(Panini Books)

Steve Rogers believes in the country America used to be, and he is driven by his hope that it can be that proud nation once more. But his idealism and heroism may not be enough to overcome a tide of populist fascism with its roots in the remnants of Hydra, or the terrorist activities of his fallen countrymen reengineered as Nuke super soldiers.

Faced with a wave of mistrust following his doppelganger’s activities during the Secret Empire incident, Rogers’ attempts to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend Sharon Carter force him into an alliance with Black Panther’s Wakanda, and into a conflict with US government representative General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.

But behind the scenes forces are conspiring to resurrect the assassinated Russian general Aleksander Lukin, whose body still hosts the consciousness of the original Red Skull, as part of a greater plot to destroy the legend of Captain America once and for all…

New writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, who made his comics debut on Black Panther, proves a perfect fit for the star-spangled Avenger. Picking up on plot threads from Ed Brubaker’s and Nick Spencer’s runs, while also reflecting on US current affairs, he ensures this opening arc feels both relevant and topical while also respectful of Captain America’s long history. A worthy relaunch for one of Marvel’s oldest characters.