“Wait a minute,” you say, “are you telling me he’s covering a story from a holiday special as a standalone post? My friends, it’s true: The seven-page story featuring Captain America in this very first Marvel Holiday Special is truly special, as you will soon see.

The stage for our story is set on the first page, as Steve Rogers remembers his World War II days alongside Bucky, before heading into the Christmas Eve dinner at the Veterans of Foreign Wars lodge, where he’s soon enlisted by Rebecca Proctor—who clearly knows him, so he must be a regular.

When they’re done, Rebecca asks Steve why he helped out, and his answer is exactly what you’d expect—serving those who served, as well as not wanting to impose on others during time with their families—but it’s her answer to the same question that comes as a bit of a shock.in case Steve didn’t catch that, she gives her brother’s full name.

Back at the ranch, Steve uses the Avengers’ access to government databases to confirm her story, specifically, telling Bucky’s sister how he died.

On Christmas day, Captain America pays a visit to the Proctor home.

The grandkids are excited to see him. Scotty asks about his favorite Avenger before he gets to hold his second-favorite superhero accessory, telling her how he knows Cap lets Rebecca in on her brother’s secret life in WWII. In turn, Rebecca explains why Bucky never mentioned a sister, and then Cap gives her a memento, which she obviously treasures. Consistent with his earlier reticence to impose, Cap turns to head out, but Rebecca won’t hear of it. Our story ends on a heartwarming note, giving Cap his first family Christmas celebration in many years, which he treasures as well.

Feel free to discuss the merits of Chris’s recommendation with Chris himself: chris@haltonhonda.com