REVIEW: ‘Captain America,’ Issue #750

Captain America #750 is an anthology published by Marvel Comics and features stories by multiple creators. “A Cup of Tea,” is written by Tochi Onyebuchi, art by R.B. Silva, and colors by Jesus Aburtov. “Nothing But a Fight” is written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, art by Carmen Carnero, and colors by Nolan Woodard. “Reflections” is written by Stephanie WIlliams, art by Rachel Stott, and colors by Matt Milla. “The Hero” is written by J.M. DeMatteis, art by Sara Pichelli “Then and Now” is written and drawn by Dan Jurgens, inks by Brett Breeding, and colors by Alex Sinclair. “The Mantle” is written by Cody Ziglar and art by Marcus Williams. “One Lucky Shot” is written by Gail Simone and art by Daniel Acuña. The special issue of Captain America has tales featuring both Captains America: Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers.

This is such an important time within the world of Captain America, and Captain America #750 acknowledges the milestone within a milestone issue. Sam Wilson has been Captain America for a while now, but this is a period where both Steve and Sam wear the mantle at the same time. And so the focus of these issues is spread evenly between the two. The first two stories, the longest in the comic, has one each. “A Cup of Tea” talks about how Sam struggles to pick up the shield during a visit from Misty Knight. “Nothing but a Fight” deals with the funeral of one of Steve’s wartime friends. Both come in the aftermath of the Captain America series, keeping focused on the present. 

The other stories are quicker, little snippets of time that show various aspects of Captain America’s role within society. Both of them have a history within Marvel, Steve more so, and that is explored and appreciated. But there is also both trepidation and excitement for the future. The stories are dialogue-heavy, with more of an emphasis on the characters and their impact than the action.

When it comes to the Captains, it is fascinating to see the way the writers approach either one. For Steve, there is over 75 years of history and a truly iconic status. He is often considered the greatest among the heroes — the symbol of good. Many stories adventure through his time in the war, largely with an ending or connection to the modern era as well. It features those of Caps friends that are gone, and many that are still here. As for Sam, his long-standing legacy in comics is well-charted as well, but there is more consideration of that mantle he has just taken up.

That is most noticeable in the first story, and the dialogue in that segment is fantastic. Somewhat similar to the plotline in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but with a new slant on the characters involved. The conversation follows the introduction of Sam’s own shield, and Misty’s explanation of how it was constructed is one of the best pieces of dialogue in the whole issue. It should also be recognised that Captain America #750 features others that have been major parts of the characters’ supporting cast or carried the shield themselves. Bucky, Peggy, Sharon, and many others all have important moments.

The art is gorgeous, with numerous artists bringing truly individual styles to the book. In “A Cup of Tea,” there is a terrific blend of whimsical and definition. Outside, when Sam is at his parents’ graves, it is peaceful and there is such beauty around him. Then, inside, where a stern, dire conversation is being had, the lines are crisper and thicker. It is as if Silva wants us to pay more attention at these points. The funeral scene in “Nothing But a Fight” is grand yet touching, with an artist that draws extremely poignant facial expressions and body language. Some of the characters are in outfits they are very rarely seen in, yet all look fantastic. A new costume is also revealed, which is impeccably designed. There are numerous flashbacks in the next stories too, and Pichelli, Carnero, Jurgens, and Breeding all approach them with unique techniques. Where some homage to the classic styles, others update them to fit the modern comic. “The Mantle” has a fluid, energetic style to what is quite a cartoony, movement-based story, and Acuna makes the final story a mysterious and melancholy affair, with a positive final page for the whole book. 

The colors are stunning in every story, again entering the comic with different palettes and visions. There are stories that are bright and vibrant and others that prefer to paint the past in shadow and singular shades. Similarly to the line art, “A Cup of Tea” has an entirely different look for the interior and exterior. Outside, it is like a watercolor painting, with powerful pages that are mindblowing in their beauty. Inside, it is smoother to fit within the thicker line weights. Lighting is also important during the funeral story. There are many moments where it is bleak and absent of warmth, which makes the brightness more appreciated when it comes. Inside the church itself, the setting is golden as light pours through the windows. It makes the scene reflective not depressive. In that story, the light carries hope with it. Caramagna’s lettering is consistently faultless to read during the whole book.

Captain America #750 celebrates two Captains for perhaps the first time in one of these milestone issues. And the collection achieves that superbly. Some of the finest creators have been brought together to show that Sam is as brilliant and valued as a character as Steve. History and the present are not separate entities, and never once is someone or something overlooked. Whilst visiting graves becomes a theme for a few stories, this is an incredibly positive and loving comic, because that is what Captain America embodies. Both of them.

Captain America #750 is available where comics are sold.