Book Review: Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers by R. Hudlin

Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers written by Reginald Hudlin and illustrated by Denys Cowan

It's World War II and the Nazis need vibranium to make a missile that will land on FDR's lap in Washington, D.C. The first squad sent to Wakanda has not reported back, so Hitler sends an elite squad headed by the Red Skull to get the metal they need. The Allies have some vague intel about the mission but they, like the Nazis, think its a primitive backwater African nation. They send Captain America and the Howling Commandos (headed by Nick Fury) to foil the Nazi plot. Both the Americans and the Germans discover the heads of the first squad impaled on sticks at the Wakandan border. Perhaps a more potent force is inside?

This book does a great job of capturing the World War II era. The art is reminiscent of the times and the dialog is nicely reminiscent of World War II action films. A main character is an African-American soldier who was hand-picked by Nick Fury. The story nods its head to racial issues without becoming about them. It's a fun action yarn with a little extra thrown in. The relationship between Cap and Black Panther grows naturally. By the end, the Wakandas still aren't ready to enter the world stage but the seed has been sown.

Recommended for some fun WWII superhero action.