Captain America
and bucky barnes
An american creation
Captain America is a superhero invented by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, Co-creators of the famous publishing house, Marvel Comics. He appears for the first time in December 1940 in his comics “Captain America”. Cap is the first Marvel superhero created ever, which explain his central place amid all the Marvel superheroes groups. Moreover, he always asserts his rank of leader, at any situations. In his struggle against Nazism, he is helped by his best friend, Bucky.
Captain America embodies the patriotism and bravery; therefore he was made to represent the power of America. His strength and skills are the best, his mind, his iron-made nerves are reliable at any harsh situation, and the stars on his costume and his shield are here to show the American Supremacy, to show the enemies how Americans have improved in military technologies. He also holds that invincible shield that protects America with its shining star. A true supersoldier.
Captain America also is a true patriot, causing that he is completely loyal to his allies, protective as he would risk his life for anyone, devoted to his country: He actually jumped into an incoming missile to attempt to stop it, with the help of his ally, Bucky. He unfortunately loses him in the blast, as the missile was targeting Captain America itself. This is why he is protective at any cost.
This hero is a true symbol in America and was in 1939 the stereotype of the perfect solider, urging little boys to think that they should do military service when they’ll get older.
On many scales, Captain America is a reflection of American Power. He represents and emphasizes its soft power and its hard power at the same time: In the fictive America where he acts, Captain America is a scientific breakthrough which shows the significant amount of work made to reach a top-notch level of weaponry. Using a shield make of unbreakable steel, a non-flammable and bullet-proof suit shows an idealized American hard power, displayed through the comic books.
We could also say that, in reality, the comic book was a means of army propaganda, touching a large public without even using posters.
This is mixed with soft power: Captain America embodies the values a true American soldier should have and also shows how a really patriotic citizen should act, especially when his story starts. Moreover, the enemies are more shown as throwing balls than actual enemies. They are obviously shown as inferior and ineffective opponents.
Captain America has a real power, on any fields. That’s why he describes well the paths of power of America in the World War 2.