Review: Captain America: White

Pastors also need a break from heavy theological reading!  So here’s a comic book review!

Jeph Loeb. Captain America: White. New York, NY: DC Comics, November 15, 2016. 160 pp.

5 out of 5

Purchase: Amazon

Want to read the story of Captain America and his partner Bucky?  This is a story of World War Two, fighting fascism, camaraderie and memories of those who died.  I picked up this graphic novel because whenever the writer Jeph Loeb and the artist Tim Sale team up they typically give readers a great story and wonderful nostalgic artwork that gives a historical mood.  I thought this book is really good and in the same vein as Loeb and Sale’s previous titles that I enjoyed: Batman: The Long Halloween, Superman for All Seasons and Daredevil Legends, Vol. 1: Yellow.

The story in this book begins with Captain America waking up in modern time after being frozen for decades after a World War Two accident.  He wakes up in Rip Van Wrinkle fashion where things have changed dramatically: World War Two is over and Bucky is no longer around.  So much of this story is Captain’s America reflecting back on the past of his friendship with Bucky, with explanation of how Captain America eventually have this young side kick by his, beginning with the accidental discovery of Captain America’s identity by Bucky to the friendship and bigger brother sentiments that Captain America has for his junior partner.  I thought this story really capture the feelings those who are military service members feel towards fellow service members in combat.  Man Loeb and Sale really do explore human nature and the human condition in their graphic novels!  Yet this story also capture the rivalry and complex relationship with other soldiers with the Howling Commandos as a foil contrasting with Bucky’s relationship with Captain America.  A big portion of the book are the US soldiers secret missions to France to fight Fascism specifically against the Nazi’s Red Skull.  I love how the book explore the maturing growth of Captain America from idealism to being more aware of the difficulties of those who might not enjoy the luxury of naïve idealism; yet one doesn’t get the sense that Captain America lost any of his bedrock core of values and principles.  In some sense Captain America is someone we ought to strive to grow into.

A wonderful story and I must say its my first “Captain America” story I read and I’m thoroughly impressed.  5 out of 5, I highly recommend it!

If you are interested check out our Collection of Posts: Superheroes, Comics and Worldview Series.