Marvel Comics plans to launch a new series this spring called Captain America: Steve Rogers, in which Steve will join current Captain America Sam Wilson rather than replacing him. It’s a relief to hear that Sam Wilson won’t be stepping down, since it feels as though he only just recently took up the new role — and there’s already a new Falcon, too. Plus, Sam Wilson’s issues of Captain America have addressed some pretty controversial political topics, such as immigration, and it’s nice to hear those will continue.
Artist Jesus Saiz will illustrate the series, which Nick Spencer will write. Spencer explained the reasons for Steve’s return via an emailed Marvel Comics press release: “this year is the character’s 75th Anniversary, not to mention the upcoming release of Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War. And with Civil War II approaching in the Marvel Universe, it felt like the perfect time to restore Steve Rogers to his former self.”
I understand the marketing reasons — but it also sounds like the Steve Rogers issues will strike a different tone, as well. Spencer explains,
Captain America: Steve Rogers and Captain America: Sam Wilson will act as great counter-points to one another. If you’re digging the topical, ripped-from-the-headlines approach we’re taking in Sam’s book, we’ve got plenty more of that to come. And if you’re up for a more timeless take, with Captain America facing off against Hydra and his classic rogues gallery, Steve’s book will be just the thing for you.
Based on that description, it doesn’t necessarily sound as though these two Captains will be operating within the same time period — but they are, according to a more extensive interview with Saiz and Spencer at Marvel.com. Even though Steve will be facing off against old school enemies like Hydra, he’ll technically be in the same universe and same time period as Sam Wilson. Their stories will appeal to different sensibilities: Sam’s story is riskier, but Steve’s story will be more old school.
This decision seems … safe. To say the least. Given that Civil War‘s movie release date is fast approaching, plus the 75th Anniversary, I get why Marvel would want to put the iconic shield back in Steve Roger’s hands. And I know they’ve clarified that they’re not taking away Sam Wilson’s role — for the moment, anyway. Still, though, the dual series with two very different tones seems a little odd to me.
Maybe I’m strange for feeling a little disappointed by this — can’t Sam Wilson’s issues and story arcs be a celebration of Captain America’s 75th Anniversary, too? Or do we need the “real” Captain America to come back for that? Come on. I do get that Steve Rogers is the Captain America that people recognize from the movies — and he’s the “original” one, from 75 years ago. But I like the changes that Marvel has made lately. I treasure my All-New All-Different Avengers (with Miles’ Spider-Man and Kamala’s Ms. Marvel), my new Thor (Jane), and my new Wolverine (Laura). But stuff like this makes me feel like those heroes aren’t considered the “real” versions, even now. And I guess they’re not … at least when it comes to big anniversaries, big action movies, and the versions that most other people recognize and remember.
Would you all like to read an old school Captain America book again? Is this just harmless nostalgia? Or would you rather see Steve Rogers do something else, anything else?
(via Marvel, image via Marvel Comics)
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Published: Jan 20, 2016 04:10 pm