Captain America #180
Published and © by Marvel, December 1974
Title: “The Coming of the Nomad!”
Synopsis: Still disgusted with American politics but ready to return to superheroing, Steve Rogers becomes Nomad.
Writer: Steve Englehart
Penciler: Sal Buscema
Inker: Vince Colletta
Review: The political stew of Steve Englehart’s Captain America finally boils over with this issue, as Steve Rogers returns to the superhero game as “a man without a county” Nomad. Thick with political commentary and character development, Englehart’s Cap is pretty mature fare for mainstream comics circa 1974. This issue also features Madame Hydra becoming Viper in a particularly cold-blooded scene. Sal Buscema’s art is solid though not spectacular, with Vince Colletta’s ink work not really helping but doing little harm. All in all, an enjoyable comic featuring an interesting new direction for this title.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Nomad’s cape only lasts one issue as Steve Rogers quickly learns why Cap never wore a cap.
Not-so-cool factor: The Nomad costume’s deep V-neck design is pretty dated – but not compared to Steve Rogers’ plaid pants!
Notable: First appearance of Nomad. … Nomad’s costume is miscolored on this cover (the accessories are yellow, not red).
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 8p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant. … Beware, this issue contains Marvel Value Stamp (Series A) #61 (Red Ghost).
Character quotable: “Nuts to the whole blamed Washington crew! They’ve got their version of America and I’ve got mine!” – Steve Rogers, deep in thought, on his way to becoming Nomad
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Feb. 4, 2013.
