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With every comic book movie adaptation, there is a flood of new titles that showcase the soon-to-be silver screen hero. Captain America: The First Avenger will be no different, and in addition to the regular on-going series, this week saw the arrival of three different comics with the star-spangled hero headlining.

The least enticing of the bunch, admittedly aimed at readers 10 and younger, is Captain America: The Korvac Saga. Unless you are a major completionist, give this one a wide berth. Definitely a lot better and improving with each issue is Captain America: Hail Hydra. A four issue mini-series, that covers all the classic Cap time periods, threading in a unique take on the super-soldier serum. The best of the lot though is Captain America and the First Thirteen #1.

A one-shot, stand alone story that takes place during World War II, it features the creative talents of not one, but two Canadians! Written by the talented Kathryn Immonen, whose star has been rising ever higher with her work on Runaways and Wolverine and Jubilee, the comic is illustrated by the fantastic Ramon Perez, whose latest work includes NYX and Star Wars: Clone Wars. Looking at the relationship between Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter, Captain America and the First Thirteen #1 is a great mix of action heroics and espionage thrill. And knowing that their romance doesn’t have a happy end makes this story even more poignant and sweet.

As a long time Cap fan, what really sets this book apart is how ‘cowboy’ the creative team portrays our hero. Steve flirts in front of Peggy; dares into the ever danger almost recklessly, and comes across as a wild-boy American most of the time. This is no criticism at all. Rather, it is fun seeing Captain America enjoying himself, not yet quite the larger than life symbol, or brooding man out of time, he becomes later. In the ever growing line-up of Captain America titles, this one is definitely worth the read!

Here are some of the highlights:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks to all the folks for taking the time to talk with us, particularly the local creators and artists. You can see more of Ramón Pérez, Cameron Stewart and Michael Cho over at Transmission X. Also check out Howard Wong’s Blog and Agnes Garbowska’s official site.

If you’re attending the convention this weekend and see us on the show floor please say hello!
Be sure to check back soon to see our coverage of this year’s event.

Fan Expo 2010 runs from August 27th to the 29th.
For more info see the official Fan Expo site.

Ramón Pérez is truly a jack-of-all-trades. As part of local studio and comic arts collective Transmission X he has delved into many different media.  In addition to his popular web-comic Kukuburi, Pérez has also worked on The Incredibles for Disney/Pixar, Star Wars: Clone Wars for Dark Horse Comics and JSA: Classified for DC Comics. He’s currently developing a noir graphic novel set in late 1940′s Toronto.

Pérez is not just limited to working in comic books though, he has created art for several role-playing games and collectible card games. Check out Ramón’s Official Site.

The husband and wife team of Stuart and Kathryn Immonen are a well known Toronto artist/writing duo.  Kathy Immonen is a talented writer who has been busy writing many projects for Marvel Comics. Stuart Immonen is an immensely talented artists and will soon to take over the art duties for Marvel’s the New Avengers. You can check out the Immonen’s work, as well as their web comic at their official site: Immonen Illustrations

Up and Coming  Artist

Sara Pichelli is an incredible talent, her art is truly beautiful.  Sara has worked on NYX for Marvel Comics, and has a few more projects coming down the pipe.  Keep an eye out for Sara in the future and check out some of her amazing art at her official website Sara Pichelli.