EXTRA - A Few Thoughts on Comics from this week

Normally when I do these little reviews, my goal is to be as spoiler free as possible. This week, something different happened with the release of books, well, a book, and that demands a bit of a change from me as well.

I'm going to talk about Captain America #600. This was released today instead of Wednesday with the rest of the comics for this week. There will be spoilers ahead. If you're waiting or have to wait until Wednesday to get your copy, you may not want to read ahead.

You'll notice I'm working to fill this space with text rather than blank space. That is intentional.

Last chance!


Most importantly, Steven Rogers does not return in this issue. As a result, I have to label this as something of a disappointment. The issue was hyped as a big deal and, while things happen, we don't get Steve back. The main story primarily acts as a prelude to the Reborn mini-series that is set to launch just before the fourth of July.

Now, what do we get? Mostly clues. It's the anniversary of Steve being gunned down. Sharon Carter has started to remember more about that day and tracks down someone else that had been used by Faustus that day. The problem for the bad guys? They forgot all about him, and he's still got the murder weapon.

The bulk of the rest of the story is catching up with the various other characters involved, seeing what they've been up to, and building to the big vigil in the park for Steve. Here Sharon catches up to the Avengers and reveals her new information, evidence to believe, for the first time, that Steven Rogers may not be dead.

Boom. Done.

Is it exciting? Interesting? Yes, just as much as any previous issue has been. Does it pay off as a 'big deal'? Not so much.

We get a few extras. My favorite of these is the note from Cap's co-creator, Joe Simon, which includes pictures he did in the 40's trying to get through Jack Kirby's thick skull that Cap's shield was now round. Great!

This is a good book. I'm not disappointed I got an 'extra' early copy but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to get it early. It'll keep until your normal visit to the Local Comic Book Store.