Back in the early 80's, John Byrne was my favorite artist. Anything that had his stamp on it... I bought it. During his Marvel days, he made his true impact in Uncanny X-Men, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and Alpha Flight. In 1980, John Byrne illustrated Captain America beginning with issue 247, but left by issue 255, after having penciled a measly 9 issues on said title. I was bummed.

But flashforward three issue to 258, and Mike Zeck comes on the scene... and suddenly, I forgot about John Byrne. Huh? How did that happen?

Well... it's simple. Mike Zeck is a brilliant artist.

And back in 1983, he illustrated one of the best covers I have ever seen, depicting Captain America trading fisticuffs with the cybernatic Super Soldier of the Future: Deathlok.

It is a beautiful cover... and I really can't describe why it's beautiful, except to say the art is so crisp and clean, and the colors are the perfect shades making it instant comic book eye-candy. I just love the blueness of Captain America's uniform juxtaposed against the vermillion of the firey background. And Cap looks tough... almost mean... holding back no punches. He's obviously got the edge on Deathlok who misses poorly with his weapon.

This particular comic is from my childhood collection. It is the newsstand edition I bought back in 1983... 30 years ago! Can you believe it! And I'm so happy that it is in Near Mint condition, designated with white pages.

What's your favorite Captain America cover? Share your opinions.

Happy Collecting!

SW3D

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