Most comic book superheroes stand for something. There name, costume, personality and past can give us clues to the true meaning of the character and the stories they are in. Sometimes these are well hidden and sometimes these are very obvious. Captain America was clearly not intended to try to hide the meaning of the comic behind a camouflage or disguise. Captain America was always, exactly as his name would imply.

His first appearance was in March of 1941, in Captain America Comics #1. Captain America was first published by Timely Comics. Timely Comics would later go on to be Marvel Comics. His creation was several years in the making before that though. Creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby felt that a war with the Nazis was inevitable. Also, that the American public was in need of a galvanizing figure to lead the charge. Morale was not always great in the country and the times ahead were uncertain.

Captain America was a propaganda tool for them and Captain America would star in comics combating the Nazis and other Axis powers of World War II. Captain America was an instant success, selling over a million copies in his very first appearance. That issue, Captain America Comics #1, notably featured Captain America punching Hitler in the face. No punches were pulled with Captain America, the creators voiced their thoughts and ideals exactly as they had them.

After World War II, superheroes as a whole began to become less popular. However, there was an even greater hardship on Captain America, as there were no longer any Nazis for him to fight. He was eventually reintroduced in 1964, during the Silver Age of comic books. During this time, superheroes were reemerging. He was officially revived from suspended animation by the Avengers, a Marvel Comics superhero team. Captain America would then go on to lead the team.

Captain America is a superhero that can have different people in his role. He is a creation of the United States government and was enhanced by them to help achieve their mission. Essentially, Captain America was a type of super soldier created by the government. However, this person can be chosen by the government at will and doesn’t have to remain consistent.

Despite that fact, Captain America has almost always been the singular person Steve Rogers. His costume is easily recognizable; he carries a shield with a United States red, white and blue, stars and stripes theme. His clothes feature the same style, as he proudly supports the United States and furthers their wartime needs.

The Captain America character was killed in 2007, after a near continuous run after his reintroduction in 1964. This was largely due to the political strife in the nation. Fans from one political end wanted Captain America fighting wars in the Middle East while fans from the other end wanted Captain America to be a critic of the American government. Through his long run, Captain America has sold well over 200 million comic books. Despite his namesake, he has sold well globally as well, finding a home in 75 countries.