Total Nerd The Best Captain America Storylines In Comic Books
List Rules Vote up the Captain America comic book story arcs every fan must read.
With over 75 years of publication history, the list of Captain America’s greatest adventures is both lengthy and impressive. The best Captain America comics span multiple decades, and the strongest Captain America storylines have come from a truly formidable and diverse group of creators. One might think that the creative well would run dry, what with dozens of Cap comics coming out every year for the better part of a century, but something about the Star-Spangled Avenger continues to inspire great stories year after year.
Since his World War II days, Steve Rogers has been involved in all manner of adventures, ensuring that the Captain America library is chock full of variety. In his time wielding the shield, Cap has taken part in sprawling space wars, tales of political intrigue, and even psychedelic spy thrillers. No matter what the job is, Captain America can be trusted to get it done, and to look good doing it.
The Winter Soldier
Issues: Captain America #1-6, 8-9, 11-14
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Steve Epting, Mike Perkins & Michael Lark
When the concept for The Winter Soldier storyline was announced, it was actually quite controversial. Bucky Barnes had been dead for decades, and the consensus was he should stay that way.
The Winter Soldier, however, ended up among the most beloved Captain America stories ever told, and the basis for a great film that is a true testament to the quality of the comic. It tells the story of Bucky’s return, and his tragic history as the titular Soviet assassin.
Death Of The Dream
Issues: Captain America #25-30
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting & Mike Perkins
Even at his lowest moment, Captain America constantly remains the truest of heroes. This is definitely the case in Death of the Dream, which tells the story of Cap’s incarceration following the events of Civil War and his subsequent assassination. In the absence of Steve Rogers, several allies attempt to step up and fill the massive void left by his death.
The Original Secret Empire
Issues: Captain America #169-175
Writer: Steve Englehart
Artist: Sal Buscema
Having made his debut by socking Hitler in the jaw, Captain America has always been a political character. However, the original Secret Empire storyline was definitely Cap’s most direct moment of political relevance. The arc occurred as the real life United States was dealing with the fallout of the Watergate scandal, and it involves Steve Rogers uncovering a sinister plot that goes to the very top of the American government.
Civil War
Issues: Civil War #1-7
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve McNiven
Civil War is one of the most famous event comics ever, and it ended up becoming the basis of the third Captain America film. Though the two adaptations are quite different, the core remains the same—Captain America versus Iron Man in a moral conflict where Cap comes out looking like the real hero. In the comic version, Steve Rogers is up against greater odds, and ends up being even more inspiring and heroic than the cinematic version.
