This story really took on a life of it's own, depending on what headline you first saw. So, let's get down to the facts, shall we? The United States of Captain America is a new, limited series coming from Marvel Comics in June. Christopher Cantwell and Josh Trujillo will write the story, with art from Dan Eaglesham and Jan Bazaldua. You can also see the excellent variant cover by Nick Robles. This actually looks like one epic road trip.
Steve Rogers has lost his shield, and he'll be traveling across the country with Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes and John Walker. During their travels, they discover ordinary people all over the country who have taken up the mantle of Captain America to defend their community. The first hero they meet will be Aaron Fischer.
Fischer is a teenage hero, described as, "a fearless teen who stepped up to protect fellow runaways and the unhoused." This new Captain America of the Railways also happens to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Fischer is definitely not the only Captain we'll meet along the way, but it is appropriate that we meet him during the beginning of Pride Month.
"Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life," Trujillo explained. "He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten. I hope his debut story resonates with readers, and helps inspire the next generation of heroes"
"I want to thank Editor Alanna Smith and Joshua Trujillo very much for asking me to create Aaron," Bazaldua said. "I really enjoyed designing him, and as a transgender person, I am happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society. While I was drawing him, I thought, well, Cap fights against super-powerful beings and saves the world almost always, but Aaron helps those who walk alone in the street with problems that they face every day. I hope people like the end result!"
Of all of the new Captain America stories, limited or ongoing, this has to be one of the best concepts that Marvel has introduced in some time. A story of ordinary, everyday heroes taking up one of the most famous mantles in comics. This story has a chance to be special, and a lot of fun along the way. I know that some fans will be tempted to look toward the future, and what this could mean for the new characters that we will meet. That's understandable, but I think you have to take the "wait and see" approach at this point.
The United States of Captain America begins their road trip on June 2nd from Marvel Comics. Keep checking back for our review and more character reveals.
Photo Credit: Marvel Comics