REVIEW: Marvel's Captain America: Cold War Omega #1

It's about to get heated as Marvel's "Cold War" saga comes to its conclusion. Written by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Tochi Onyebuchi, drawn by Carlos Magno, colors by Guru-eFX, and lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna, Captain America: Cold War Omega #1 signals an end, but also the start of the next chapter in this story. As the finale, it has a lot to accomplish, but it doesn't always achieve what it sets out to do.

The action fires up in this issue as White Wolf is ready for an all-out war. Naturally, he isn't on his own, as he brings an army of monsters from Dimension Z, who will make matters more challenging for the heroes. Team Cap isn't about to roll over and is ready to fight for the fate of the world. It's not going to be easy, though, as alliances need to be formed and genuine feelings factor into how they tackle this battle.

Bucky speaking to White Wolf in Captain America Cold War Omega #1

The first part of the issue plays out like the traditional third act of any story where the heroes need to mount the big attack against the rogues. It's fast-moving, exciting, and done in a way in which it addresses all the personal connections between the protagonists and antagonists here -- carrying the same emotion that has led the readers here. However, there's a twist in the tale that derails it. The twist itself is fine -- albeit predictable -- but it's what comes afterward that's difficult to ignore.

The "Cold War" saga has featured chain of complex events, and it's generally accepted that someone reading Captain America: Cold War Omega #1 will have background of what has taken place in the prior issues, or at least read the blurb in the credits section. Yet, there's a moment in this book that the general rule of good storytelling, as Steve Rogers uses an entire page to tell the story rather than show. This information could have been revealed in batches through conversation across a few pages, instead of turning into an info dump and rushing through to the end. It's disappointing conclusion since the writers had hit a home run until this point, and it takes away the sizzle from the overall issue.

Heroes arriving and preparing for battle in Captain America Cold War Omega #1

From an art perspective, Magno doesn't miss. This is a sprawling book bursting with thrilling scenery and superhero clashes to delight comic book fans. Everyone receives a chance to strut their stuff and flex their poses, as the action-packed scenes fill the book to the brim. Similarly, Guru-eFX doesn't skim on the colors, fueling the issue with explosive splashes and electrifying contrasts that keep the eyes hooked on the page. Caramagna also receives the freedom to play -- both in terms of the unique speech bubbles for specific characters and the sound effects for the high-octane moments.

Ultimately, Captain America: Cold War Omega #1 is a tale of two stories. There's a lot to love about the issue and its execution as it bids farewell to a memorable arc; however, the last bit does feel rushed and unfulfilling. Make no mistake about it: The story that wants to be told is pretty good and enticing, but it fumbles before the finish line. Thankfully, it does have a chance to redeem itself as the next phase of it continues in Captain America #750.