Sam Wilson visits his parents’ graves in the cemetery to tell them what had
happened earlier: at a secluded farmhouse, Misty Knight presented him with a
shield of his own and he declined it, feeling that he was not good enough to be
Captain America. Over a cup of tea, she explains how many people, T’Challa,
Tony Stark, Thor, and many others contributed to the forging of the shield
because they believed Sam had to be Captain America. But Sam is uncertain. Then
baddies assault the house they are in and Sam picks up the shield to protect
himself and Misty; when the bad guys are defeated, Sam agrees to wield the
shield. He thanks his parents for raising him to be a man who could be Captain
America.
“Nothing
But a Fight”
Writer:
Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly. Art: Carmen Carnero. Colors: Nolan Woodard.
Letters: Joe Caramagna.
Synopsis:
In England, Steve Rogers joins many others for the funeral of Roger Aubrey
a/k/a the Destroyer. Many offer a brief eulogy: Ghost Girl, Aaron Fischer, Jim
Hammond, Pam from the Radio Company, Namor, Wolverine, Captain Marvel, Peggy
Carter, Nick Fury, Captain Wings, Silver Scorpion, leading to Sharon Carter who
pays tribute to her fallen friend by becoming the new Destroyer. Steve reads
one of Roger’s favorite poems.
Roger
is buried beside Brian Falsworth. Redacted approaches Steve and says he wants
to be a person and will travel the world; Steve gives him the name Nomad. The
Radio Company people take Peggy Carter under their wing. Steve meets with
Bucky Barnes, hiding from everyone else; Bucky defends his use of Ian Rogers as a pawn
in the game to destroy the Outer Circle. Steve explains the problem isn’t Ian,
it’s that Bucky left him when he was needed. They are interrupted by a man
introducing himself as Andrew Agboje, great-grandson of the Dr. Agboje who made
Cap’s shield; he hands over a letter and departs. Steve and Bucky look at the
ancient letter and discover it contains Dr. Agboje’s explanation of how to use
the shield to defeat the Outer Circle. Steve and Bucky reconcile and determine
to work together against the bad guys.
Story
continues in CAPTAIN AMERICA FINALE.
And
five shorter pieces:
“Reflections”
Writer:
Stephanie Williams. Art: Rachael Scott. Colors: Matt Milla.
Synopsis:
Captain America Sam Wilson delivers an address at a Harlem high school. He
relates how he joined the Avengers and never felt like he fit in, preferring to
do things on his own terms and encouraging the kids to do the same.
“The
Hero”
Writer:
J.M. DeMatteis. Art: Sara Pichelli. Colors: Matthew Wilson.
Synopsis:
Steve Rogers visits the grave of his friend Arnold Roth who, as a kid,
protected Steve from bullies. They drifted apart as they grew older then Arnie
came back into his life, revealed he was gay, and found acceptance. In Steve’s
mind Arnie was his hero.
“Then
and Now”
Writer/penciler:
Dan Jurgens. Art: Bret Breeding. Colors: Alex Sinclair.
Synopsis:
Steve reflects on the changes he has seen in the world from the 1940s to the
present, noting that while many things are different, the quest for justice is
the same.
“The
Mantle”
Writer:
Cody Ziglar. Art: Marcus Williams.
Synopsis:
While Steve Cap and Sam Cap compete at hurling their shields, they talk about
the weight of the mantle of Captain America. Steve tells Sam he is lucky to
share the mantle with him—and then they go back to their contest.
“One
Lucky Shot”
Writer:
Gail Simone. Art: Daniel Acuna.
Synopsis:
In Calliope Park on the coldest day of the year, A Hydra Agent shoots Captain
America who falls into the stream. A kid finds the shield and takes it home to
show his friends; they play with it in the part then the Hydra agent comes to
collect it. But Cap is there too and punches the guy’s lights out. He is
invited back for hot chocolate at Grandma’s house. “You’re all frozen in ice.” “I’ve
had worse.”