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The 10 Best Captain America Comic Book Stories You Should Read
Marvel Comics Reading Recommendations

The 10 Best Captain America Comic Book Stories You Should Read

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Devised as a political statement during World War II, Captain America has an enduring legacy. Yes, the war is long over. However, Cap has stayed relevant through the humanist values he represents. As a result, Marvel has published countless stories exploring contemporary themes through this lens.

It’s an approach that has resulted in many excellent comics. Many of which are on this list. So whether you’re new to Captain America comics or looking for something new to read, this list has you covered. Below, you’ll find 10 of the best comics, ranging from political thrillers to bombastic science fiction and everything in between.

Editor’s note: Are you looking for the best Sam Wilson stories? Check out our dedicated list.

Captain America #109 cover by Jack Kirby.
Captain America #109 cover by Jack Kirby.

The Hero That Was

Written by Stan Lee. Art by Jack Kirby.

Captain America’s origin story has been told many times before. The Hero That Was Marvel’s third, this time expanded upon previous depictions. This telling has the signature Jack Kirby flare, full of bombast, science fiction flare, and a hint of espionage. Stan Lee gives the recounting a touch of pathos, with Steve Rogers telling Nick Fury his origin story as he’s reminded about Bucky’s passing. All these elements combine to make a great recapping of Captain America’s origin that’s brief but enjoyable.

Issue: Captain America #109
Collected in: ‘Captain America Epic Collection: The Coming Of… The Falcon’ or Marvel Masterworks: Captain America Volume 3′
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Marvel Premier Collection: Captain America: The Winter Soldier cover by Steve Epting.
Marvel Premier Collection: Captain America: The Winter Soldier cover by Steve Epting.

Winter Soldier

Written by Ed Brubaker. Art by Steve Epting, Michael Lark, and John Paul Leon.

The 2004 relaunch did two things for Captain America. 1) It shook the character out of its September 11 reactionary storytelling it was bogged down in, and 2) did the impossible in bringing back Bucky from the dead. Winter Soldier, the first story of this run, hits the ground running with the shocking death of the Red Skull. From there, the series dials up the action and espionage, with a missing Cosmic Cube and the Russian-controlled Winter Soldier causing major havoc.

In conjunction with the exciting action, this story works well due to Captain America’s inner conflict. Being forced to face his World War II past (can he trust his memories?) stirs up many feelings for Cap, which bubble to the surface when forced to reconcile with the unlikely return of Bucky as the Winter Soldier. This personal stake elevates the drama and gives a compelling justification to bring Bucky back after decades of death.

Issues: Captain America (2004 series) #1-9, #11-14
Collected in: ‘Captain America Modern Epic Collection: The Winter Soldier’, or ‘Marvel Premier Collection: Captain America: Winter Soldier’, or ‘Captain America: Winter Soldier Ultimate Collection’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Captain America and The Falcon #175 cover by John Romita Sr.
Captain America and The Falcon #175 cover by John Romita Sr.

Secret Empire (1974)

Written by Steve Englehart and Mike Friedrich. Art by Sal Buscema.

A secret cabal known as “The Secret Empire” is going out of its way to tarnish Captain America’s public image. Through doing so, they can install a patriotic hero of their own control as a stepping stone to controlling the country. As fugitives, Cap and Falcon (who earns his signature wings during this tale) must clear their names while also trying to stop a much larger conspiracy.

Not to be mistaken with the Hydra Cap story, 1974’s Secret Empire was part of a shift to bring the Captain America comics into a more contemporary political climate. As a result, this story is a fictional reaction to the Watergate scandal – albeit through a superhero lens. But its impact is felt, with a shocking moment towards the end causing Captain America to ponder if the symbol he represents needs to be retired.

Issues: Captain America and The Falcon #169-176
Collected in: Captain America: The Secret Empire’, or ‘Captain America Epic Collection: The Secret Empire’, or ‘Marvel Masterworks: Captain America Volume 8’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

BONUS PICK: Find out what’s next for Steve Rogers and how he reconciles the events of Secret Empire in Captain America and The Falcon #177-186.

Captain America #193 cover by Jack Kirby and John Romita Sr.
Captain America #193 cover by Jack Kirby and John Romita Sr.

Madbomb

Written and art by Jack Kirby.

After a short stint at DC Comics, Jack Kirby returned to Marvel in 1976 with a fresh stint at Captain America – among other titles. Madbomb was the opening (and most notable) tale. In it, Cap and Falcon take on a royalist plot to set off a bomb that would cause the country to go mad, destroying itself in the process, while America celebrates the Bicentennial

While Madbomb’s story can be a little uneven at times, it makes up for it through its bombastic energy. Throughout this story, Cap and Falcon will be forced into a killer roller derby, traverse massive underground bases, and encounter fantastic machinery. This is all wrapped in Kirby’s energetic style, which takes these ideas to new heights through a mix of storytelling choices and wild designs.

Issues: Captain America #193-200
Collected in: ‘Captain America and The Falcon: Madbomb’, or ‘Captain America Epic Collection: The Man Who Sold The United States’ or ‘Marvel Masterworks: Captain America Volume 10’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Captain America #445 cover by Ron Garney.
Captain America #445 cover by Ron Garney.

Operation Rebirth

Written by Mark Waid. Art by Ron Garney.

Captain America is dead! Or is he? Saved by The Red Skull through elaborate methods, Cap and Sharon Carter are forced to team up with him to stop an even greater evil – Adolf Hitler trapped within the Cosmic Cube. But will this be a straightforward mission? Or is everything not as it seems?

