Essential modern Captain America key issues: Captain America #1 (2005, Brubaker) at $80-120 in CGC 9.8, #6 (2005, Winter Soldier reveal) at $250-350 in CGC 9.8, #25 (2007, death of Cap) at $60-90 in CGC 9.8, and Sam Wilson: Captain America #1 (2015) at $30-40 in CGC 9.8.
The modern era of Captain America, from 2004 to today, has produced some of the most impactful storylines in the character's history. Ed Brubaker's run redefined Cap for a new generation, while post-Secret Wars developments multiplied the identities behind the shield. For collectors, this period offers accessible key issues with direct MCU potential.
This guide lists and analyzes every key issue from the modern Captain America era, with current market values, editorial context, and investment potential assessment. Each entry includes CGC census data to evaluate relative scarcity.
The Ed Brubaker run (2004-2012): the essentials
The Brubaker run is universally recognized as the best modern Captain America. It transformed the character and generated the most in-demand key issues of this era.
- Captain America #1 (January 2005): start of the Brubaker/Epting run. CGC 9.8: $80-120. CGC 9.8 census: approximately 1,400 copies. Excellent liquidity, near-daily sales.
- Captain America #6 (June 2005): revelation that Bucky is alive as the Winter Soldier. CGC 9.8: $250-350. The most important issue of the run in terms of value.
- Captain America #8 (August 2005): first Cap vs Winter Soldier battle on the cover. CGC 9.8: $40-60.
- Captain America #14 (February 2006): Winter Soldier regains his memory. CGC 9.8: $35-50.
- Captain America #25 (April 2007): assassination of Steve Rogers. A national media event. CGC 9.8: $60-90. Massive print run but constant demand.
- Captain America #34 (March 2008): Bucky Barnes becomes Captain America. CGC 9.8: $50-70. Iconic design by Epting.
Captain America: Reborn and the return of Steve Rogers (2009-2011)
The return of Steve Rogers generated its own series of key issues, with more moderate values but consistent collector interest.
- Captain America: Reborn #1 (September 2009): official return of Steve Rogers. CGC 9.8: $25-35. Mini-series by Brubaker/Hitch.
- Captain America #600 (August 2009): anniversary issue, first hint of the return. CGC 9.8: $30-45.
- Captain America #601 (September 2009): Gene Colan story, a tribute to the legendary artist. Sentimental value for collectors.
- Captain America #611 (December 2010): the trial of Bucky Barnes. Under $15 in CGC 9.8.
The Rick Remender era (2012-2015): Dimension Z and Ian Rogers
The Remender run divided fans but produced important issues for future continuity.
- Captain America #1 (January 2013, vol. 7): Remender/Romita Jr. debut, Dimension Z introduction. CGC 9.8: $20-30.
- Captain America #1 (November 2012, Marvel NOW!): multiple variant covers, some rare variants exceed $100.
- Captain America #22 (September 2014): Falcon becomes the new Captain America. CGC 9.8: $25-40. An important key issue for the Sam Wilson character.
- Captain America #25 (December 2014): official confirmation of Sam Wilson as Cap. CGC 9.8: $30-45.
Sam Wilson: Captain America (2015-2017)
The Sam Wilson series is a strategic investment tied directly to the future of the MCU and representation in comics.
- Sam Wilson: Captain America #1 (December 2015): Sam's first #1 as Cap. CGC 9.8: $30-40. Moderate print run compared to previous events.
- Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 (July 2016): the "Hail Hydra" reveal. Massive controversy, media coverage. CGC 9.8: $25-35.
- Captain America: Steve Rogers #2 (August 2016): Secret Empire development. Under $15 in CGC 9.8.
The Ta-Nehisi Coates era and beyond (2018-2024)
The Coates run brought a literary perspective to the character, while subsequent series continue to introduce new elements.
- Captain America #1 (September 2018, Coates/Yu): start of the acclaimed run. CGC 9.8: $20-30. Undervalued potential if the run gains long-term critical recognition.
- United States of Captain America #1 (July 2021): introduction of new regional Captain Americas, including Aaron Fischer (first openly LGBTQ+ Cap). CGC 9.8: $15-25.
- Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1 (June 2022): new launch by Collin Kelly/Jackson Lanzing. CGC 9.8: $15-20.
- Captain America: Cold War: 2023 crossover reuniting Steve and Sam. Crossover issues under $10 in NM raw.
Variant covers and special editions to watch
The modern Captain America variant cover market is active but selective. The most sought-after variants:
- Captain America #1 (2005) Epting sketch variant: limited print run, CGC 9.8: $200-300.
- Captain America #25 (2007) Turner variant: alternate cover, CGC 9.8: $100-150.
- Captain America #1 (2018) ratio variants 1:50 and 1:100: high ratio variants exceed $100 in CGC 9.8.
Focus your variant purchases on issues that are already key issues in their regular cover: the variant amplifies existing demand rather than creating value from nothing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Captain America #1 (January 2005) launches the Brubaker and Epting run. #6 (June 2005) reveals that Bucky is alive as the Winter Soldier: it is the most important issue of the run. #25 (April 2007) shows the assassination of Steve Rogers, and #34 (March 2008) sees Bucky Barnes become Captain America.
The assassination of Steve Rogers, which was a national media event. Its print run is massive, but demand remains constant. A Turner variant exists for this issue.
Captain America #22 (September 2014) shows Falcon becoming the new Captain America, and #25 (December 2014) officially confirms Sam Wilson as Cap. Sam Wilson: Captain America #1 (December 2015) is his first #1 in that role.
The July 2016 #1 contains the Hail Hydra revelation, which caused massive controversy and wide media coverage. #2 (August 2016) develops the plot leading to Secret Empire.
The variant market is active but selective. The guide's advice is to concentrate purchases on issues that are already keys in regular cover: the variant amplifies existing demand rather than creating value from nothing. Among the most sought after: the Epting variant of the 2005 #1 and the 1:50 and 1:100 ratio variants of the 2018 #1.