First off, the amazing cover by Mike Zeck beautifully illustrates one of the most memorable and jarring moments I have experienced reading Captain America.
The story by Paul Neary predates our current discussions on what is the proper way to deal with terrorists and terrorism by almost 20 years.
We are shown many examples of the "goodness" and "honor" of Captain America.
Whether it's Cap showing up to deliver a custom designed Stars and Stripes jacket to a young boy, Cap's refusal to use torture to obtain information or a terrorist admiting that he knows that Captain America is too honorable to torture, we are getting the idea reinforced that Captain America is a true hero in every sense of the word.
What we don't realize is that this is leading up to a confrontation that will shock both the reader and Captain America alike!
Cap finds himself facing off against Flag Smasher and his terrorist group Ultimatum. After infiltraing in a stolen Ultimatum uniform, Cap attempts to create a diversion to take down the terrorists who are holding many hostages.
While his diversion works and he is able to take care of 3 of the 4 terrorists, the last is able to opens fire on the crowd.
Amidst his shock, Cap "reacts faster than he thinks" and grabs a nearby uzi, shoots and kills the last terrorist.
I remember thinking to myself "How could Captain America kill someone...He's Captain America...Captain America doesn't kill!"
Cap's reaction sums it up "Good Lord...What have I done?"
In a final tribute to what I think made Steve Rogers the epitome of what a Super-Hero should be, he brings the body of the man he has killed to on of the transport vehicles for the hostages.
We can see how he is torn by his actions but has never lost sight of what makes him Captain America.
And it's who Steve Rogers was that made Captain America who he was and fueled my love for comics.
If Captain America's shield were like Mjolnir and could only be wielded by the worthy, this "NEW" 2008 Captain America who carries a gun and is quick to use would not be able to lift it in the shadow of Steve Roger's legacy.