Everything all wrapped up nicely after the epic ‘Death of Captain America’ arc by Ed Brubaker. The Red Skull and his minions were defeated and America has a new man carrying the shield. Is Bucky’s first new adventure as Cap rival that of any previous adventure by Rogers? Or is there a good reason why Rogers should return?

Put it in a simple phrase: This isnt a bad comic. In fact this is probably a good jumping on point for anyone not reading this title in the first place. Brubaker has a great mindset to provide thrills and adventure in this series. Captain America as a whole could define the action genre in films. The arc focuses on an old chinese scientist, who Bucky knew in his Winter Soilder days, trying to create a super virus to wipe out the world. In order to get this virus he sents out Batroc (THE LEAPER!!) and ‘The Man with No Face’ (hence the title) to retrive a certain ‘Invader’ to get the job done. It’s up to Captain America to save his old friend and maybe have help with a Prince of Atlantis to get the job done.

Again this is not a bad comic by any means. But….it can be very very boring at times. So boring in fact that I originally dropped the series after feeling this arc was going no where. It could be either me as a reader or Brubaker himself; but it feels like we’re a little burnt out on Captain America right now. It isnt fair to judge a title after writing one of the greatest Marvel stories ever with the last 42 issues. As a story just for Bucky as Cap here, it just doesnt cut it. The plot just lingers on and on and on; this could’ve been done in half the issues if Brubaker tighten up the script. Not to say there isnt cool moments, anytime Bucky goes out there fighting the bad guys it’s entertaining. Anything involving with his past, or Black Widow, or just the ramblings of the chinese scientist; it gets tideous to read.

Add in some frustrating art changes as well with this. Three artists are on board for this arc; Luke Ross (#43-45), Steve Epting (#46), and Butch Guice (#47-48). They all have very similar styles with their pencils, which is probably why Guice and Ross were chosen to do this comic. It’s annoying that Epting couldnt continue with the series for more then just an issue. Considering he’s doing other major work though for the future, it’s understandable. The colorist in this comic makes us, the reader, feels like Epting never left. I feel bad for not remembering his name, but on a glance he really makes sure the jump in artists isnt jarring. However there are major differences when looking at them closely. With Ross and Guice, the comic never seems to flow as it should. Action sequences just seem to be snapshots of the better moments, and it doesnt feel like a free flowing battle is occuring. When you see the issue that Epting did do, it’s a no brainer to see this free flow art happening.

Again maybe Brubaker (or myself) is a bit burnt out on this comic. This particular arc didnt quite gel and it suffered from tedious writing and so-so art. For newcomers to the Captain America universe, this is a smart choice. In fact, even a medicore Cap comic is  better then most comic out there now. For people who have read this in issue….maybe there is a reason why Marvel wants Rogers back after a short period of death. Bucky might not be as interesting playing the part as he could’ve been.