Captain America And The Struggle Of The Superhero

For more than 60 years, Captain America was one of Marvel Comics’ flagship characters, representing truth, strength, liberty, and justice. The assassination of his alter ego, Steve Rogers, rocked the comic world, leaving numerous questions about his life and death. This book discusses topics including the representation of Nazi Germany in Captain America Comics from the 1940s to the 1960s; the creation of Captain America in light of the Jewish American experience; the relationship between Captain America and UK Marvel’s Captain Britain; the groundbreaking partnership between Captain America and African American superhero the Falcon; and the attempts made to kill the character before his “real” death.

For more than 60 years, Captain America was one of Marvel Comics' flagship characters, representing truth, strength, liberty, and justice. The assassination of his alter ego, Steve Rogers, rocked the comic world, leaving numerous questions about his li.

Since 1940, Captain America has battled his enemies in the name of American values, and as those values have changed over time, so has Captain America’s character. Because the comic book world fosters a close fan–creator dialogue, creators must consider their ever-changing readership. Comic book artists must carefully balance storyline continuity with cultural relevance. Captain America’s seventy-year existence spans from World War II through the Cold War to the American War on Terror; beginning as a soldier unopposed to offensive attacks against foreign threats, he later becomes known as a defender whose only weapon is his iconic shield. In this way, Captain America reflects America’s need to renegotiate its social contract and reinvent its national myths and cultural identity, all the while telling stories proclaiming an eternal and unchanging spirit of America. In Captain America, Masculinity, and Violence, Stevens reveals how the comic book hero has evolved to maintain relevance to America’s fluctuating ideas of masculinity, patriotism, and violence. Stevens outlines the history of Captain America’s adventures and places the unfolding storyline in dialogue with the comic book industry as well as America’s varying political culture. Stevens shows that Captain America represents the ultimate American story: permanent enough to survive for nearly seventy years with a history fluid enough to be constantly reinterpreted to meet the needs of an ever-changing culture.

"Nationalist superheroes--such as Captain America, Captain Canuck, and Union Jack--often signify the 'nation-state' for readers, but how do these characters and comic books address issues of multiculturalism and geopolitical order? In his engaging book Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero, geographer Jason Dittmer traces the evolution of the comic book genre as it adapted to new national audiences. He argues that these iconic superheroes contribute to our contemporary understandings of national identity, the righteous use of power, and the role of the United States, Canada, and Britain in the world. Tracing the nationalist superhero genre from its World War II origins to contemporary manifestations throughout the world, Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero analyzes nearly one thousand comic books and audience responses to those books. Dittmer also interviews key comic book writers from Stan Lee and J.M. DeMatteis to Steve Englehart and Paul Cornell. At a time when popular culture is saturated with superheroes and their exploits, Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero highlights the unique relationship between popular culture and international relations."--Publisher's website.

The first look at the philosophy behind the CaptainAmerica comics and movies, publishing in advance of themovie release of Captain America: The WinterSolider in April 2014. In The Virtues of Captain America, philosopher andlong-time comics fan Mark D. White argues that the core principles,compassion, and judgment exhibited by the 1940’s comic bookcharacter Captain America remain relevant to the modern world.Simply put, "Cap" embodies many of the classical virtues that havebeen important to us since the days of the ancient Greeks: honesty,courage, loyalty, perseverance, and, perhaps most importantly,honor. Full of entertaining examples from more than 50 years ofcomic books, White offers some serious philosophical discussions ofeveryone’s favorite patriot in a light-hearted and accessibleway. Presents serious arguments on the virtues of Captain Americawhile being written in a light-hearted and often humorous tone Introduces basic concepts in moral and political philosophy tothe general reader Utilizes examples from 50 years of comics featuring CaptainAmerica, the Avengers, and other Marvel superheroes Affirms the value of "old-fashioned" virtues for the modernworld without indulging in nostalgia for times long passed Reveals the importance of the sound principles that America wasfounded upon Publishing in advance of Captain America: The WinterSoldier out in April 2014.

This book introduces Captain America, explaining how he came to be a superhero.

Captain America made his debut in 1940, just two years behind the first comic book superheroes and five years before the United States' emergence as the world's primary superpower at the end of World War II. His journey has been intertwined with America's progress throughout the decades. Known as the "Sentinel of Liberty," he has frequently provided socio-political commentary on current events as well as inspiration and warnings concerning the future. This work explores the interconnected histories of the United States and Captain America, decade-by-decade, from the character's origins to Chris Evans' portrayal of him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It examines how Captain America's story provides a guide through America's tenure as a global superpower, holds a mirror up to American society, and acts as a constant reminder of what America can and should be.

Collecting Captain America (2018) #1-6 And Material From Free Comic Book Day 2018 (Avengers/Captain America). It’s winter in America! For more than 70 years, Captain America has stood in stalwart defense of our country and its people. But in the aftermath of Hydra’s takeover of the nation, Cap is a figure of controversy, carrying a tarnished shield — and a new enemy is rising! Distrusted by a nation that seems to have lost faith in him, and facing threats including the Taskmaster and an army of Nuke super-soldiers, Steve Rogers is a man out of time — and out of options! Where can Captain America turn for help stopping the influence-broker cabal known as the Power Elite? And which surprising villain is pulling the group’s strings? Join acclaimed BLACK PANTHER scribe Ta-Nehisi Coates for the next chapter of Captain America’s life!