Captain America (1968 series) #322

Comments: Part two of two parts. The letters page is entirely occupied with the results of the “Design the Headquarters of the Serpent Society Contest” from issue #315.

Review: We have a rarity here: an issue narrated by Cap himself; this gives him the opportunity to explain his ideals directly to the audience, especially when he is alone in the story. It also makes the story feel like a lecture, though the writing manages mostly to downplay this. Cap reveals that he does not represent America’s government or policies but her principles: freedom, justice, equality, opportunity. And to that end he believes life is sacred. And therein lies the problem: with this issue the pacifistic Mark Gruenwald tries to establish the Cap has never killed anyone in the line of duty. Moreso, he claims that Cap is even uncomfortable with hitting an enemy when he isn’t looking! And the villains know that Cap will not progress beyond empty threats when questioning them. Seriously, dude? A Super-Soldier never killed anyone during wartime? And in this issue, Cap states that war is necessary at times, like now, when terrorists are threatening America. So how can war be conducted without killing, especially with a view to defeating evil? Looks like Gruenwald did not think this through, though I hope some of these questions are addressed in later issues. Thematics aside, it’s Paul Neary’s art that saves the day, an energetic battle scene with Cap crashing through the baddies single-handedly followed by stark scenes silhouetted by the snow storm. Cool.