When Captain America died, I remember hearing a Marvel spokesperson definitively proclaim that Steve Rogers is really dead and will stay dead.  Ha.  The only thing not possible in the Marvel Universe is death; that being said, let’s be fair and give Reborn a chance.

My rating is that Reborn is slightly above average.  For those that have been onboard with Brubaker’s run from the beginning, you will appreciate the tiny threads of details and plot points that have been woven throughout these issues.  Sharon Carter and her role in the death of Cap is compelling.  What happened after her capture?  How did she learn that Steve Rogers is alive?  Brubaker does a great job making the pieces fit and keeping it believable.  Gathering the team of Cap regulars (Black Widow, Vision, Falcon and Hank Pym) makes this feel epic and of great consequence.  However, I am not thrilled with the actual “how” of Steve Rogers return.  The concept is not new and might turn out to be pretty lame.  Ed Brubaker is an extremely gifted author so I trust him, but I am a little scared.  The art was powerful.  The full page panels of his death and various close ups were memorable.

I’m ready for the next one.  Fans deserve an original story if Bucky’s short lived run with the shield is coming to a close.  I think Brubaker making sense of this is going to be a tougher job than Rogers returning.

3.5 out of 5