at the moment, so any threat they face, you know they'll overcome.
I liked the concept of Serpent Solutions, where the villain's have chosen to essential sell themselves as a business. To resolve issues with the government economy, which is a novel idea but it's played out very well in this. It's more focused on Sam ostracized and being an incompetent superhero, where as he's new to the role. He's faced people who he wouldn't have tangled with before, in this he basically gets beat up by everyone. Even the less villain's, there is some back treading on a story element that Remender introduced, which is a real shame as that humanised Sam.
It's not the worst story of the bunch, that easier goes to the one prior but it's not a great read, I'd say ok at best.
Captain America #25
So I skipped this issue, I don't see a point of it being collected in this. It's the final issue of Rick Remender's Captain America run so if you haven't read the rest of the series, you won't understand the it, except for the passing of the mantle.
All-New Captain America: Fear Him
Strong start, it was Captain America vs Scarecrow, yes a carbon copy of the DC version. Right down to the fear toxin and getting off on peoples fear, this one had some crows though, that's different enough right? He's set his sights on Nomad, Steve's son as he's never felt fear before, so naturally it intrigues him.
I really liked the banter between Sam and Nomad, this is their first mission together and you can tell it's an uneasy partnership. Sam tries to take lead, even though Steve is giving him orders, so Nomad doesn't listen to Sam. Which causes them quite a few problems throughout the story, I love the fact Sam isn't a pro straight away. He genuinely struggles in the leadership position and saving others, Scarcrow was a good choice as he's a basic character, so it gives you a lot more time to develop the heroes, interesting choice.
Even if this trade is naff in the end, I'm glad I picked this up as this story was great. Sam is nothing like he was in Rick Remender's run he actually had some personality, it was quite refreshing.
All-New Captain America: Hydra Ascendant
Wasn't as good as the previous story, the banter between Nomad and Sam has gone. There are a lot of pointless flashbacks about Sam's past, that doesn't add anything to the story. I did the like whole Hydra part though, their plan was actually quite smart. The fact that Sam and Nomad are still struggling, is amusing to. They save this kid, try to escape and then get caught up in the big bads. Like Zemo and Crossbones, couldn't be more screwed if they tired.
There was a pretty dark moment in this, which unfortunately they cut away from. It would have been nice to see the gore, as I feel it would have been a lot more impactful. A bad side to it is they try to create the same tension twice over, which doesn't really work. Whereas Zemo's monologue worked, it didn't have nearly the same impact when Sin and the vampire did it. As both are effectively nobodies in the story, the twist of the end was awesome, I did not see it coming.
Whilst it was as impactful as Fear Him, I think this is worth checking out. I'm slowly becoming a fan of Sam Wilson as Captain America and I didn't expect that.
Amazing Spider-Man/Inhuman/All-New Captain America: Inhuman Error
Honestly I don't understand why this is collected in here, the 3 specials come together as one story but the main character is Spider-Man. Captain America only shows up at the last page of the second special and in bits of the third, the narrative focus on a terrigan bomb that the inhumans set off, so I'm baffled as to why this was included. Spider-Man took the piss out of Capt the whole time, saying that he's just a dude who can talk to birds.
Story wise it was alright, with some interesting implications on what it means to be a superhero and the state of Inhumans. They got a big boost in 2015, where they had multiple titles kind of taking the role that the X-Men at the time. As I said some interesting bits but there was no pay off in this, it just ended normally like a meaningless story would.
Captain America: Sam Wilson, Vol. 1: Not My Captain America
This one was a bit messy, it starts off in the present but skips back to a few days before. It does this a few times which ruins the tension as you know exactly where the characters are at the moment, so any threat they face, you know they'll overcome.
I liked the concept of Serpent Solutions, where the villain's have chosen to essential sell themselves as a business. To resolve issues with the government economy, which is a novel idea but it's played out very well in this. It's more focused on Sam ostracized and being an incompetent superhero, where as he's new to the role. He's faced people who he wouldn't have tangled with before, in this he basically gets beat up by everyone. Even the less villain's, there is some back treading on a story element that Remender introduced, which is a real shame as that humanised Sam.
It's not the worst story of the bunch, that easier goes to the one prior but it's not a great read, I'd say ok at best.
