Story Title: Out of Time
Reviewer: Paul Sebert
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Michael Lark, Steve Epting
Colorist: Frank D’Amata
Letterer: VC’s Randy Gentile
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: The Merry Marvel Marching Society
From Hush, to the Identity Crisis Killer, to the Red Hood, DC’s been introducing a lot of mystery villains as of late. Not to be outdone the House of Ideas has unleashed one heck of a Captain America run by Ed Brubaker centering on shadowy mercenary named “The Winter Soldier” who’s shot “Red Skull” and killed “Bucky II” AKA “Nomad” AKA “Scourge” Jack Monroe. All under the command of a rogue Russian general named Aleksander Lukin. Meanwhile our hero’s been lurked around on a wild goose chase and haunted by perplexing flashbacks of a history that doesn’t seem quite right.
Now after being run ragged for four issues straight, our hero pauses for a talk with Nick Fury as we learn of a previously untold tale from the second World War. Set on the Russian front this tale ties into General Lukin’s origin. Namor and the original Human Torch also guest-star.
This isn’t the kind of glossed over view of WWII that we’re accustomed to in funny books. The danger is real, both sides are ruthless, and the action isn’t pretty. Particularly shocking is Brubaker’s treatment of Bucky Barnes who comes across as less of a kid sidekick, as a formidable stealth agent.
The stories feel darker and more realistic, the painted pages looks carry out an ominous feel to them, yet this take on Cap doesn’t feel all “Grim & Gritty.” At least not in it’s treatment of the titular character. As bad as the situations seem, the ever stoic Steve Rogers seems to be standing above the situation. As dire as the threat presented by Lukin, and The Winter Soldier is, Cap remains the sentinel of liberty.
