One of the most iconic of Marvel's super-heroes is Captain America who has been around in one form or another since being created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby back in 1941. Cap wasn't the first all-American flag bearing character that would be Archie Comics Shield but Steve Rogers has certainly outshone all his competition over the years.
The annual is of particular interest because it is the work of of James Steranko one of the best artists to enter the comics field albeit for too short a time as his obvious talent led him to more profitable pastures.
This volume contains three issues of Captain America which make a complete story and see Steve Rogers take on the Hulk, pick up Ricky Barnes as a new combat partner dressed as his long-dead side-kick Bucky and the duo take on the might of Hydra.
The main protagonist turns out to be the heavily scarred Madam Hydra whose commitment to the if you fail you die philosophy makes one wonder why all these jokers sign up to be foot-soldiers for the organisation. Hail Hydra they say.
There's some wonderful art by Steranko over the three chapters including a psychedelic sequence when Rick finds himself drugged in Caps apartment and of course there is the shock moment when the unthinkable happens.
Captain America dies! Hail Hydra!
Enter the Avengers and a faux funeral in which the team find themselves prisoners of Hydra. It is only the reappearance of one thought dead that saves the day.
Worth grabbing a copy f you come across one!
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