Captain America: The Ghost Army
Old-style comics fun as Steve and Bucky battle ghost Nazis.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Captain American: The Ghost Army, by Alan Gratz (Refugee, Ground Zero) and illustrated by Brent Schoonover, is a graphic novel set in Eastern Europe during World War II. Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, and sidekick, 15-year-old Bucky Barnes, fight German tanks -- and an unexpected Ghost Army of the dead of this war and wars past. The action-packed story features supporting characters from Marvel Comics. There's lots of fighting with tanks, fists, and Captain America's shield, but no bloodshed. The villains shoot magical rays. One supporting characters dies of a head injury. There's some mild flirting.
Community Reviews
Epic WWII reboot has violence, blood, alcohol
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What's the Story?
As CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE GHOST ARMY begins, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, and his sidekick, 15-yer old Bucky Barnes, liberate an East European town. They're aided by a small tactical deception unit whose job it is to make the Nazis think the U.S. has more troops in places they don't. They're ready to take on a German tank division, but they're not prepared for an army of monsters and ghosts -- the dead from this and past wars who are reanimated by a sorcerer. Luckily, they have plenty of allies from around the world to help them.
Is It Any Good?
Comics were a part of the World War II war effort, and this throwback is a fun reminder. Writer Alan Gratz concocts an action-packed plot packed with troops from around the world, plus some magic-wielding villains. Artist Brent Schoonover provides kinetic fight scenes. The comic is tongue-in-cheek, and Marvel fans will enjoy the "Easter eggs" (hidden images or messages) they find. It's a nice break from mature comics fare, perfect for middle-grade newcomers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Captain America: The Ghost Army mixes history and fantasy. Why do people sometimes say that "truth is stranger than fiction"?
How has the comics medium changed since the 1940s? What kinds of subjects are allowed now that would have been forbidden a few decades ago?
Do you think the mission described in The Ghost Army would be believed today? How has technology changed warfare and spying?
Book Details
- Author: Alan Gratz
- Illustrator: Brent Schoonover
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Superheroes, Great Boy Role Models, History, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Courage, Integrity, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Marvel
- Publication date: January 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 176
- Available on: Paperback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 2, 2023
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