Captain America # 1 Cassaday Variant 2018 NM-

Captain America # 1 released July 4, 2018 launched a new volume and era for Steve Rogers, under acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and artist Leinil Francis Yu. Titled "Winter in America: Part 1," the issue finds Steve as a figure of controversy, struggling with a nation that has lost faith in him following the events of Secret Empire. 

The story sets a somber tone, exploring both internal and external conflicts for the Sentinel of Liberty:

• A Tarnished Shield: In the aftermath of Hydra's takeover of the nation (where a Hydra-aligned Captain America briefly ruled), the true Steve Rogers is back, but public trust is severely damaged. He battles feelings of self-doubt and disillusionment.
• The Nuke Clones: Steve, with assistance from Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) and Sharon Carter, battles an army of cyborg duplicates of the character Nuke in Washington D.C.. These aggressive, flag-tattooed super-soldiers represent a twisted, ultra-nationalist version of patriotism.
• The Power Elite: A new, rising enemy is introduced: the Power Elite, a cabal of influence-brokers and a sinister organization attempting to co-opt and corrupt the symbol of Captain America for their own ends.
• International Intrigue: The issue also features a subplot in Russia, where the X-Men villain Selene, the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club, attacks a Hydra convoy to rescue a prisoner and declares herself the new leader of Russia. 

• Creative Team: Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, with art by Leinil Francis Yu.
• Release Date: July 4, 2018.
• Core Themes: The series dives into complex political and social themes, questioning American identity, patriotism, and what the Captain America symbol means in a polarized, "post-truth" era.