The death of Captain America - 3.7.2007.1

I was going to speak on a couple of different topics today, but then I caught 2 different items that changed all that. The first I will address has to do with Marvel comic books, but is part of the common lexicon. As of today, Captian America is dead. Yes, he was assassinated.

Some may say so what, a lot of others will be shocked. The repercussions of this are deeper than either reaction I think. For those who have no idea what I am talking about, Captain America is a character in comic books that originates back in 1941. The character was a representation of what America needed to do about WWII and other national issues after that time. He is the representation of all the ideas and virtues of the nation, without the boy scout attitude of Superman [no offense intended to Boy Scouts – like my best friend – and if you have seen Kill Bill 2 you will see why I agree with the interpretation of Superman]. His reach has crossed not only this nation but 75 countries with over 210 million copies sold.

But Captain America is more that a drawing on a book. He is incorporated into the American psyche. Various real performers have adopted the name or have been referred to it because of their outstanding actions, from wrestling to football over decades. The character and its symbolism have been quoted in movies, books, and everyday life. In both a compliment or an insult, to be called ‘Captain America’ is to exude facets of American values and life.

The character has apparently died before, notably in the 1950’s for about a decade. But their has always been a return and in between other versions have taken his place. This is because, I feel, an image of the best in this nation is always required. Comic books are simply a soap opera in an alternate visual format. They touch upon the issues of the day and at the best moments provide social commentary. They can reach readers of all ages, with commentary that might not otherwise be discussed or accepted, promoting discussion and though. In the best moments.

Yet, at a time when America is becoming viciously divided over core issues, one of the enduring symbols of the nation has been written-off. I don’t understand. This was a great time to address the non-partisan commonalities of the nation. This symbol could help lead the way, or provide discussion point, for the youth that may be confused by the War in Iraq and vs. terrorism. Instead the character was abandoned.

Series writer Ed Brubaker said, "What I found is that all the really hard-core left-wing fans want Cap to be standing out on and giving speeches on the streetcorner against the Bush administration, and all the really right-wing [fans] all want him to be over in the streets of Baghdad, punching out Saddam.” That I feel is the perfect opportunity to allow the character to stand up and mention that neither view is absolutely right. That America is more than just one of those views and that both have degrees of merit. This was an opportunity for Marvel to shine, and America to reach millions around the world and evoke the fact that propaganda aside we are the greatest nation on earth because of the divergent views we hold and the overriding values we all believe in. But instead Mr. Brubaker and Marvel have shied away from what the character would have done, missing a moment to shine in the chaos that surrounds us.