Written by: Tochi Onyebuchi
Art by: R.B. Silva
Colors by: Jesus Aburtov
Letters by: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover art by: R.B. Silva, Jesus Aburtov
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: May 11, 2022

Captain America: Symbol of Truth #1 follows Sam Wilson/Captain America and Joaquin Torres/Falcon on a mission to intercept a train smuggling illegal Super Serum shipments. They soon discover the train doesn’t contain what they expected.

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Was It Good?

Captain America: Symbol of Truth #1 is fine and not fine at the same time. The point of this series is to reinforce the idea that Sam Wilson is worthy of carrying the mantle of Captain America (while the real Captain America is still running around). Does this first issue elevate the character to “worthy” status? Sorta, maybe… okay, not really.

[Spoilers Ahead]

We begin with Sam and Joaquin flying in to intercept a train containing, according to a tip from Misty Knight, illegal Super Serum shipments. When they intercept the train, they’re attacked by armed guards and drones approaching by ground and air. Eventually, the bad guys are defeated and the train is stopped, but getting there is a wonky experience made wonkier once they get to the train’s contents.

First, there are no armored guards of any sort on the train. The attack comes out of nowhere from drones and armored vehicles. How or why could Joaquin and Sam not see these guys coming, and why are there no guards on the train? Somehow, without any clues or explanation, Sam and Joaquin concluded the attackers are trying to steal the train’s contents.

Second, the choreography of the big battle makes little sense. Sam is hit head-on with a small missile but is only briefly stunned and suffers no damage. Joaquin identifies a jamming satellite in low Earth orbit and manages to fly up, diable it, and fly back down in the span of 2 seconds to take out a chopper gunning for Sam. The progression is impossible and makes no sense when you see it play out.

Then, we get to the big reveal which makes less sense than the fight choreography. There is no super serum shipment, but one car contains a small group of illegal immigrants from Mexico, one of which is Joaquin’s cousin. The shipment reveal leads to a blessedly brief but still out-of-place conversation about the inhospitable way American leaders treat illegal immigrants. Why does a train that’s supposed to be carrying illegal Super Serum components have nothing on it except a single section of one car carrying people from Mexico? Why were attackers attempting to hijack the train at the same time Sam and Joaquin show up? What was Joquin’s cousin doing on the train, and why did he not ask her how she got there? Too many “Why?” questions don’t generate any curiosity, only frustration because the story doesn’t make sense.

Silva’s art looks great if you can get past the nonsensical art choreography. Plus, Aburtov’s colors are phenomenal.

Bits and Pieces

Captain America: Symbol of Truth #1 has a great look to it with excellent panel design and colors. However, the story has too many nonsensical plot points that don’t make any sense, and the big battle scene contains some of the most head-scratching choreography in recent memory. If this is the best Marvel could do for a Sam Wilson/Captain America #1, the series is already in trouble.

6/10