Captain America #199
Published and © by Marvel, July 1976
Title: “The Man Who Sold the United States”
Synopsis: Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. hope an Elite defector can help them find the Madbomb – before it’s too late!
Writer: Jack Kirby
Penciler: Kirby
Inker: Frank Giacoia
Review: Following last issue’s disastrous romantic interlude (see review), the Madbomb saga is back on track. Jack Kirby’s dialogue is still strained at best, but it’s merely a distraction with the action cranked back to 11. And, while his delivery can be awkward, the King does have some poignant insights to offer as a writer. At this point in his career, Kirby just wanted to be left alone to create his own books. He’d certainly earned that right, but the suggestions at the time that his work would have been stronger if paired with a scripter were not wrong.
Grade: B-
Second opinion: “The change from (Frank) Robbins to (Jack) Kirby on art hasn’t been as dramatic as I’d expected. The change from (Steve) Englehart to Kirby on story, though … .” – Martin Lock, Bemusing Magazine #9, May 1976
Cool factor: That’s a good looking cover.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 30¢ variant and a 10p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “You’re a nice man, Captain America. You’re not a hater – and I love you for that.” – Carol Harding, never to be heard from again
Editor’s note: This review was written July 13, 2026.
