Marvel Comics just unveiled a significant twist in Captain America’s rich history. The latest volume of Captain America introduces a captivating new character. Hence, fans are already buzzing about this major addition to Cap’s established mythology.
Issue #1 begins by revealing David Colton, a dedicated soldier. He bravely served as Captain America during the challenging period after the 9/11 attacks. Due to Marvel’s unique sliding time scale, the 9/11 events occurred while Steve Rogers remained frozen. This narrative choice creates a compelling backdrop for David’s origin.
David’s story mirrors Steve’s in fascinating ways. Like Steve, David is physically frail yet deeply principled. He passionately yearned to serve his country after witnessing the World Trade Center’s destruction. This determination caught the attention of his superiors. Consequently, they administered the same Super-Soldier Serum that transformed Steve Rogers. However, David’s battles took place in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
STEVE ROGERS RETURNS: A NEW DYNAMIC UNFOLDS
The other half of Issue #1 occurs just days after Steve Rogers’ reawakening. He struggles to adjust to this new world. He also questions his place among the Avengers. Ultimately, Cap decides to reenlist in the Army. General Thunderbolt Ross then assigns Steve his first mission. He must infiltrate Latveria and rescue American diplomats. A young Doctor Doom recently usurped the throne there.
Steve meets his new team, including a new group of Howling Commandos. Significantly, David Colton himself is part of this elite squad. The original Captain America now joins forces with his 21st-century replacement. Together, they confront the formidable Doctor Doom. This promises an exciting and unpredictable storyline.
THE CREATOR’S PERSPECTIVE: CHALLENGES AND REVELATIONS
Writer Chip Zdarsky sheds light on this intriguing new dynamic. He explained that David is a “Captain America lost to time.” Now, his hero, Steve Rogers, is back and even under David’s command. Zdarsky notes the challenge and satisfaction of developing David’s story. He considers how modern warfare affects someone embracing this mantle. Writing Steve, seeing the new world through David’s eyes, has also been especially satisfying. This new perspective adds depth to Steve’s journey.
PRECEDENTS AND RETCONS: A SHIFTING TIMELINE
This is not Marvel’s first instance of introducing alternate Captain Americas. Other characters previously wore the mantle during Steve Rogers’ frozen years. For example, comics from the late ’40s and early ’50s featured Jeffrey Mace and William Burnside. These were later retconned as interim Captain Americas.
Interestingly, Marvel previously published comics showing Steve’s reactions to 9/11. The Amazing Spider-Man #36 (2001) depicted heroes at Ground Zero. Captain America: Marvel Knights (2002) showed Cap confronting new threats. However, Marvel’s shifting timeline renders those stories non-canonical. 9/11 now predates the debut of many modern heroes. It will be fascinating to observe if Captain America: Marvel Knights becomes retconned into David’s story. This new direction significantly expands Captain America’s ongoing legacy.