Review by Ian Keogh

In 2022 both Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson were using the name Captain America, involved in separate problems from separate creators, but they come together in Cold War when their problems unite. The primary situation has been set up by writing partners Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing in Sentinel of Liberty, where they’ve introduced an organisation that actually does control the world operating in the shadows. Collaborating here with Tochi Onyebuchi, who’s been delivering Sam Wilson’s investigations in Symbol of Truth, there’s no time wasted in revealing to Steve that Peggy Carter is currently no friend. Neither, it seems, is Bucky Barnes, now calling himself Revolution, whatever Steve might believe.

The Cold War title refers to much of the action taking place in Alaska or in Dimension Z where conditions are cold at the best of times. The pair of Captain Americas are accompanied by Sharon Carter and Misty Knight, also combative, and as well as the threats faced there’s a growing schism between Sam and Steve over trust. All evidence to the contrary, Steve’s trust in Bucky is implicit, and he believes Bucky is doing the right thing, but too much harm and bloodshed leads to Sam believing the evidence. It leads to the weakest chapter, when they’re fighting each other instead of moving forward. Bucky and the Black Widow also have trust issues.

Otherwise this hits a lot of right notes. Artists Carlos Magno, R.B. Silva (sample spread left) and Alina Erofeeva (sample, right) are first rate artists, all of them coping with changes of mood and keeping the action thrilling. That action comes in constant waves in what’s a five chapter journey to the finale.

The finale delivers in terms of action, but there’s rather a rushed ending featuring a page of heavy explanations, and machinations that led to one place might have been more easily achieved, contingent as they are on one person coming to a viewpoint. On the other hand, that’s a relatively subtle point for a superhero graphic novel to reach. Too often with superhero epics, the conclusion to one is merely the beginning of another, with more to follow in Cold War Aftermath. This time, though, it’s more of a reflective mulling over and considering choices. Here the status quo is changed, and this has been a fast-paced thrill rush.