Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we’re checking out a debut issue from MARVEL COMICS that is guaranteed to be the talk at the comic shops! Long time Captain America readers know the name “CAPWOLF” from one of the most unique stories in the historic run of the late Mark Gruenwald. Since those issues in 1992 (#402-408 with art by Rik Levins), that version of the Sentinel Of Liberty has left a lasting impression.
Now 31 years later, the character returns but with a brand new story led by a fantastic creative team.
CAPWOLF AND THE HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS (Black Sight, Eight Limbs, GRIM), CARLOS MAGNO (SAVAGE AVENGERS), Espen Grundetjern, AND Travis Lanham sets out to make its’ own legacy for the character with an unforgettable tale. Let’s dive in and see what is happening, shall we?
CAPWOLF AND THE HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, CARLOS MAGNO , Espen Grundetjern, AND Travis Lanham (credit: Marvel Comics - Cover: Ryan Brown)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The year is 1944. The Location: Paris, France. A familiar face is taking fire from Nazi forces on the attack. Readers instantly recognize Dum Dum Duggan as he ducks for cover. A soldier gets the drop on him and prepares to shoot. Luckily for Duggan, someone else had a quicker draw. Nick Fury makes the save and he didn’t come alone. The legendary Howling Commandos are right behind!
With an enemy tank rolling towards them, Fury and company draw the plan up. Drawing fire, Fury gets pinned down after an explosion. With no chance to move, the tank turns its’ barrel towards him. It fires! However, luck has returned the favor and found him this time. Captain America blocks the blast with his shield!
Handling matters, Cap destroys the tank and gets the Commandos out of harms way. Regrouping at their medical tent, Cap and the team are informed of a plot know as “Wolfsschanze” or “Wolf’s Lair”. Fury is too banged up to lead so the Sentinel of Liberty is given the task to lead the unit on this highly dangerous mission.
What lies at the Wolf’s Lair? Something more sinister than they could comprehend! Cap and the team make their charge into the unknown. Readers quickly see that the good guys might have bitten off more than they can chew with what they find. When the final moments hit, the status quo between everyone is drastically changed. Things are only just starting but get ready for one hell of an adventure!
CAPWOLF AND THE HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, CARLOS MAGNO , Espen Grundetjern, AND Travis Lanham (credit: Marvel Comics - Cover: Gary Frank)
Just seeing Phillips’ name in the credits, readers knew this was going to be something special. After finishing the last page, there is no doubt about it. The opening act keeps things very grounded and fully captures the World War II period. Phillips also dives into the disconnect between Cap and the Commandos as things weren’t always great between them. Playing off the super-powers angle, the conversations reflect the distrust and anxiousness of the times.
The overall story ties in a touch of horror to the historical action parts. It’s a great twist to see the final act unfold because readers might forget: Superheroes were just debuting in this area. Anything of the supernatural sort is not common. The Commandos reactions play a big part in connecting that to the readers. The final act provides a solid cliffhanger to what is a smash debut issue.
When I mentioned about names in the credits, knowing what Magno can do with an action scene really made excited to see what he could do here. Right from the opening page, the panels mirror the hellish conditions of War. The panels are bold and dynamic. Readers can feel the danger of the battle beaming off the pages.
Magno and Grundetjern throw in some excellent half-page panels of Cap fighting that make a huge impact. These are somehow topped by a full page shot of Cap and the unit heading into battle. The art team perfectly caps (no pun intended) off the chapter will another great full-page shot that will be n reader’s minds until the next chapter drops.
CAPWOLF AND THE HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, CARLOS MAGNO , Espen Grundetjern, AND Travis Lanham (credit: Marvel Comics - Cover: Declan Shalvey)
FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10
Taking one of the most intriguing versions of Captain America and crafting a fresh historic take around him is no easy task. Combine Phillips’ stellar writing with the electric artwork of Magno and the team and readers get swept up into an incredible story that can’t be denied on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know your thoughts on CAPWOLF AND THE HOWLING COMMANDOS #1! Thanks for reading!
