Ta-Nehisi Coates and Leinil Yu's Captain America to launch on July 4

From Marvel

On Independence Day, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and artist Leinil Yu wield the shield.

Today, Coates made the announcement in The Atlantic, where he wrote about the challenge and opportunity of crafting such an iconic Marvel—and American—character.

“I think it’s a really exciting time to be writing CAPTAIN AMERICA right now,” says Coates, “The country is in an interesting place, and I look forward to inhabiting Steve Rogers’ character—this guy who has been a sort of awkward fit for the world, ‘out of time’ as people say. I hope fans are excited to see something different, and I think there are some really compelling villains old school Captain America fans and Marvel fans will be familiar with.”

In the aftermath of Hydra’s takeover of the nation, Steve Rogers is a figure of controversy, carrying a tarnished shield. So how will he respond?

On the story fans can expect, Coates continues, “I think Steve is still figuring out where he fits into things. Does the country still trust him? Do people still trust the country? How do the other characters feel about him? This book is ultimately about relationships, and I’m a huge fan of that. I want to explore how he looks at this country and those close to him. It’s going to be a fun ride, and a perfect place for new readers to jump in.”

And joining him on this journey is artist Leinil Yu on interiors and Alex Ross on covers. “I think Leinil coming onto this book, with Alex drawing the covers, is tremendous. I’ve been searching for an artistic partner, and Leinil and Alex get the feel, the emotion of the story,” explains the writer. “I wish people could see what is being drafted currently—it’s incredible. They are both legends at what they do.”

Read CAPTAIN AMERICA #1, by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Leinil Yu, on July 4!

Source: Marvel

Commentary: I am glad to see more diversity among comic creators, and I have always liked Ta-Nehisi Coates when I have seen him on Colbert or The Daily Show.  He seems like a sincere, intelligent guy with a lot of valuable insight to share in his writing.  BUT, being a great writer does not automatically mean you will be a great comic writer, especially when doing a superhero comic.  I was real excited for his BLACK PANTHER, and I really tried to give it a shot, but I ended up dropping it after four issues in.  There is one major crime for me when it comes to superhero comics and that is "don't make them dull."  Sadly that is exactly what Coates' BLACK PANTHER was for me.  I do think Coates' has a great take on how to handle CAPTAIN AMERICA in a post-SECRET EMPIRE Marvel universe, but I just don't know if I would be interested in reading another superhero book by Coates.