Captain America #611 was written by Ed Brubaker. The interior art was done by Daniel Acuña. The letterer on this issue was Joe Caramagna. The cover artist was Marko Djurdjevic. Released by Marvel Comics on October 27, 2010, it carried a cover price of $3.99.

This issue begins the story titled “Trial of Captain America Part 1.” During the previous arc “No Escape,” the current shield wielder’s past as former Soviet assassin, Winter Soldier, was released to the media by Baron Zemo.

The majority of this issue consists of the dialogue detailing Bucky’s past. One set involves Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Mockingbird. The other involves Steve Rogers and the President of the United States. Brubaker intertwines both of these very well. While Steve is giving the President details on Bucky’s crimes, we also see a few panels showing some of his crimes.

The Avengers conversation is focused around Hawkeye’s anger at this situation because he felt that he should’ve known and that the others should have been prepared for this eventuality. Black Widow presents a very good point when she asks a couple of questions involving second chances and redemption. In doing this, she acknowledges that everyone in that room has made errors in their pasts but they have moved beyond them and have become dependable and often exceptional heroes.

This issue isn’t all talk, however. There is a nice brief action sequence with Captain breaking up a Neo-Nazi skinhead rally in a warehouse. Brubaker presents some good internal monologue with Cap knowing that regardless of what is happening, he still has a job to do.

Acuña’s work throughout the issue is good, but it’s the facial expressions, body language, and the mood of the characters that truly stand out. One example is how he captures Hawkeyes frustration in coming to terms with what’s happened during his talk with the Avengers and also his earlier confrontation with the media.

The titling of this arc and its cover don’t leave much to the imagination, because you can predict what’s going to happen. But it’s the execution that matters and it definitely does its job as the opening part of what could be a really great story that could actually mean something for the characters. I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter and recommend it to others.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I purchased this comic book with my own funds.