Captain America has been one of Marvel Comics most popular characters for decades, and for a majority of the time Steve Rogers, a White man, held the role. A day after the revelation that Norse god Thor will now be a woman, Rogers will now pass his shield to his crime-fighting partner, Falcon.
Late Wednesday on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada shared that Sam Wilson, aka the Falcon, will now don the mask and represent the country as its greatest soldier. In a humorous bit, Colbert and Quesada dished over the transfer, which will officially occur this fall in a new book title, All-New Captain America. Rogers, who has long avoided old age, has lost the benefits of the super soldier serum in his battle with the Iron Nail.
The changes at Marvel shouldn’t shock longtime fans of the comics. Some may remember that Nick Fury was once a white man before the Marvel Ultimate Universe switched everything around drastically. Hardcore fans will also know that this isn’t the first time Rogers has handed over the mantle of Captain America. Falcon isn’t even considered the first Black Captain America. In 2003, a mini-series focused on super soldier Isiah Bradley and his son Josiah X.
Marvel’s push for diversity and causing excitement could be from a genuine place of wanting to tell new stories. Some fans, however, suggest that it’s a cheap tactic to bring life to slow-selling book titles. There’s also the curious issue regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how attached the books have been to the movies and even ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series, although Quesada said that Marvel will focus on comics for now.
Do you think this is a good move from Marvel or a cheap ploy for sales? Let us know in the comments. Check out news bit below as well.
Photo: Marvel Comics/Stuart Immonen
