Marvel’s latest volume of Captain America introduces a surprising twist to the iconic hero’s history: David Colton, a forgotten soldier who stepped into the role of Captain America after the devastating 9/11 attacks.
This new addition to Cap’s mythology takes readers on a thrilling ride through post-9/11 America, as a young and physically frail David is transformed into a super soldier much like Steve Rogers before him.
The issue kicks off with an origin story for David, showing how the tragic events of September 11th inspired him to take up the mantle of Captain America. As the country deals with the aftermath, David enlists and is given the Super-Soldier Serum that gives him strength, speed, and agility – the same serum that once transformed Steve Rogers into the Sentinel of Liberty. But unlike Steve, David must now fight in the Middle Eastern wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the series explores the challenges of bearing such a heavy responsibility in a new, globalized war.
Meanwhile, the story also follows Steve Rogers as he is awakened from his icy slumber by the Avengers and is forced to adjust to a world he no longer recognizes. Struggling with his place in the modern world, Steve decides to reenlist in the Army. His first mission leads him to Latveria, where he teams up with David Colton, now the current Captain America, to battle the young Doctor Doom. This pairing of the original and the new Captain America sets the stage for exciting adventures ahead, as both men navigate the realities of their different eras.
Writer Chip Zdarsky explained the complexities of David’s story and the impact of modern warfare on someone taking on the mantle of Captain America. ‘It’s been really challenging and satisfying working out David’s story and how a modern world and war would affect someone taking on this mantle. It’s been especially satisfying writing Steve, seeing this new world through David’s eyes, and what it means for his journey,’ Zdarsky shared.
This isn’t the first time Marvel has introduced a character to take on the Captain America mantle while Steve Rogers was frozen. Back in the late ’40s and early ’50s, characters like Jeffrey Mace and William Burnside were depicted as Captain America while Steve was absent. But now, in this new post-9/11 storyline, David Colton becomes a symbol of the changing world and the enduring spirit of Captain America.
While this new direction adds complexity to the timeline of Marvel’s heroes, it also raises questions about the legacy of Captain America and how the mantle evolves with each new generation. It’s clear that David Colton is more than just a placeholder hero – he represents the struggles of a post-9/11 world, balancing idealism and the harsh realities of modern warfare. Whether or not this story will be retconned into other classic Captain America tales remains to be seen.
As the world continues to evolve, so too does Captain America. What are your thoughts on this new iteration of the hero? Will David Colton stand the test of time? Leave your comments below.
1 comment