I was really looking forward to reading Brubaker's run on Captain America (finally), and I was expecting to be blown away. The first trade is okay, but it's not the mind-splintering material I was expecting it to be, considering how people have been raving about this. Maybe it's the fact that I've never read much about Cap before this trade, or maybe it's the fact that most of the "surprises" have already been spoiled for me. Maybe it's more revolutionary to long-time followers of Captain America, or maybe it's better when you don't see the twists coming. I don't know. It won't stop me from reading at least a few more of the trades, though. ( )

Totally recommended for anyone interested in reading Captain America. ( )

http://jmgold.blogspot.com/2008/03/ca... ( )

While the climax of this first volume of the WINTER SOLDIER story is predictable, the storytelling could not be better. Brubaker has envisioned a Cap that is both vulnerable and strong, presenting what is ultimately a more human hero without losing all those heroic elements that make him Captain America. The art is perfect, which again grounds this tale of fantasy in reality. This is the best Cap has been in a very long time. ( )