Title: The Death of Captain America: The Burden of Dreams
Author: Ed Brubaker
Awards: Eisner Award Winner
Summary: There are 4 volumes of the Captain America series. The Burden of Dreams is the second volume. The book opens with two of the main characters, Sharon Carter and Bucky, captured by the Red Skull, one is brainwashed into serving him and the other is being tortured and brainwashed. Even as the Red Skull fights to keep control of his ally General Lukin, no one is in complete control of themselves or their actions. The Red Skull does not have as strong of a hold over everyone as he likes to think and Bucky soon winds up on a shield helicarrier under the control of Tony Stark.
The story line is centered around the character Bucky. Bucky ends up wearing Captain America's uniform and also uses his shield. However, just because he looks like Captain America, doesn't mean he can replace Captain America. Brubaker illustrates
that there is more to the hero than the clothes and the shield. It's the man who is wearing those clothes who is important. Steve Rogers wasn't a hero because he was Captain America. He was Captain America because he was a hero first. That's the man he was, sacrificing himself in his last moments to save one of his guards from the assassins bullet. Brubaker continues to show that Bucky Barnes was a fighter and that he was loyal but his heroism is still questionable.
Reaction: I had a hard time getting through this graphic novel. Captain America was not on the top of my list to read but the other graphic novels I had wanted to read were not available at the library so I ended up reading this one. I'm not into comics that much so the format of the graphic novel took me awhile to get used to. I had to really pay attention to the illustrations as well as the text in order to comprehend what was going on. Since this was the second volume, I was kind of lost at the beginning of the book. As I continued to read I started being more comfortable with the format and started understanding what was going on. The topic of this graphic novel did not appeal to me at all and I really had a hard time enjoying the book.
Recommendation: Even though I didn't enjoy this book, I think many teenage males would enjoy it. Superheros and stories full of action and violence would probably appeal to many males. There were a few pages that had cuss words on them but they weren't used throughout the entire book so I would recommend this book to students in grades 7 and up. I think male reluctant readers would really enjoy this series.
Book talk hook: Steve Rpgers was often the glue that bound these heroes together in common cause. Now, in the aftermath of his death, they come together again in a desperate attempt to keep his dream alive. But the collapse of Steve Rpgers' dream was just the first step in the wicked machinations of the Red Skull, who is determined to see the death of America follow soon after the death of the Captain. As the Skull's master plan kicks into motion, and chaos begins to take hold of the United States, only one man stands in its way--but is he up to the task?
I felt the same way when I was reading my graphic novel. I really had to pay attention to the illustrations and was too impatient to do so. I also did get more comfortable as the book went on. Kudos to you for reading Captain America. It wouldn't have been my choice either.
ReplyDeleteDo you think it's an generational thing? None of us seem completely enamored of graphic novels yet we are all smart enough to realize it may be the ticket, or at least one of them, to capturing the imagination of the next generation.
ReplyDeleteMany of your reactions, Morgan, were similar to mine. I do like the theme you mention --"Steve Rogers wasn't a hero because he was Captain America. He was Captain America because he was a hero first." That's one many people have a hard time wrapping their minds around so it's good this message is presented in a youth-friendly way.
I'm right there with you. I went to Barnes and Noble and was honestly disappointed with their selection. It was predominately "comic books" (at least I thought so). I found some possibilities crammed between those and the role playing books. My boyfriend actually abandoned me because he didn't want to be seen by the D&D section. Hopefully graphic novels are moving away from the comics toward a more literary editions.
ReplyDeleteThis type of comic based graphic novel are very popular with some of the male tween and teen readers. The combination of fast pace, lots of action and little dialog is perfect for reluctant readers and those who prefer "graphic/visual" storytelling.
ReplyDeleteI had three brothers so there were lots of comic books around our house. I read theirs all the time. My favorite's were the Illustrated Classics. The format doen't bother me; the lack of good writing/illustrating does. The story still needs to have engaging characters and a "good' plot.
It sounds like I would have struggled with this one as well. What I've noticed about graphic novels is that they are intimidating at first. I remember saying to my friend when Twilight was made into one that I had no desire to read "comic books." After reading my book for this week and looking through some of the blogs though, I realize that there are still graphic novels out there that will appeal to everyone, you just have to hunt for them! It seems like once you have read a few chapters or so of one that's subject matter appeals to you, they aren't so bad. It's almost like you have to re-train your mind to read (since it is no longer left to right and straight forward) but once you get past that part you can actually start to enjoy the story.
ReplyDeleteI would not have picked this one for myself simply because of the "comic book nature" of the characters. I agree with Christie that due to the wide range of topics the graphic novels cover, there is undoubtedly something out there for everyone. The superhero action character would definitely appeal to the male reluctant readers in my building. I just need to find some titles with suitable dialogue.
ReplyDeleteI have learned there is a big difference between graphic novels and comic books. I too would never read this title but it does have its place with many, especially boys, readers. The theme about being "the man" and not a superhero is a very powerful message.
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad you read what I might call a "stereotype" graphic novel. I bet you would have loved one of my favorites TO DANCE: A MEMOIR.
ReplyDeleteBut as has been pointed out - its not about what we enjoy but what students will enjoy. Luckily we can rely on reviews and "best lists" to identify titles like this for our collection.