The Pacer

Issue date: 3/27/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

After close to 60 years in print, Marvel Comics has killed off Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, one of its most famous and beloved superheroes among an already controversial story line, "Civil War," which is pitting the heroes of Marvel's universe against one another.

Captain America first appeared in 1941, just as the United States entered World War II. He was a symbol of American strength and resolve in fighting the Axis powers, and later Communism. As originally conceived by creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Rogers was a man born before the Great Depression in a very different America. He disappeared after the war and reappeared time and time again, most recently in the Marvel timeline.

The birth and death of Captain America is viewed from different perspectives. Comic book lovers and people familiar with the infamous Captain America believe that his recent death is perfect for the evolution of American faith at this present time.

"Captain America was a representative of the American pride and faith in its country. When his character was born in 1941 during WWII, he came to represent the way Americans felt at that particular time.

Americans had great faith in their country and were very patriotic in terms of how they supported their country. His death in 2007 symbolizes the way some Americans feel right now. Some people have lost faith in their government and in some ways let their patriotism 'die.' Captain America represents how traditional 'Americanism' had come and gone, due to the corruption of government officials and so-called leaders," said Brian Crawford, junior Graphic Design major.

Recently in the comic series, Rogers, also known as Captain America, was to stand trial for defying a superhero registration law passed after a hero's tragic mistake causes a 9/11-like event. Rogers eventually surrenders to the police and is later gunned down as he climbs the courthouse steps.

Even though Captain America has died, one has to wonder if he is really gone forever.
Comic book characters have routinely died, only to be resurrected when necessary to story lines. Joe Quesada, Marvel editor-in-chief, agrees, but said times are different now.

Maybe the American faith will be restored as the government officials evolve in the upcoming years and Captain America will resurface, or maybe he will indeed be gone forever.

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