Short booknotes on graphic novels 11

Dave Gibbons. Captain America, Vol.4: Cap Lives. New York: Marvel, 2003. 07851-1318-5.

This was a good tale. Imagine what would happen if Captain America, instead of returning from his deep freeze slumber in our America, awoke in a world where the Nazis won World War II, and their capital of New Berlin was in what was known previously as New York City. That is exactly what happens in this alternate history tale. The Red Skull has become the new Fuhrer. Marvel heroes have joined a resistance movement in various ways. We see familiar faces in different roles. Tony Stark has been forced to create iron men for the Reich. Is he a collaborator or a covert spy? Ben Grimm is a resistance fighter, and so on. The action was fast on this story, and it features good art as well. Will Captain America be able to defeat the Red Skull and put time back on the right track? You have to read it to find out, but it will be a good ride. This compilation is part of the Marvel Knight series.


Various authors. Captain America: To Serve and Protect. New York: Marvel Comics, 2002. ISBN: 0-7851-0838-6.

Captain America finds himself in an alternate universe where "Capmania" has seized the nation. As if excessive fandom was not bad enough, he has to fight the forces of HYDRA who threaten the nation. And just when Cap thinks things could not be worse, he loses his true shield, and Skrulls arrive with a plot to take over the nation and ruin Cap's good name and reputation. The challenges are numerous, but Captain America faces them. He is given a new shield, and though it is not as familiar as the original one, he manages to face the Skrull and inspire the people. This volume offers a good amount of fast paced action, and even a little reflection on leadership and idols. A good and entertaining read.