By Mark Waid (writer), Jorge Molina (pencils), Karl Kesel (inks), Frank D’Armata (colors), VC’s Joe Sabino (letters and production)
The Story: Cap struggles with finding himself back “home” in the 40s…but without his comrades and without a war to fight. And with Kang still on the loose, he must also find a way to warn the Avengers 60 years into the future.
What’s Good: You know what I love? I love comics that make you feel something. That happens less and less these days, it seems, with everything focused on events, big splash pages and big battles and deaths for their own sake, rather than the sake of a story. Although this series does have a big bad, a time-spanning story, and even a few battles and splash pages, the focus of this story is never in question: it is on Steve Rogers, and his place in history both as a person, and as a symbol. The most powerful moments in this book come from scenes of Steve’s quiet introspection or realization. (The scene at the ballpark is especially good–simultaneously reminding Steve that not everything was better back in the day, and that we as a nation have made great strides towards the ideal that he represents as Captain America.)
What’s Not So Good: If I had to pick one flaw out of this book, it would be the action sequence at the end. It doesn’t feel properly built-up to, almost as if it was shoehorned in to make up for a perceived lack of action in the rest of the issue. I don’t object to the scene in and of itself–it’s quite fun, if a little short–but it feels quite abrupt and out of place, and doesn’t really fit the contemplative mood of the rest of the issue. I’m not sure what else they could have done besides smooth the transition between moods, but as it stands, it does feel more than a little jarring and forced.
I’m not sure if my last nitpick is entirely fair, but I’ll throw it out there and let you be the judge. I saw my first pieces of original comic book artwork at ECCC this year; specifically, I got to see a bunch of original pages from the first three issues of Man Out of Time. I really am surprised by the difference the inking and coloring makes in the final product. Now I’m no expert in these matters so again it may not be fair, but it seems as though the inking and coloring are particularly heavy handed; much of the detailed pencil work seems lost under thick inks and bright, solid blocks of color. I like that sort of look for Superman’s book; I tend to like something more nuanced and detailed for Cap.
Conclusion: Overall, a great conclusion to a wonderful mini series. I don’t often double-dip single issues and trades, but this (along with the likes of Artifacts and Batwoman) is going to be one of my rare exceptions. I really am looking forward to the chance to read it in book form from start to finish. Don’t let that stop you right now though; this is good enough that it’s well worth your time to track down the issues.
Grade: A-
-SoldierHawk
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