Captain America #600 Writer: Ed Brubanker / Artist: various

As with most anniversary issues, like 50s or fake 600s, Captain America is packed with a plethora of material to justify the $5 price tag. Marvel was particularly giving with this issue though, as it spans 100 pages and has three bonus stories to go along with Ed Brubanker's main plot. This book was so massive that the width had to be shortened from the standard 6.5 inches so it could fit in comic book bags (at least one of mine was). While all the material packed in was certainly generous, the main story was somewhat disappointing.

I've already written about my disdain at bringing Steve Rogers back. Well, Cap #600 serves as the prologue to that story. To do this, Brubanker divides this issue into a few sets of stories centering on the different characters in the Captain America universe. We see Sharon Carter fighting to regain her memory, Red Skull delivering a monologue about the relationship between Rogers and him, Crossbones reuniting with Sin, the New Avengers and Dark Avengers visiting a Captain America vigil, and....Rikki Barnes. Who's Rikki Barnes? Exactly. That story was the only one that felt out of place and it did so terribly. She's never been a part of the series and I don't see how she could become a part now. Honestly, it felt more like a Young Avengers tale.

All the other stories were typical Captain America material. Sharon and Red Skull's, in particular, were important to the upcoming Captain America: Reborn series. Apparently Sharon finally remembers everything that happened when she shot Cap. The gun she used wasn't real. What? Was it a toy gun? Why did she have a fake gun? That one I can answer. According to Red Skull's monologue, he wants Captain America to die by his hands. But why did he plan Cap's assassination in the first place? None of it makes any sense and it all just seems like a shameless way to bring Steve Rogers back from the icy grave that Iron Man and Namor secretly returned him to.

Those two may have been the important stories to Reborn, but the New Avengers and Crossbones' ones were the more enjoyable reads. The New Avengers can't even be seen at their hero's vigil because of the new state of the Marvel Universe. Of course this upsets them all, but not nearly as much as the surprise of Norman Osborn's publicity stunt. These few panels effectively summarized Marvel's Dark Reign. In another story, Crossbones, the first shooter in Cap's assassination, finds out his lover, Sin (Skull's daughter), is also being held in his prison and he goes on a rampage to find her. Once he does, we're treated to a pretty cool reunion scene. Honestly, the plot of this story isn't all that interesting. It's David Aja's art that really makes it work. His pencils are some of the most artistic at Marvel and his use of smoke in the final few panels provides a perfect curtain call to his segment.

The additional material was a nice treat, particularly Mark Waid's story. In it, a huge Captain America memorabilia collector is auctioning off his stuff to buy out a company slandering Cap's good name. The highlight comes when a mysterious buyer, with no money issues, bids on the prize item, Captain America's Avengers badge. The reveal of the buyer's identity warmed my heart and reminded me of one of my favorite comics.

Of course the standard display of every comic book cover of the series occupies the last few pages. I always enjoy this and I'm glad they've become a part of anniversary issues. My favorite part is being able to tell which decade the covers were made just by looking at the style of art used. It's pretty fun and easy.

A smorgasbord of artists worked on this massive issue, each one handling a different segment. Other than David Aja, none really stood out. I was a little disappointed not to see regulars like Steve Epting and Luke Ross. Other than that, everything about the art was adequate.

While I enjoyed certain parts, Captain America #600, as a whole, disappointed. I was not a supporter of Captain America: Reborn and this issue did nothing to deter my unease. As a matter of fact, bringing Steve Rogers back never seemed sillier than it does now. The lessened quality of this issue should serve as evidence that Captain America: Reborn is a mistake.