Cap’s been shot to death. The MU heroes have feelings about it. Jeph Loeb scripted, based on an idea from J. Michael Straczynski. Five superstars handled the art, each getting to do one issue and each focusing on one of Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ Five Stages of Grief.
First, Leinil Yu illustrates “denial” starring Wolverine and Winter Soldier. Both are known skeptics, so they work with Daredevil and Doctor Strange to verify that Captain America is really dead.
Next, anger by Ed McGuinness. The Mighty Avengers take out their anger on Tiger Shark. In a story told in parallel, Thing plays poker game with the underground “New Avengers” team, and a fight breaks out over whether Cap is really dead.
Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness told a similar story in their Batman/Superman book. They work well together. This issue is my favorite of the bunch.
Issue #3 moves to the bargaining phase, with John Romita Jr penciling a tale where Tony Stark offers to give Captain America’s shield to the recently resurrected Clint Barton.
Clint proves to be very adept–as good as Cap himself–with the shield.
Ultimately, Clint says no.
This was another really strong issue. Barton, back from the dead. Steve, dead. And Iron Man now serving as the gatekeeper of all official heroes.
David Finch is next, doing the “depression” phase that focuses on Spider-Man at Uncle Ben’s grave. Rhino shows up and Spider-Man fights him for a bit, while recollecting a past team-up with Cap against Hulk.
And we close with issue #5, acceptance, which offers Captain America’s funeral and more people than I can possibly be expected to tag. That’s John Cassaday’s beautiful art.
Meanwhile, the New Avengers–on the run from the law–have a secret wake.
Okay, maybe THIS one is my favorite of the bunch. It’s hard to pick. Great series.
English (US) · 