Captain America: Steve Rogers #11 Review

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Captain America: Steve Rogers is the ultimate “what if?” story. Sure, the longtime Marvel fans are reacting to this reiteration of the character the same way DC’s diehards reacted to New 52 Superman, but this story is far from boring. After the latest issue, though, Nick Spencer might want to delete his Twitter account, because the fanboys are coming. Just when you think Cap is ready to go back to being the good guy, this book happens.

There’s quite a lot to digest in Captain America: Steve Rogers #11. In the flashbacks, Cap’s history with Doctor Erskine is explored – including a twist – while the present deals with several matters at hand. The funeral of Jack Flag is a central point of the tale as is Cap’s Hydra allegiance being uncovered, but Steve’s meeting with Baron Zemo is what’ll rattle the Internet. If Cap’s “Hail Hydra” was the most controversial comic book moment of 2016, this issue has 2017’s. I’m not going to spoil it, but there’s one image here that will undoubtedly cause many fans to summon Hell’s rage.

The biggest criticism of Spencer’s run has been his tendency to be controversial for the sake of it. Well, after his latest punch to the gut, the condemnation is only bound to get louder. He’s tearing apart Cap’s history and rewriting him as a real S.O.B. – and it’s so damn good. This arc was always going to be risky, especially considering Cap’s current status in the MCU, but it’s wonderfully fresh. He isn’t pulling any punches, or treating it with kid gloves; no, he’s challenging all expectations and swerving us left, right, and center. Even though it’s obvious how this series will ultimately conclude, it’s fun to see what Spencer does with it in the meantime.

Speaking of fun, it’ll be interesting to see the ramification of the group who uncovers Steve’s secret. The threat of blackmail is teased, and with Cap as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. now, chances are good he’ll have to play along. It’s another layer of intrigue to an already chockablock story.

Once again, the art team puts together a striking issue here. While low (actually, non-existent) on the action front, there’s enough to keep you invested in the story. Jesús Saíz’s treatment of the flashbacks, in particular, is a sight to behold. In fact, the flashbacks look magnificent in comparison to the current day’s artwork, which is really standard stuff. I’d pay good money to see Saíz illustrate a whole story in the same way he handles the flashback sequences.

If you haven’t been sold on Captain America: Steve Rogers yet, this issue isn’t going to change that. It’s a hard read for old-school Cap fans, especially with Flag’s funeral and Steve’s role in his death. However, that doesn’t change the fact this is arguably Marvel’s best series at the moment (aside from Venom). How can you not like a book that pushes boundaries, includes an all-star cast, and doesn’t mince its words? Maybe years from now, we’ll be able to proclaim this run as one of the finest in Cap’s history. Until then, stay safe and avoid the online trolls, Nick.