CAPTAIN AMERICA #357 - Sep ’89. Summer biweekly schedule begins. (Original) colorist already being credited as “Joe Schmoe.”
No, Gru does cop out; Jennifer is not dead.
The entire story is a copout, really. Cap’s body returns just in time. Bernie’s sister was never really a runaway. Uh, fine then.
It reads as if Gru lost interest in this one almost as soon as he began writing it. But then there’s the…
The real biweekly summer storyline begins with this back-up.
I like Dwyer’s Spider-Man style Diamondback.
I like Dwyer’s Spider-Man style Diamondback.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #358 - Sep ’89. Gru homages movie serials--fitting for the bi-weekly schedule.
Either a callback to a bit of ultra-obscure Marvel continuity, or a plot point. Or both. With Gru, that’s very possible.
Giving the Avengers a full support staff was Gru’s idea. Don’t think it really caught on. I like the way Gru plays with John Jameson’s introduction.
Byrne has committed on Gru’s (subconscious?) desire to turn Marvel into DC. Cap/Diamondback’s almost-romance is likely a play on Batman/Catwoman. Before this, Gru reinvented a minor heroine as Mockingbird, pairing her with Hawkeye. Marvel’s own Green Arrow/Black Canary. Eyes off that tushie, Diamondback!
Love the inking on this page. Danny Bulandi’s taken over for Milgrom this issue. Has a long stint as inker.
A back-up serial has US Agent facing the Scourge.
Gru enjoyed the flexibility to feature other characters, and felt cutting the main story’s page count made his writing tighter.
Gru enjoyed the flexibility to feature other characters, and felt cutting the main story’s page count made his writing tighter.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #359 - Oct ’89. Awesome cover. And Milgrom’s now mimicking Dwyer’s signature.
Nothing truly significant in this middle chapter. Fun action, solid art. This is a cool page.
Zemo reminds me of Cobra Commander from the cartoon here. Sunbow shows also drew from old movie serials.
This really is an exhibition of Dwyer's skills. Love Batroc's expression here.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #360 - Oct ’89. Think Dwyer’s inking himself on the cover. Love the water effect.
Dwyer’s figures from this era have a sense like they’re almost made of water anyway. I’ve always liked the look. So, Cap fights Zemo’s thugs and some sharks. Neat high adventure stuff, with lovely Dwyer art.
Gru remains mindful of characterization and personal motivations. Batroc actually admires Cap; Diamondback is desperate to prove herself.
And we have the first cameo appearance from Crossbones. Great design.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #361 - Nov ’89. That pose is gonna cause trouble, Diamondback. (Wait; it’s still 1989? We’re cool.)
Much of this story seems to be an excuse for Dwyer to draw cool stuff. Mummies? Sure, why not.
Ordinarily, Gru wouldn’t dwell on something like this for six issues, but the bi-weeklies could justify these diversions. The internet would erupt over this page today. And most likely, we’d learn later Batroc was protesting too much…
Nine panel page, thought balloons, gratuitous continuity--and know what? It all works.
Marvel spent years running from this style of comic, and ultimately (no pun intended), what did they end up with? I’m not saying this is absolutely perfect, but it appealed to its target demo and helped to keep the mythos alive for decades. Okay, I’m not gonna defend these puns, though.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #362 - Nov ’89. I know Dwyer’s art owes nothing to his former stepfather--but Batroc sure has a Byrne face here.
After referencing old Hollywood for five issues, we’re now in Cannon direct-to-video territory.
Zemo’s plot is revealed; he wants to resurrect his “vater.” Diamondback accidentally helped him out…
More fight scenes, vague deaths for both Zemos, then ANOTHER cliffhanger. Crossbones has kidnapped Diamondback.
USAgent's backup's finale is similarly lacking. I get this is more about momentum, getting you to the next issue. But it’s a lot of investment for little payoff.
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