Being published in 1995, Operation Rebirth has many signature elements for a Marvel comic of the era. Big guns, bigger muscles, and plenty of action. However, this story transcends the usual fare through a script that doesn’t forget what Captain America stands for and his values while offering plenty of surprises.

Issues: Captain America #444-448
Collected in: ‘Captain America: Operation Rebirth’ or ‘Captain America Epic Collection: Man Without A Country’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

BONUS PICK: The consequences of Operation Rebirth will be felt in a follow-up story called A Man Without A Country (Captain America #450-453). Check that out if you enjoy what Waid and Garney have done with the character.

Captain America - Castaway in Dimension Z cover by John Romita Jr. Rick Remender.
Captain America: Castaway in Dimension Z cover by John Romita Jr.

Castaway in Dimension Z

Written by Rick Remender. Art by John Romita Jr.

What seemed like a simple S.H.I.E.L.D. mission turns into a much grander ordeal when Captain America is whisked off to a dimension ruled by Arnim Zola. Cap is forced to survive the harsh environment with a young boy in tow while battling Zola’s endless forces.

After years of espionage thrillers, Castaway in Dimension Z returned Captain America to a more science fiction flavour. Artist John Romita Jr drives through a Kirby-esque aesthetic that feels alien while giving readers impressive action from a thoroughly beaten Cap. However, while this tale is full of action and survival, at its heart, the comic is about fatherhood and the choices that are made in service of it.

Issues: Captain America (2012 series) #1-10
Collected in: ‘Captain America Volume 1: Castaway in Dimension Z Book 1’ and ‘Captain America Volume 1: Castaway in Dimension Z Book 2’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Tales of Suspense #80 cover by Jack Kirby.
Tales of Suspense #80 cover by Jack Kirby.

He Who Holds the Cosmic Cube

Written by Stan Lee. Art by Jack Kirby.

A.I.M has created their most dangerous weapon yet – the Cosmic Cube. It’s an object so powerful that it can alter reality at a whim. Unfortunately, temporary ally The Red Skull has performed a rug-pull and taken it for his own evil ambitions.

He Who Holds the Cosmic Cube is a fun three-part adventure. It has plenty of Kirby bombast and an ending full of poetic justice. Additionally, it is a story of significance, introducing the Cosmic Cube (which will become a staple in Captain America stories) and reintroducing the Red Skull, who hadn’t been seen since World War II era stories.

Issues: Tales of Suspense #79-81 [Captain America stories]
Collected in: ‘Captain America Epic Collection: Captain America Lives Again’ or ‘Marvel Masterworks: Captain America Volume 1’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Captain America #332 cover by Mile Zeck and Klaus Janson.
Captain America #332 cover by Mile Zeck and Klaus Janson.

The Captain (a.k.a Captain America No More)

Written by Mark Gruenwald. Art by Tom Morgan and Kieron Dwyer.

More of a saga than a single story, The Captain sees Steve Rogers give up the mantle of Captain America after a government commission demands that he work for them. This results in John Walker taking up the mantle while the original Cap roams the country as “The Captain”, saving the day where he can. Over 19 issues, readers see adventures involving The Serpent Society, Flag-Smasher, Iron Man, disgruntled buddies, conservative militants, Ronald Regan turned into a snake person, and much more. While Steve Rogers holds firmly onto his ideals, John Walker falls down a slippery slope of corruption, violence, and revenge.

By juxtaposing the two Captains, writer Mark Gruenwald highlights that Captain America is not the reflection of a particular administration. The character transcends that, taking on a humanist approach and upholding specific values that benefit all.

Issues: Captain America #332-350
Collected in: ‘Captain America Epic Collection: The Captain’ or ‘Captain America: The Captain’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Captain America: Man Out of Time #1 cover by Bryan Hitch.
Captain America: Man Out of Time #1 cover by Bryan Hitch.

Man Out of Time

Written by Mark Waid. Art by Jorge Molina.

Captain America returned to comics in the pages of 1964’s Avengers #3 after being frozen (literally) in time for decades. While that may be an important comic in Marvel canon, I wouldn’t say it’s specifically a good one. Yes, it brings Captain America back for a new generation, but at the same time, it’s very adventure-focused and misses a lot of character depth. Man Out of Time miniseries rectifies this, updating Cap’s return for a 21st-century audience.

By-passing Captain America’s origin, Man Out of Time explores what happens next after the hero returns. There’s the exploration of culture shock, examining his adjustment to the 21st century, the guilt of Bucky’s death, and his search for purpose now that World War II is over. These themes flesh out Captain America for a modern readership, taking on the opportunities that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby missed the first time around.

Issues: Captain America: Man Out of Time #1-5
Collected in: Captain America: Man Out of Time
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

Captain America #253 cover by John Byrne and Joe Rubinstein.
Captain America #253 cover by John Byrne and Joe Rubinstein.

Blood on the Moors

Written by Roger Stern and John Bryne. Art by John Bryne.

And finally, here’s something completely different. Blood on the Moors sees an old friend call Captain America to England to help solve a series of murders. Could it be a serial slasher or perhaps a nazi vampire?

Blood on the Moors is a departure from the usual Captain America story. However, it still feels like a Cap tale through some great twists and turns, fun action, and the way it brings back World War II-era characters.

Issues: Captain America #253-254
Collected in: Captain America Epic Collection: Dawn’s Early Light’ or ‘Marvel Masterworks: Captain America Volume 14’
Buy: eBay | Amazon/Kindle

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