Captain America: Living Legend #2 Review

Writer: Andy Diggle

Artist: Agustin Alessio

The opening issue of this series was rather poor, which was a shame considering I was hoping for this to be an amazing series. I do however hope that it turns round, and fast as with it only being a four issue mini-series there isn't a lot of time to waste.

Plot

Following the crash of the D.E.U.S. space station Captain America goes to investigate.

Review

This was another good issue, though not a lot better than the disappointing opening issue. Andy Diggle does a fantastic job of continuing from where the first issue left off, as although the issue was still rather slow, it would still have some interesting aspects. I also enjoyed how Diggle would continue to make this story very mysterious, adding a lot of drama and suspense to the issue, as well as more excitement than the last issue had (even though it was near the end of the issue). I did however expect a bit more progression by now, given the fact that this is only a four issue mini-series, though it looks as though the series will be getting more exciting and entertaining from now.

The artwork on this issue would however once again be phenomenal and it's really the artwork that has made this series as good as it's been. This issue would see Agustin Alessio take over from Adi Granov, though due to Alessio having a similar style, as well as adding his own painted colours, it keeps the tone of the series the same. The detail of Alessio's artwork would also be to a very high standard, as although the facial expressions were a bit stiff throughout, the line detail would be near enough perfect for the entire issue. On top of that Alessio would also produce some amazing layouts that were very dynamic as well as make the extravagant sequences looked awesome.

Last issue would see the sudden crash of the D.E.U.S. space station, and due to this Captain America would travel to Siberia to investigate the crash. Now this wouldn't give much excitement until the end of the continuous sequence, but the interaction between Cap and Doctor Fox would be very interesting. I especially liked the tension between the two characters when it came to talking about the D.E.U.S. project itself, and how Cap plans to destroy any D.E.U.S. related stuff before the Russians can get it, much to Doctor Fox's surprise.

We'd also get to see more of Commander Volkov and the Russians attempt to land on the moon in 1968. Now I won't go into too much details about this sequence as to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it was a very creepy sequence, having some very interesting developments. I also felt that the interaction between the other astronauts added a nice tone to the sequence, and the way they reacted to the changes in Volov during this sequence was extremely entertaining and slightly exciting.

One of the things that his story has been focusing on is a sci-fi theme, with a mysterious alien entity affecting the development of this issue. I personally haven't been too sure whether the sci-fi genre suits Captain America, though this issue would show that it can be an interesting addition to Cap, even if it took most of this issue and the last to do that. The entity itself would also be a very interesting addition to this story, though the most explosive development wouldn't come till near the end of this issue. In saying that this development does have me very excited for the next issue.

Final Verdict

Although this series hasn't improved much in this issue it would be more exciting and show a lot of promise for the second half of the series. It would also have some interesting interactions, as well as keep a mysterious tone throughout. There would also be some extravagant art throughout this issue and although the series hasn't been as good as I hoped it would be, it is starting to grow on me more. Due to this I'd recommend the issue, especially if you enjoy amazing art, but for the patient reader it's probably best to see how well the rest of the series is rated.

Rating: 7/10

Captain America: Living Legend #1 Review

Writer: Andy Diggle
Artist: Adi Granov

The creative team of this series really interested me, as although I don't normally get many mini-series I felt that I had to at least try the first issue of this, as with Adi Granov's artwork is simply phenomenal and added with Andy Diggle's writing should make this an interesting story.

Plot

Following his time working with the Russian army in World War II, Captain America is faced with a current situation that involves one of the men he knew back then.

Review

This was overall a good issue, but it was very far from being perfect, having a lot of problems. Andy Diggle did a great job of giving a unique Captain America story, though this first instalment has been rather dull and at times slightly confusing. I do however feel that Diggle will improve throughout the remaining three parts, but that so far this series that has taken over two years to be released isn't showing it's worth. Back to the positives, Diggle managed to add a great atmosphere to this issue, and overall it had a brilliant tone. It was however trying to develop too much at once, and this was what lead to the dullness and confusion, though I still have high hopes for the rest of the series.

The artwork in this issue was easily the best thing about it, and Adi Granov did a phenomenal job. I did however at first question why Cap was wearing his newest suit during the war, but after remembering that this was originally meant to coincide with the Captain America: The First Avenger film it made sense. Overall the layout and detail of Granov's artwork was brilliant, with eveything being so intense and dramatic, adding brilliant tone to the issue. It is however upsetting that this is the only issue that he'lll be doing interiors on, as after him being the reason for the long wait it would have been nice if he'd done the entire mini-series.

The start of this issue would see the Russians fighting the German's during World War II, with Captain America and a group of American soldiers coming to help the Russians. Now it was very nice to see some of Cap's war time in this issue, and the fact that it would be shown from a different viewpoint made it a little more interesting. I did however not like the Russian sergeant named Volkov, who would be a key feature in this issue, as he seemed rather arrogant and self centred, not really appearing to want help. It was however still amazing to see Cap throwing his shield at Nazis.

The issue would then go onto show the space race between the American's and Russians, showing the Russians attempt to get to the Moon one year earlier than the American's would. It was nice to once again see the connection between the American's and the Russians, especially due to the changes that took place between both events. I did however at the same time find it to be slightly boring, and it seemed to only function as set-up for what's to come later in this story.

The story would eventually come to the present near the end of the issue, as without going into any details, I will say some of my thoughts on this. Once again it was nice to see the change that the years have had on the world, and on top of that it was nice to see Captain America and Sharon Carter together again considering the recent events of the current Captain America series. Overall I also enjoyed this sequence more than any other, as it is what shows the great promise for the future of the series, being a brilliant ending for the first issue.

Final Verdict

This was a good start to this mini-series, but so far it feels like the long wait hasn't been worth it. The story so far is slightly dull, being confusing at times, and overall tries to develop too much at once. The issue did however have plenty of drama and suspense and overall shows promise for the remaining three issues, even if Granov isn't going to do art. I would recommend this to any fan of Granov's art, but otherwise I'd recommend waiting to see if the series gets any better, as although this was a decent start it would be a slight waste of money if the series is like this for all four issues.

Rating: 7/10