The terrific trio of Captain America, Spider-Man, and Thor are working to figure out what happened to Broxton. Doing this involves science, magic, and grit. So, it seems like this should be a cake walk for them, right? Right? In J. Michael Straczynski’s final arc on the title, he’s also stopping to revisit some fan favorite books he’s also worked on. Altogether, this seems like it’s set up to be a fun arc and happy sendoff for Straczynski. That said, how does issue #15 pick up the pieces from the prior issue?
Marvel Comics
There are a few things to note about this issue. First, it’s funny. This is comics at its best. There aren’t forced quips or unnecessary amounts of audience pandering. This makes each character’s small nuances and personality shine in small moments. Peter’s dry humor comes off well, as does Steve’s cleverness and Thor’s subtlety. Through this, there are also fun moments where each share a moment or two with now another that seem to ring true to what makes them such great, enjoyable, and resonating characters in the first place. This is all because more than anything else, J. Michael Straczynski really gets these three heroes. His familiarity with them creates a pen so attuned to each that you almost forget who’s the main character. Sometimes, it feels like a lost issue of Amazing Spider-Man or Thor. Altogether, part of the story’s success comes from how well-versed Straczynski is with these characters; and as a result, he delivers one heck of a story.
Marvel Comics
In this issue, artist Jesús Saíz joins the fray and collaborates with colorist Matt Hollingsworth. At first, I wasn’t sure about how well the style of art here would reflect a story about love, loss, and math (that’s for later. Or so Peter says). But before I knew it Saíz’s style became charming and a logical choice for this story. First, the mirror dimension’s intended look works really ghost like through Saíz’s soft line work and gentle expressions. This helps to make small moments more moving, revelations more important, and individual quirks more humorous. I do enjoy Hollingsworth’s colors as well; they add to certain moments within the mirrored dimension that I think would otherwise have fallen flat. Which is unfortunate, because some of the moments without mirrored characters seem to do just that.
While the coloring works to add an intensity to this other dimension and its magic, some other moments feel a little dry. This might be how the colors are textured against the greater line work, which but something about it feels off. With that, the story remains interesting overall and holds the reader’s captivation through its humor and emotional weight but feels held back at times artistically.
Marvel Comics
Altogether, Captain America #15 is a strong entry that serves as the penultimate issue for both the series and J. Michael Straczynski’s time on the character. The premise is easy to follow and remains intriguing as the mysteries behind Broxton only thicken. However, the art as a whole feels a bit off putting at time, with colors feeling a little too flat and line work sometimes too thick. That said, this is still a good story that either readers of the series, or those interested in seeing J. Michael Straczynski return to Spider-Man and Thor may want to pick up.
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