May 27, 2020
Captain America: Sam Wilson starts off with a bang and doesn't stop! :D It serves as a great way of showing Sam Wilson taking on the banner of Captain America and the new identity! :D It really shows brilliantly how he adjusts to the job and how others adjust to him! :D Captain America Sam Wilson is filled to the brim with other characters for example Spider-Man, Misty, Medusa etc who all pitch on! :D. The humour comes thick and fast giving the book the book a lightness (Puns intended! :D Lol) that work brilliantly with the rest of the book! :D
Captain America: Sam Wilson is art dovetails brilliantly with script giving everything a cinematic feel to it! :D. Individual angles the in perfectly with the script limitless pace and energy! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson works on all levels and deals with former plotlines and sets up new ones at the same time brilliantly! :D It brings back old villains and introduced new ones in what is an epic ride from the start! :D. Prepare to stay up late with this! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1 is a roller coaster ride from the right beginning! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1 will keep you guessing from the start with plot twists and unguessable directions that the script takes! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1 will keep you hopping trying outguessing which way things are going to go in and who is going to to help and how it work with the other books that are running as well! :D The characters ability are put to the test and this add to the tone of the books edginess that is neatly tied into the rib breaking humour that gives the book a brilliant tone to all the plots and shenanigans that are taking place! :D
Captain America: Sam Wilson never lets up from the start with gripping plot twists, edge of the seat characters development and gripping action in a complete Epic and intense adventures that is unguessable but at the same time piles in the character development and ation! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson is full of Heroics, Plot Twists, Cunning, Character Development, Flight, Rib-Breaking Humour, Epic Battles, World Building, Adventure and Action! :D Crisp High Five! :D Brilliant Highly Recommended! :D. Get it When You Can! :D
Captain America: Sam Wilson is art dovetails brilliantly with script giving everything a cinematic feel to it! :D. Individual angles the in perfectly with the script limitless pace and energy! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson works on all levels and deals with former plotlines and sets up new ones at the same time brilliantly! :D It brings back old villains and introduced new ones in what is an epic ride from the start! :D. Prepare to stay up late with this! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1 is a roller coaster ride from the right beginning! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1 will keep you guessing from the start with plot twists and unguessable directions that the script takes! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson - The Complete Collection Vol. 1 will keep you hopping trying outguessing which way things are going to go in and who is going to to help and how it work with the other books that are running as well! :D The characters ability are put to the test and this add to the tone of the books edginess that is neatly tied into the rib breaking humour that gives the book a brilliant tone to all the plots and shenanigans that are taking place! :D
Captain America: Sam Wilson never lets up from the start with gripping plot twists, edge of the seat characters development and gripping action in a complete Epic and intense adventures that is unguessable but at the same time piles in the character development and ation! :D Captain America: Sam Wilson is full of Heroics, Plot Twists, Cunning, Character Development, Flight, Rib-Breaking Humour, Epic Battles, World Building, Adventure and Action! :D Crisp High Five! :D Brilliant Highly Recommended! :D. Get it When You Can! :D
August 5, 2024
My overall rating is unfortunate because the first 2/3rds of this book have some really good stories! The Remender minis and the following specials are fun, but then something happens which isn't really the fault of the last six issues -the story just restarts. In between All-New Captain America and Captain America: Sam Wilson, something happened, and I think (?) it was Secret Wars. Nevertheless, that means the reader doesn't really get to know how the events of the previous Captain America story played out - there isn't even a recap or a note telling you what to read or giving any basis to collect your bearings whatsoever. This unfortunately makes the beginning of Captain America: Sam Wilson disjointed and isn't really helped when by issue 3 Sam gets turned into a wolf (??) and isn't himself for half of the arc. I don't know if that decision is on editorial or the storytellers, but yeesh.
So, you get about 14 issues worth of work I'd give four stars, and then six more that for me are probably at 3, or maybe even 2. I really don't know if I'll get the next edition to complete the set.
So, you get about 14 issues worth of work I'd give four stars, and then six more that for me are probably at 3, or maybe even 2. I really don't know if I'll get the next edition to complete the set.
October 27, 2020
Having Sam Wilson as Captain America has so much potential from a narrative perspective. Much like when Bucky became Captain American and when Doctor Octopus took over Peter Parker's body, this concept could be explored with years of worthwhile story telling. Sam is a great Cap and while social commentary from Nick Spencer can be a little on the nose, the overall story has a lot to enjoy, especially with the return of the Serpent Society (the opening arc is written by Rick Remender).
