Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty # 1 (June 15, 2022) is the launch of an ongoing series focusing on Steve Rogers' return to a "back-to-basics" civilian life, which is quickly disrupted by a mysterious conspiracy suggesting his iconic shield is part of a century-old plot.
The issue works in parallel with a companion title, Captain America: Symbol of Truth starring Sam Wilson, by offering a grounded, street-level mystery for Steve Rogers.
- The Civilian Life: Steve moves back into his childhood apartment in Brooklyn and enrolls in a community college. He is attempting to build a normal, everyday life after years of being S.H.I.E.L.D.'s premier agent or a high-level Avenger.
- The Warning: His new life is interrupted by a coded message received on his old ham radio. The message warns of a potential terrorist attack scheduled for a Fourth of July parade.
- The Investigation: Teaming up with his long-time friend Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier), Steve investigates the threat. The trail leads them to a confrontation with a new villain called the Destroyer.
- The Conspiracy: During the battle, the Destroyer cryptically tells Steve that his shield is not his symbol, but "theirs" (referring to the conspirators). The villain dies before revealing more, but the incident kick-starts a major mystery about the true origin and purpose of the shield.
- The "Century Game": The issue concludes by revealing a shadowy organization that is running a global contest called the "Century Game," into which Captain America has now been formally entered as a player.
- Writers: Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
- Artist: Carmen Carnero
- Colorist: Nolan Woodard
- Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna