REVIEW: ‘Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,’ Issue #2

Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #2 is written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly, illustrated by Carmen Carnero, colored by Nolan Woodard, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It’s published by Marvel Comics. After his battle with the mysterious new Destroyer, Steve Rogers seeks out the true origins behind his shield – coming face to face with the organization called the Outer Circle in the process, and learning how their history intertwines with his. Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes embarks on his own quest, which takes him to the criminal empire of Madripoor.

While Sentinel of Liberty is not the first Captain America series to explore the “secret history” behind a certain aspect of Steve Rogers’ world, it’s one of the more interesting takes since Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting’s groundbreaking work on the character. And considering that was the storyline that reworked Barnes into the Winter Soldier, that’s saying something. Lanzing and Kelly slowly start peeling back the layers of the conspiracy, showcasing the Outer Circle’s connection to events in World War II and other longtime organizations in the Marvel Universe, including HYDRA. But the best part is how it continues to weave the new people into Cap’s life. The moments when he’s teaching his young neighbor, Amari, to box or grabbing coffee with his community college classmates are just as impactful as the action sequences.

A large part of that’s due to Carnero’s artwork, which gives weight to moments big and small. Take Steve and Amari’s training sequence: the two take turns hitting a punching bag, which swings back and forth from the impact of their fists. The same sense of motion is present in Steve’s battle with the Outer Circle’s forces. A four-page sequence features the Star-Spangled Avenger sending soldiers flying with punches or using his shield to deflect energy blasts and knives – as well as dealing out some damaging blows. Fight scenes have rarely looked so good.

Carnero’s art gains the extra impact thanks to Woodward and Caramagna’s work; Steve’s red, white, and blue Captain America suit serves as a great contrast to the Outer Circle soldier’s jet-black fatigues. The members of the Circle are shrouded in darkness, only adding to their mystique. And the lighting changes based on the scene; for example, while Steve is running through New York, the golden lights of the Big Apple’s skyscrapers create a dazzling effect. Also punctuating that scene are word balloons shaped to look like radio transmissions, as Steve calls on the help of his fellow WWII veterans known as the “Radio Company” to help him find out more about the Outer Circle.

Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #2 is a compelling re-examination of Steve Rogers’ history, opening up new layers in the Star-Spangled Avenger’s mythos. Between this series and Captain America: Symbol of Truth, the Captain America books are undergoing a creative renaissance – and it’s one that was sorely needed. Whether you’re a fan of Captain America or a newcomer to the comics, you owe it to yourself to pick up this series.

Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #2 is available wherever comics are sold.