I could not give 5 stars however due to the inclusion of a three part story arc focused on the Inhumans (a group of the most boring Marvel characters that were shoehorned into numerous titles for a period of time) and the introduction of an incredibly lame new Falcon, one who I know doesn't have a lasting impact. Other than that I'm excited to see where the second volume goes in terms of Sam's all too short journey as Captain America.
I could not give 5 stars however due to the inclusion of a three part story arc focused on the Inhumans (a group of the most boring Marvel characters that were shoehorned into numerous titles for a period of time) and the introduction of an incredibly lame new Falcon, one who I know doesn't have a lasting impact. Other than that I'm excited to see where the second volume goes in terms of Sam's all too short journey as Captain America.
March 28, 2021
This was a bit uneven for me. The way this starts you feel like you’re catching up. Not a smooth transition. For me, things don’t really pick up until the Hydra story arc. Definitely the strongest arc in the omnibus. I don’t think the three specials (Spider-Man, Inhumans, Falcon) needed to be included despite how well written Spidey is. Felt that those issues could’ve been replaced with some better transitioning to the new creative team because again it feels like you’re playing catch up. Once that settles the story is strong and certainly poignant. I will say, the wolf thing lasted far too long. Some strong work with Sam as he wrestles with the mantle but not a great collection. Good just not great.
May 3, 2021
Quick warning in this one: Even though I get that Captain America has always been a book with heavy politics, it’s a bit on the nose in this book. We even get a Make America Marvelous Again at one point. Much as I cringe whenever I see ANY variant of that expression, I generally read comics as an escape from real life and politics. Last thing I want to do is read about them while I’m escaping.
Still, I enjoyed it. It’s a pretty good book. Long as you don’t mind politics either, you may enjoy it too.
Still, I enjoyed it. It’s a pretty good book. Long as you don’t mind politics either, you may enjoy it too.
June 14, 2021
A somewhat mixed bag -- Sam Wilson is excellent throughout, but one of the traits he shares with Steve Rogers is that he's such a straight-arrow hero that he depends a lot on the quality of the plot and his supporting cast. In this volume, some of those are excellent. I especially enjoyed the Spidey/Inhumans crossover and parts of the Serpent Society story. But the Hydra story and the Scarecrow story are well, just kind of there, and I'm not a big fan of Ian Rogers/Nomad. Lots of good stuff, but not as much great stuff as I hoped for.
October 21, 2025
cannot believe that the brave new world movie was 10000% originally supposed to be the human experimentation serpent society plot
also what do you mean not a single one of the main credited writers is black. like oh my god. marvel do better
also what do you mean not a single one of the main credited writers is black. like oh my god. marvel do better
June 23, 2021
5 stars bc i love sam misty and jaoquín. steve is a little bitch in this tho
Read
July 10, 2021Sort of slow going and gets better at the end. Interesting take on wall street and politics and captain america in the last part.
September 27, 2022
I enjoyed a good chunk of this book. But it took me so long to read it because I lost almost all interest as soon as he turned into Captain Werewolf. I was bored to tears afterward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
It is unfortunate that a book as historically important as Captain America: Sam Wilson is that the actual stories are so unevenly written and paced.
Read
July 2, 2025The “Fear Him” storyline is an absolute bore. Inhumans/Spidey crossover is decent enough. All-New is actually pretty solid. A mixed bag for sure, excited to read the next volume.
March 10, 2021
This is a collection of several different runs and arcs by different writers, so I'll review them individually.
Captain America #25 (Remender): This is the ending to a run, so there will be a bit that's hard to understand if you haven't read it. But all we really need to know is that Steve is now old, Sam is his best friend and a great hero, etc. The humor in this issue was cute and I loved seeing Sam get the shield.
All-New Captain America: Fear Him (Hopeless): Ehhhh. This one has an interesting dynamic, with Sam and Nomad (Ian Rogers) as partners, and Steve on the comms giving commentary and advice. However, the actual plot was pretty mediocre, and if you don't care about Ian Rogers, there's not much there for you.
All-New Captain America (Remender): This also follows Sam and Ian Rogers as partners. I think addressing Sam being seen as unworthy of the shield is a good choice, because it's realistic that racists would think that way, and Captain America is put on a huge pedestal in general. But it didn't do enough to establish Sam beyond that fear of living up to Steve and his desire to prove himself. Even Ian Rogers is someone who would make more sense paired with Steve as Captain America instead of Sam because of their history, which didn't help establish Sam as an individual in the role. The plot was also pretty silly.
