Captain America By Ed Brubaker, Vol. 3 (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
Another great Captain America story from Ed Brubaker, but not as good as the previous volume. Volume 3 is not as kind to new readers or casual Marvel fans as Volume 2 was. While Brubaker continues to skillfully weave in exposition so that the reader does not feel lost, I still had to look up a few character bios on Wikipedia afterwards to get the full backstory.The artwork is still amazing, and story has the same action-packed feel of the previous volume, albeit, on a smaller scale. This particular story is also much darker, as it is becoming clear that Captain America and SHIELD are losing the war against the New Hydra.SPOILER WARNING:While I thought the premise was interesting (a masked vigilante called "Scourge" taking out supervillains living under witness protection), I don't understand why they had to make the new Scourge (there's been more than one over the years) a former superhero. This character gets a really sad and ignominious ending that I felt was unnecessary. It's clear that he was as much a victim as anybody: A good person who got screwed over by Hydra. The fact that he was one of Cap's good friends makes it even more tragic. I don't want to give away too much, but I wish the ending had been handled differently.Cap's awesome supporting cast comes through in the clutch again! Dum Dum Dugan, Agent 13 and Diamondback all see action.Things promise to come to a head in Volume 4. Looking forward to seeing how this epic tale ends! Several captured super villains and henchmen of evil organizations like AIM were given immunity and put into witness protection in exchange for their testimony against bigger threats. Someone leaked the names and locations and now Hydra is killing them off along with some help from a new Scourge.It’s a quick and fun read, but it mainly functions as a smaller chapter in Cap’s on-going battle with Hydra. Brubaker uses the trick of incorporating a minor Marvel character from Steve’s past to give the story some quick emotional stakes, and he does a relatively good job of making the reader believe that Cap would give a crap about this guy.
What do You think about Captain America By Ed Brubaker, Vol. 3 (2000)?
Really enjoyed this one! Sad though! Looking forward to reading another Captain America comic!
—mrcool
Good art and an I'm enjoying the overall story. Not much else to say at this time.
—rachelprentiss32
Fantastic artwork but felt like brubaker had already checked out.
—Ann
