Ta-Nehisi Coates, Leinil Yu usher in new era for Steve Rogers in Captain America #1

Steve Rogers will have a high profile creative team at the helm of his new adventures as part of Marvel’s Fresh Start, though his solo title relaunch won’t be happening until a uniquely appropriate day.

What’s better than the new Captain America #1 arriving on July 4? The fact that it’s coming from two intriguing creators, ones who are sure to shake things up for Steve Rogers in new and unexpected ways.

Marvel revealed today that the relaunched Captain America series will be written by renowned author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, with art by Leinil Yu and covers by the legendary Alex Ross. Coates himself made the reveal in a column in The Atlantic, the publication for which he has garnered many of his accolades.

Coates has already become a familiar voice in the Marvel Comics talent lineup thanks to his work on Black Panther. He’s continuing to tell new stories about the King of Wakanda in that book’s new #1, which will kick off this May with artist Daniel Acuna.

Writing Captain America, however, is a much different proposition, one which Coates says will be both scary and exciting.

"Writing, for me, is about questions—not answers. And Captain America, the embodiment of a kind of Lincolnesque optimism, poses a direct question for me: Why would anyone believe in The Dream? What is exciting here is not some didactic act of putting my words in Captain America’s head, but attempting to put Captain America’s words in my head. What is exciting is the possibility of exploration, of avoiding the repetition of a voice I’ve tired of.And then there is the basic challenge of drawing with words—the fear that accompanies every effort. …  I’m not convinced I can tell a great Captain America story—which is precisely why I want so bad to try."

Though new series won’t launch until Independence Day, readers will be able to get a sneak peek at what Coates and Yu have planned on Free Comic Book Day. FCBD Captain America #1, which also includes an Avengers story, will be available at participating retailers everywhere for free on May 5.

Be sure to hit your local comic shop or anywhere new comics are sold (including digital) to see what the latest era holds for Steve Rogers when Captain America #1 goes on sale July 4.