3-Issue Inhumans Arc (Loveness): I don’t really care about the Inhumans and this was pretty filler-y. I loved the coloring in the Amazing Spider-Man issue and the sketchy quality to the art in the Inhumans issue. Overall, this was fine?
Captain America: Sam Wilson (Spencer): I adored the art by Daniel Acuna, and I thought the plot was the strongest of the collection as well. This again incorporates Steve as an old man, but this time it puts Steve and Sam in conflict over an ethical/legal issue. I thought it was in-character and a good way to involve him without simply making him an advisor or someone for Sam to look up to. He also doesn't seem to be taking over the whole story. Finally, Sam has his own team and side-characters. Other than Misty Knight, I don't love them so far, but I don't dislike them either.
Finally, this run gets very political. I would argue every good Captain America run should, but Sam's desire to be very clear about his political stances is also contrasted with choices Steve made as Captain America. It's also clearly referencing the political landscape at the time, since this run started releasing in 2015, months after Trump announced he was running for president. It's heavy-handed, but I don't have a huge issue with that. Although I will say, the narrative that America was "more divided than ever" and had lost the ability to talk to and understand their neighbor... I don't buy that Sam would necessarily see things that way. He's not from a privileged background and would instead be thinking about all the ways people had been divisive and bigoted from the very beginning. It felt a little clumsy. I also thought the Capwolf arc was unnecessary; maybe it's fun for one issue as a callback to Steve as Capwolf, but to have him running around in wolf form for three issues was too much.
Overall, I was disappointed with some of this, but I didn't flat-out dislike any of it. I would've liked to see a Black writer be chosen to write a Sam run, especially because I know he didn't have the shield for that long.
Captain America #25 (Remender): This is the ending to a run, so there will be a bit that's hard to understand if you haven't read it. But all we really need to know is that Steve is now old, Sam is his best friend and a great hero, etc. The humor in this issue was cute and I loved seeing Sam get the shield.
All-New Captain America: Fear Him (Hopeless): Ehhhh. This one has an interesting dynamic, with Sam and Nomad (Ian Rogers) as partners, and Steve on the comms giving commentary and advice. However, the actual plot was pretty mediocre, and if you don't care about Ian Rogers, there's not much there for you.
All-New Captain America (Remender): This also follows Sam and Ian Rogers as partners. I think addressing Sam being seen as unworthy of the shield is a good choice, because it's realistic that racists would think that way, and Captain America is put on a huge pedestal in general. But it didn't do enough to establish Sam beyond that fear of living up to Steve and his desire to prove himself. Even Ian Rogers is someone who would make more sense paired with Steve as Captain America instead of Sam because of their history, which didn't help establish Sam as an individual in the role. The plot was also pretty silly.
3-Issue Inhumans Arc (Loveness): I don’t really care about the Inhumans and this was pretty filler-y. I loved the coloring in the Amazing Spider-Man issue and the sketchy quality to the art in the Inhumans issue. Overall, this was fine?
Captain America: Sam Wilson (Spencer): I adored the art by Daniel Acuna, and I thought the plot was the strongest of the collection as well. This again incorporates Steve as an old man, but this time it puts Steve and Sam in conflict over an ethical/legal issue. I thought it was in-character and a good way to involve him without simply making him an advisor or someone for Sam to look up to. He also doesn't seem to be taking over the whole story. Finally, Sam has his own team and side-characters. Other than Misty Knight, I don't love them so far, but I don't dislike them either.
Finally, this run gets very political. I would argue every good Captain America run should, but Sam's desire to be very clear about his political stances is also contrasted with choices Steve made as Captain America. It's also clearly referencing the political landscape at the time, since this run started releasing in 2015, months after Trump announced he was running for president. It's heavy-handed, but I don't have a huge issue with that. Although I will say, the narrative that America was "more divided than ever" and had lost the ability to talk to and understand their neighbor... I don't buy that Sam would necessarily see things that way. He's not from a privileged background and would instead be thinking about all the ways people had been divisive and bigoted from the very beginning. It felt a little clumsy. I also thought the Capwolf arc was unnecessary; maybe it's fun for one issue as a callback to Steve as Capwolf, but to have him running around in wolf form for three issues was too much.
Overall, I was disappointed with some of this, but I didn't flat-out dislike any of it. I would've liked to see a Black writer be chosen to write a Sam run, especially because I know he didn't have the shield for that long.
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