If you’re like me, you’re dying to know what the deal is with Sam Wilson in the new Hydra America now that Secret Empire is in full swing. The second issue ended with Sam, and the third issue carries his story forward. If you’re scratching your head however, you’d best read this issue as it ties things up as far as his current status.
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Sean Izaakse
Publisher: Marvel Comics
So what’s it about? Read the preview.
Why does this book matter?
Aside from serving as a means to understand his new underground railroad-like mission, we also get one of the most positive hero’s journeys to come out of Secret Empire. With most of the heroes either contemplating murdering to win, or at the least struggling in very dark times, Sam Wilson offers a glimmer of hope.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Nick Spencer gets inside Sam Wilson’s head very well this issue with tightly written captions. It opens with his impression of what Hydra did and how he found out and quickly reveals his general point of view on the world today. It basically passed him by and now he’s in a place where a decision needs to be made. In a diner waiting for his food, Wilson overhears some folks talk positively about Hydra, which screams alt-right in some ways. Wilson of course wants none of it, but what can he do now that the heroes are disbanded and Hydra has taken over?
Nice recap of what has lead us here.
That’s the question that leads to the midpoint of this issue and culminates in hell of a heroic moment. In an excellent full page splash, Sean Izaakse draws Wilson in heroic fashion and the street clothes don’t prevent you from seeing it. There’s a clear message being made in this issue and it’s that you don’t have to wear a costume and be super powered to be a hero. Everyone can stand up and fight if they want to. The second half of the issue follows Wilson’s exploits now that he’s found a mission in a Hydra America, and it all wraps up well with a cliffhanger that ties into the latest issue of Secret Empire.
Izaakse’s art has a classic superhero feel with colors by Nolan Woodard that are bright and hopeful. This book may recap much of what Hydra has done to the world, but it still pops with color and a pleasing cel-shaded look.
But we need you more now than ever!
It can’t be perfect can it?
It’s hard to see Wilson stand back and do what he can to help people escape Hydra and not take the fight directly to them. It’s not something the character has been about and I’m not sure Spencer does a good enough job to make it clear why he won’t do more to fight to stop them. There is a message about having no power to do anything anyway, but it’s a bit defeatist, especially for the character.
Is It Good?
This is the glimmer of hope Secret Empire needed. If Secret Empire is the darkness, Captain America: Sam Wilson is the hero’s journey we can all root for.
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