If you haven’t been reading Captain America you probably don’t know what’s happening so here’s a quick catch-up: After Cap was apparently murdered (alive now, but still not Cap), his former sidekick, Bucky, began filling in for him. Bucky was also once known as the Winter Soldier, a brain-washed Soviet assassin. Now the world has learned that Captain America used to be Winter Soldier and he is on trial for all the crimes he committed as a commie stooge. Begin #612 written by Ed Brubaker, with art from Butch Guice.

First things first, it’s hard to go wrong with Brubaker’s knack for dramatic storytelling. He’s got all the elements for a courtroom saga: a riled up public, a defendant that can’t defend himself, a hotshot attorney that wants to redeem her client instead of settling for “not guilty” and the looming threat of violence from an outside source.

That said, this book will miss the mark for many readers. First, punching and shield bashing is virtually non-existent in the book. There are a few frames of violence, mostly from Falcon and Black Widow. Second, no Cap soliloquy on the greatness of America. I realize that isn’t needed every issue, but this one could have used it. The story is so dark and depressing that I really noticed the lack of patriotic campiness. Butch Guice’s art matched the grim tone of the book well, certainly helped by Bettie Breitweiser’s coloring.

Despite not having much action, very little plot is moved in the issue as well. The major event is the rise of a new Red Skull, something I found oddly sick in the sexual nature of event (and somehow I’m still disturbed seeing swastikas in comic books after all these years).

It’s a decent read, but it’s not thrilling – so my recommendations should be obvious. If you want a book with bright colors, flying fists and shield-bashing, look elsewhere. If you like dark drama, grim art and lots of exposition, this is probably a good time to jump into Captain America; I don’t see this theme changing anytime soon.

You could also benefit from the Nomad short at the end of the book. It’s actually part two in a series but it catches you up well enough in the first panel. I know virtually nothing about this character but this story has me hooked. The art is very minimal since the whole episode occurs in a white interrogation room. Again, lots of exposition and very little action, but it builds tension well. The action should pick up next issue.