CAPTAIN AMERICA #368 - Mar ’90. Amazing this isn’t the Epic reprint’s cover.
I wasn’t purchasing CAP regularly at this point; couldn’t afford every Marvel book I wanted.
But I made sure to pick these issues up. Classic example of an X tie-in drawing in an X-reader. Doesn’t feel gratuitous, though. Gru went through a period of using profanity symbols then dropped it. Now, we have dashes for swears.
But I made sure to pick these issues up. Classic example of an X tie-in drawing in an X-reader. Doesn’t feel gratuitous, though. Gru went through a period of using profanity symbols then dropped it. Now, we have dashes for swears.
Morelli seemed to really enjoy the profanity symbols. Don’t know why they disappeared.
Second time that odd X-MEN annual is referenced. Gru, of course, uses the continuity well.
More obscure continuity. My first (and only) exposure to the Resistants. Always loved their costumes.
Bulandi is the perfect Lim inker. Gives his work a texture that reminds me of Arthur Adams.
Now Gru’s addressing a dangling thread from over 100 issues ago. And, I believe, reconciling even older Magneto continuity issues.
Machinesmith stars in the backup. Marvel once thought it was funny to write him as a villainous Paul Lynde.
It’s a story about Machinesmith “accepting” his (robotic) self for who he is. Hmm.
It’s a story about Machinesmith “accepting” his (robotic) self for who he is. Hmm.
Biggest surprise in this origin recap is learning he’s supposed to be even younger than Peter Parker. Not that he looks 15 here.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #369 - Apr ’90. An image seared into my nine-year-old brain.
Story opens with Cap confronting Asp backstage at a strip club. Hi, Comics Code!
One page that sums up Cap perfectly. He probably IS a prude, but unwilling to infringe on another’s rights.
Actually, I can’t stand the modern Cap--drinking beer, cursing, apparently getting Sharon pregnant at one point. I like him as a prig. Cap’s line about his coworker is funny. Also, great page by Lim. Extremely attractive figures, nice backgrounds.
Something we maybe didn’t see enough of: “Mainstream” Marvel interacting with Claremont’s X-world.
Gru’s subtle commentary on the book’s new format. No time for henchmen fights--we’ve got to get to the backup!
Marvel, giving a platform to N*zis.
One of the MCU’s biggest mistakes is not presenting a true Red Skull. He’s actually a rich character. Could be my favorite Red Skull scene. It’s Captain America who inspires him not to kill himself.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #370 - May ’90. No backup this issue, sadly.
You only see his hand here, but it represents Lim’s Cap well. He’s HUGE. Don’t think he’d ever been this muscular before.
Gru revives Micawber to write himself out of the literal hole the Red Skull is in.
His flunkies try to rejuvenate him, but nothing works. I like Crossbones’ blind devotion to Skull.
Meanwhile, we see the “falling for the wrong person” dynamic presented from the villain’s point of view.
The Cap/Diamondback dynamic has always been fun. Gru makes the DC connection blatant this issue--she asks if she’s been taken to the Batcave. The twist is, seeing Cap in person is what inspires Skull to keep living, to remain evil. No Magneto epiphanies here.
Decent issue, but the book now feels off without the backups. The fights seem like they’re padded a bit.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #371 - June ’90. This cover teases Cap vs. The Gamecock. It lies.
What’s the most obvious story you can do about a hero who ditches his costume for date night? Well, Gru’s ahead of you.
Every few pages, you think he’s going to have to suit up, but Diamondback’s girlfriends sneakily take care of the issue. Cap refuses to go out in public with a girl with purple hair. Diamond has to address this. Patriarchy!
Given that Cap knows Diamond’s a member of a supervillain club, you’d think he would care more about his secret ID.
Gru stays true to premise--Cap and Diamond have a date. No fight scenes (with the hero, at least.) Instead, he explores his monk-like take on Cap. Don’t know if this was in response to fans or just a desire to try something new after four years. But Gru’s Cap is now pondering the thought of, y’know, touching a girl. See, people. Cap doesn’t drink.
Also, the dazzling return of Trump. (marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Carlton_S…)
Gru’s walking back his earlier portrayal of Diamond. No more references to her prostituting herself for her villain gear.
The more complex view of villains, the honest discussion of how one could even go straight, plays to Gru’s strengths.
And this closes out the “Bloodstone” Epic Collection. Some pinups (a nice Golden piece) and two of Gru’s columns tossed in, also. Wish we could see more of the columns, but it’s a great collection. Nice representation of the era. Doesn’t even end with a cliffhanger.
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