The nation went into mourning over the death of Steve "Captain America" Rogers, who was shot March 7, by an unknown gunman in front of the Federal Courthouse in Manhattan, N.Y.
By: John Saccenti
Editor’s note: Here’s what the South Brunswick Post’s take on the death of Captain America might be if the costumed adventurer were real. Some of the below information was taken from www.marvelcomics.com.
He was someone even the most powerful could look to for inspiration proud, noble and strong.
"He’ll always be the hero that others aspire to be," said comic book enthusiast and Kendall Park resident Mark Kalet.
Those sentiments and many like them were being uttered this week when the nation went into mourning over the death of Steve "Captain America" Rogers, who was shot March 7, by an unknown gunman in front of the Federal Courthouse in Manhattan, N.Y.
Former South Brunswick Chief of Police Michael Paquette said Tuesday that he hadn’t slept since hearing the news.
"I think it’s terrible," he said. "He represents the best of police officers. As a matter a fact, he was the ultimate police officer and because of his demise, I think the crime rate will rise."
Born in1941 to the parents of Joe Simon and Jack "The King" Kirby, Captain America’s heroic career almost never began. Diagnosed with "frailty and sickness," he was rejected for military service but was soon after chosen to take part in the super-secret Operation: Rebirth program, run by noted scientist Abrahan Erskine, also known as Prof. Reinstein.
Mr. Rogers was subjected to a battery of experiments, including exposure to "Vita Rays" and ingestion of the now famous but never duplicated Super-Soldier formula. When Mr. Rogers left the program, the country found itself with a sorely needed hero, Captain America, the first of what was then expected to be many American Super Soldiers.
But things have a way of changing, and the assassination of Dr. Erskine left America with just one champion Captain America. What followed was a colorful career that began with Captain America first leading a battle against domestic infiltrators rousting domestic Nazi spy rings and later leading American troops in combat, often facing Nazi war criminals such as the Red Skull, Baron Zemo and even Adolf Hitler himself. His courage, valor and never-say-die attitude served as an inspiration to American and Allied troops, and to those living at home.
"He was somebody I remember reading about, when I was 5 years old, when I was reading my brother’s comic books," said Mr. Kalet.
While Mr. Kalet said those old magazines helped shape the person he is today, he is sad to see that some of Captain America’s values have gone by the wayside in today’s generation of superhero.
"He was a legend and something for younger heroes to aspire to, although less so in this current era. His values were kind of sidetracked by other heroes who kind of had a darker agenda," he said.
"They sort of look at him as this old war horse. Someone they look up to, but whose values are now meaningless," said Mr. Kalet.
Captain America’s role wasn’t lost even on those who knew him. Former comic book artist Vince Russell, formerly of South Brunswick, drew the hero several times for issues of "Wolverine" and "The Avengers."
"Captain America was the lynchpin of the Marvel Universe as far as I’m concerned. He was Marvel’s Superman," said Mr. Russell. "Being the altruistic hero, always looking at the positive aspects of things, yet sometimes being realistic, made him a well balanced superhero. "
Captain America served alongside his sidekicks, James Buchanan Barnes, also known as "Bucky," and "The Winter Soldier," Rick Jones, also known as "Bucky" and James Monroe, who also spent time as "Bucky" and later was known as "Nomad"; Prince Namor of Atlantis; the original Human Torch and his sidekick, Toro; and nearly every other Marvel Comics superhero.
While he became a symbol of the American war efforts, Captain America disappeared during its final days, the victim of an exploding experimental spy plane in 1945, and never tasted the victory he had fought so hard for. What became of America’s No. 1 Mystery Man remained a mystery until the mid-1960s, when the super team, The Avengers, found him floating in an iceberg near the Arctic Ocean. That he survived is not only a testament to his strength and iron will, but to the amazing powers of the Super-Soldier formula, which prevented the crystallization of Captain America’s bodily fluid, allowing him to enter a state of suspended animation.
Once revived, Captain America quickly reminded people why he was a symbol of all that is good about America. He became a cornerstone of The Avengers, and the most respected, cherished and honored of America’s superheroes.
"I just like the fact that he was almost a throwback. He kept those values he had in the 40s when he was frozen. Even though he was affected by 90s sensibilities, he kept that attitude of treating people with kindness, going as far as you could go, not extracting revenge, by seeking justice," said Mr. Russell.
The hero also was a man known for not being afraid to speak out against what he felt were injustices, even if it meant going against the American government.
In fact, his final days are a testament to the lengths he sometimes went to fight for what he thought was right. An outspoken critic of the new Super Hero Registration act, which requires all metahumans to register with the government, Captain America lead an illegal and unsanctioned group known as the Secret Avengers and found himself squaring off against longtime friends, including Iron Man and Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards. The confrontation ended with a battle in the middle of New York City, during which Captain American surrendered rather than continue the damage done to the city and its residents.
The issue had everyday fans split as well.
"You can’t imagine superheroes just acting willy-nilly without any overseer. In the real world, I would definitely want them registered, not as an extension of the military," said Mr. Kalet. "You have to have somebody to police the superheroes. But in a comic book world, I can’t help but think that this thing has changed the status quo."
Captain American was on his way to being arraigned when he was assassinated. He was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital due to injuries suffered from multiple gunshot wounds to the shoulder, chest and stomach.
He was a high school graduate with one year of art school. He attended military basic training, and received private tutoring in hand-to-hand combat, gymnastics, military strategy, piloting, demolition and other disciplines. He is known as one of the finest human combatants the Earth has ever known.
He also spent time as a freelance artist.
Among his other aliases are the Captain and Nomad. He was a proud member of the Invaders during World War II, the Avengers, the Secret Avengers and partner and mentor to an endless line of heroes.
While Captain America’s exploits are legendary, he is not necessarily a superhuman. The effects of Operation Rebirth brought his body to the peak of human performance. Representing the pinnacle of human perfection, he had the agility, strength and reaction time superior to any world class athlete, his endurance was phenomenal and he was able to lift 800 pounds.
Despite his death, some fans are hopeful that the man in red, white and blue will return.
Will he come back to the living?
"Of course he will. He’s Captain America. You think death can keep a living legend down," said Mr. Kalet.
Mr. Paquette agreed.
"If Superman can come back, then Captain America can come back. Maybe they’ll promote him, maybe they’ll make him Major America," he said.
Captain America’s parents, Joseph and Sara, are deceased. He is survived by a small group of friends, including the recently resurrected and former kid sidekick James Buchanan Barnes; Rick Jones; Sam "The Falcon" Wilson; and a special friend, Sharon Carter.
Graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, where he will receive full military honors.
John Saccenti is the decidedly non-super news editor of the South Brunswick Post. He can be reached via his super secret e-mail hotline, [email protected].