It’s quite an exciting time to be a Captain America fan. Both Steve and Sam are sharing the mantle of Cap and have their own series, each of which has a stellar writer and artist duo. Cold War has allowed for these two books to intersect in an epic story that honors years of Cap lore while pushing the characters in new and exciting directions.
Dimension Z can be a bit of headache as much as it is a moment to geek out over, but Onyebuchi (and Lanzing and Kelly in Sentinel of Liberty) really dug into the most interesting parts of this setting. Sam and Steve are presented entirely as equals, but there’s something I love about Sam’s levelheadedness being the quality stressed so greatly in this issue. Steve’s trauma and history with Dimension Z gets a great focus in this event and, particularly in this issue. I find it fascinating that Sharon also has her own fair share of trauma associated with Dimension Z and that the son Steve is so desperate to save is also her own, yet her head remains much clearer like Sam’s.
Steve’s history with PTSD gets an interesting mention here, and it adds so much realism to this character who has gone through hell and back multiple times. Sam loves Ian too — as Ian points out, that’s his partner — but he can see the trap when it’s laid out and won’t fall into it. Steve says he needs to save his family and right now by stopping Steve from running into a disaster head on, Sam is doing the same thing.
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Onyebuchi does a great job of showcasing how much love and family motivates both heroes and seeing Sam take this role of challenging Steve for what’s ultimately his own good is really dynamic and interesting stuff. RB Silva’s art knocks it out of the park as usual and each page looks as cinematic as its meant to be read. This whole event has been just as gorgeous to look at as it has been engaging to read.
Ian’s situation with Natasha and Bucky leaves him in a really interesting place, putting the reader on the tip of their toes to see how this will end. It’s clear something big is in store for the final plot twist with Bucky and Natasha in Dimension Z, but it feels like Sam and the others may be ready to approach the Bucky situation more clearly and see the forest through the trees as opposed to Steve, who is far too driven by the complicated emotions he has.
This issue highlights the strengths, weaknesses, and complexities of both Caps, proving that while both may share the title, neither can take the other’s place. Cold War might be wrapping up soon, but if nothing else is for certain, it’s been one hell of a ride.
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