Keep Calm And Call Captain America

One of my favorite superheroes of all time is Captain America, a man with superhuman strength as well as morals. Marvel Comics boasts a truly massive collection of larger-than-life heroic characters with unbelievable powers, incredible cunning and amazing technology, however, Captain America is easily the most idealistic. When it comes to comic book crusaders, often times the most powerful aspect of who they are is what they fight for, what they believe in. Cap truly embodies the spirit of freedom and justice, fearless as he is loyal.

Captain America No.1.

The origins of the Captain America franchise can be traced back to the Second World War, the first issue of the popular comic series being published in March of 1941. This patriotic super soldier was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby of Timely Comics which would eventually become Marvel. Captain America was the company's most popular comic during World War II, especially among American G.I.s overseas. This comic instilled a sense of confidence and hope, a reason to fight for the greater good. 

The popularity of this iconic series wavered after the war, even being canceled a few times before it’s more permanent revival in 1968, during the height of the tensions with the former Soviet Union. Over the years, the Captain America character has evolved becoming more complex and conflicted with the changing  times. In one of the most interesting storylines, making the big screen debut in Captain America: Civil War (click to watch trailer), forces Cap to wrestle with the idea of a superhero registration that pits him against fellow hero Tony Stark A.K.A Ironman. The patriotic hero’s internal struggles often parallel the real life political conflicts within our nation.

To me, Captain America represents not necessarily what the United States is but what it strives to be, what it could be. This righteous hero stands up for all those in the grips of tyranny and never surrenders from a fight. He also believes in the rights of freedom no matter the obstacles, he battles oppression where ever it may exist. These are personally qualities that I find to be very admirable, qualities I hope to emulate within my own life. Captain America may be a fictional character but symbolizes the very real idea of doing the right thing and having a strong sense of morality.

Whether he is battling the forces of Hydra, evil robots, hostile extraterrestrials or even other superheroes, Cap is a man of integrity bound by duty. Long before Steve Rogers was injected with the experimental serum or carried an indestructible shield, he was a strong-willed kid from the Brooklyn. He cared about others before it was expected of him and far beyond his own safety. Even when his best friend Bucky became the ruthless Winter Soldier and tried to kill him, Captain Rogers cared deeply for the well-being of his brainwashed friend.

Superheroes may be one of the most unique creations of human storytelling, drawing from elements such as ancient mythology, science-fiction, fantasy and current events. These epic tales present imaginative characters and extraordinary situations juxtaposed with relatable emotions and themes. Captain America shines as an example of modern folklore, a narrative that we can all relate to in some small way. In moments of doubt and fear, all too common in today’s world, we should stop to ask ourselves: What would Captain America do?