CAPTAIN AMERICA: A 70-YEAR SALUTE
It was 70 years ago this month that Captain America, the greatest of all the patriotic-themed superheroes, first hit newsstands with a red, white and blue shield gripped in his gloved hand. He also gets his own feature film this summer, “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and to mark the moment we’ll be talking to writers, artists, actors, directors and musicians about the star-spangled icon’s legacy and future. Today: Matt Fraction
Bucky and Captain America (Marvel Comics)
For a hero created during the Roosevelt era, Captain America is aging quite well, according to Matt Fraction, the star comic-book writer. The reason, in his view, is nothing less than the enduring appeal of the American dream.
“I think there’s a reason why people from all over the world come to America — it’s what America means,” Fraction said. “It’s got nothing to do with borders or language or skin color, it’s about huddled masses yearning to be free. And as long as people want freedom, Cap is relevant.”
Fraction, best known as the architect of “Fear Itself” and for his bestselling work with the X-Men, Thor and Iron Man, said that for him Captain America conjures up potent memories and images: “All the stuff our fathers and grandfathers and great-grandfathers fought for. All of the ideals and optimism the Declaration of Independence and Constitution hold. Our potential and our promise. And great Jack Kirby comics.”
Despite the considerable shadow of Kirby — who co-created the red, white and blue hero in 1941 — Fraction didn’t quibble when it came to his favorite incarnation of Captain America.
“Ed’s run,” Fraction said, referring to the unforgettable and often unsettling tales written by Ed Brubaker, the Fraction friend who brought back Bucky Barnes, crafted the mythology of the Winter Soldier and dared to assassinate Steve Rogers. “He’s really made Cap vital and relevant for a post-national era. It’s an amazing piece of work. And he paid me thirty-five dollars to say that.”
– Geoff Boucher
RECENT AND RELATED
GALLERY: 70 years, 70 covers
Billy Corgan: Cap is a “symbol of faith”
Johnston’s darker plan: “Our Bucky isn’t a sidekick”
Johnston: This movie will surprise people
Capt. America film gets title change in Russia, Korea
Captain America will be a USO performer in movie
Johnston: Steve Rogers won’t be “flag-waver”
Stark Expo links ‘Iron Man 2′ and ‘Captain America’
A Fourth of July message from Capt. America
Fred Hembeck salutes Capt. America (and Part 2)
Captain America flees the country?
“Ant Man”: Edgar Wright back at work on script
Comments
Print
Read Later
Our legion of super contributors is led by Hero Complex editor Gina McIntyre and 
The best Cap run was Lee and Kirby, natch, followed by all the Mike Zeck issues, then the John Byrne run, followed by Gruenwald and Dwyer's saga in which Cap is fired. As a longtime fan, I was disheartened by the overrated and unrelentingly depressing Brubaker run which finally got me to give up modern comics for good. Bringing back Bucky was lazy and uninspired. But I guess I should thank Brubaker for rediscovering all of the vintage good stuff which is far more deserving of my money.
Kirby didn't create Cap, his partner Joe Simon came up with the concept and design. Officially Kirby's given "co-creator" credit but he really had nothing to do with it.
Totally disagree with Mr. Merkens. The way Brubaker brought back Bucky was completely inspired! Lazy and uninspired is how Barry Allen, Hal Jordan, and so many others have been brought back in recent years. The Winter Soldier storyline was vibrant, compelling, and endowed the character with a rich, new vitality.
I love the Gruenwald run very, very much as well as Kirby's ToS days, but Brubaker's run is right up there with them.
Hagop http://www.costumecontumely.com
I wasn't saying the way Brubaker brought back Bucky was uninspired…i was saying the idea of bringing Bucky back was uninspired. Is was a blatant sales grab by Marvel, pure and simple. And while the sales went up briefly, they are back down to microscopic levels, and in my mind the core of Captain America has been cheapened beyond recognition. It think most long-time Cap fans would agree…only they jumped ship a long time ago.
hi i would like to now some info about the talen show in captain americas this sunday at D15 im gonna sign up cant waite xxxxx