Two issues in and I’m not exactly sure what’s going on with this book.  It’s LOST starring the Avengers, with Norman Osborn as Charles Whitmore, Buc-Cap as Jack and Steve as… Sawyer?  Natasha is so much hotter than Kate.

This isn’t a bad story; its just not as good as the regular Captain America series. When you consider how insanely well crafted Brubaker’s spy novella is, Reborn just feels like another bad event comic by comparison.   And I have to wonder if Marvel didn’t push him into it to coincide with the Distinguished Competition’s Blackest Night release.  Buc-cap was barely getting started as the new American Avenger, and the change is jarring.

Added to the problem is the art.  This isn’t Bryan Hitch’s best work.  Despite how great an artist he is, Butch Guice’s inks seem to make Hitch’s style muddier and darker.   But they seem to be close to finding a groove, as this issue is very much improved from the last.

But no matter it’s flaws, Reborn does bring back Steve Rogers in a big way.  Bru’s ability to find the one true Cap’s voice has not diminished even slightly.  And unlike many flashback heavy books, Bru and Hitch manage to keep the affair from feeling like an endless retread.  Everything feels fresh, including Dr Erskine transforming little Stevie wonder-years into the symbol of the American spirit.

Make no mistake, despite it’s slow start, I plan to follow the series.  It’s taking its time to get to the point, but Steve’s return to the regular Marvel U will be big.   And the fallout should be a welcome change from the consistent bleakness of the Dark Reign era.

Plus it’ll be nice to see Bucky get out of that ballerina leotard he got stuck in.  Thanks Alex Ross, for making Cap a woman.

For more reviews, check out my article on JMS’ Midnight Nation, one of my new favorite books, my review of Amazing Spider-man’s Red Headed Stranger arc or my Book of the Week review.