Today an icon has fallen.
For nearly sixty years Captain America has stood for justice, idealism, and patriotism. This week Marvel Comics has announced that his story has finally ended. This week super-soldier Steve Rogers, defender of the ideals of America, dies to an assassin’s bullet.
I have long had an affinity for the Captain, ever since my grade school friends assigned his character to me in our superhero games. Although a comic book novice, I was quick to admire his loyalty and dedication to principal as it was described to me by more comic-literate friends.
Through the years, I continued to be intrigued by the idea of a man who would take on the often unpopular cause and colors of a nation. A man who’s only weapon was a shield.
My fascination came full circle when I joined the Marines. In that elite company I discovered the amazingly unglamorous nature of defending democracy. And although driven to face the limits of my own non-superheroic mortality, somehow I identified with the Captain even more.
Today America is split over the definition and responsibilities of both idealism and patriotism. It is sadly ironic that now, when we could most use a hero the Captain falls, leaving us to find our own way.
I feel like I have lost a friend.
We’ll miss you Cap.
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Anyone searching this post for a punch line won’t find one.
-B
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I to, am saddened by Captain America’s abrupt demise. He was (is) patriotism.
In my opinion, Jacob Heilbrum, a former Times editorial writer, does the best job commentating on the comic book hero’s demise and what is says about our country. He says, “Forget the endless debate about Iraq. The most telling measure of America’s current distemper can be found in a more mundane place—in the gory assassination of Captain America in issue No. 25. The startling demise of Captain America , who until recently had been leading an underground insurgency against a government 9/11-style “Superhuman Registration Act” that forced superheros to divulge their secret identities, captures the growing sense that America itself is floundering in the war on terrorism.” (I wonder if the fictional government even read the entire “Superhuman Registration Act” mirrored after our current “Patriot Act” that was introduced into legislation and signed without full knowledge of the repercussions. Heck, some senators even admitted they did not even read the darn thing.)
Captain America’s evolution over the decades, and Marvel Comics in general, have almost always had a perfect feel for America and its moods. He has changed over the years to reflect US attitudes as the country moved from liberalism to conservatism to neo-conservatism and now back to a more liberal view.
Heilbrum writes, “Cut to 2007. Today, in his latest incarnation, Captain America has morphed yet again, this time into the champion of the common man—defending individual liberty against an oppressive government that he once loyally served. To his credit, he calls on his troops to surrender once he sees the general devastation taking place in Manhattan. Cap. America says, “We’re not fighting for the people anymore…we are just fighting.”
Captain America symbolized the death of the American dream. He will come back; he must come back because we need him.
You know he won’t stay dead. I’m sure that. Even as we speak some former (or dare I say currant) star wars / treky / dudgeons fan dressed in “goth” is putting the pen to the page.
Some plan is afoot for sure.
He will be back, none the worst for wear, perhaps even better then before. Maybe Wolverine will give him a transfusion or something like that.
Unfortunately, the real “Captain Americas” fighting for us right now do not have the same safety net.
God bless ‘em all
John O.
A true and sobering thought, John.
I wish that I could send each of our service members an adamantium shield, but I’m afraid it takes more than wit and punditry to dodge bullets.
On a happier note, what if there were a goth inspired Cap, garbed in black to reflect the county’s loss of innocence. Then he could slowly adopt more and more color as he rediscovers his ideals.
I think you’re on to something John.
That sounds too much like Batman, except for the part where he “rediscovers his ideals”
I think Batman has his “ideals” pretty much established.
John O.
Of course this all begs the question.
Do fictional characters (at some point) develop a persona of their own? And, if they do, do we have the right to mess with that?
I mean, who said it was alright to kill Captain America? Don’t we get a say in this?
What’s next?
What if The Hulk takes an anger management class and doesn’t get mad anymore? What if he then retires to San Francisco to grow poppies?
What if Charlie Brown (despondent over never being able to kick the football) changes his name and takes up with some radical terrorist cell?
Does anybody want these sorts of things to happen?
John O.
I think all you need is a Comic Alteration License. You can get one at most reputable bait shops, but you have to pay cash.
For the record, he’s back, this time they are giving him a gun (about time)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,301459,00.html