Captain America (Marvel)

''We must all live in the real world... and sometimes that world can be pretty grim. But it is the [American] Dream... the hope... that makes the reality worth living. In the early 1940's, I made a personal pledge to uphold the Dream... And as long as the Dream remains even partially unfulfilled, I cannot abandon it!''


 * —Captain America[src]

Cpt. Steven "Steve" Rogers aka Captain America, the First Avenger, was rejected by the U.S. Army during World War II due to numerous health problems. He ultimately volunteered for Project Rebirth where he received the Super Soldier Serum developed by Dr. Abraham Erskine. The serum greatly enhanced his frail body to the peak of human physicality. As the Sentinel of Liberty, alongside his best friend Bucky Barnes and the Invaders, Rogers and others helped the allies win the war, but not before he was lost at sea and frozen in ice in a form of suspended animation for decades. He was thawed out in the modern age to continue the battle alongside his new allies the Avengers. Cap is loyal to no politician or government and instead upholds the "timeless principles of freedom, equality and justice of the American Dream".

Personality
Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world -- "No, you move."

--Captain America[src]

Captain America is traditionally seen as one of the greatest heroes in the universe. He is a righteous and brave man who always wanted to see the good in people. From even before his origins as a superhero, Steve has always devoted himself to the protection of the weak and the defense of freedom and justice.

In spite of his virtues, however, Cap has been plagued by his status as man out of time. Remembering his days as a soldier in World War II, Cap worried that his idealism might be considered outdated in the modern world. Furthermore, seeing how idealized his legacy has become throughout the years, Cap sometimes believed that he might not be able to fulfill the image the world had of him. Regardless, Cap is still seen as the pinnacle of heroism and an example for everyone to follow.

Trivia
Joe Simon initially considered calling his new character "Super American." He quickly changed it to "Captain America," arguing that there were too many "Supers" and not a lot of "Captains" in comics.

Captain America was one of the characters featured in Series A of the Marvel Value Stamps issued in the 1970's.

In 1996's DC vs. Marvel, Batman fought against Captain America. Their fight was a draw until the sewer where they were fighting got flooded. The current knocked both combatants off-balance, causing Cap's shield to miss his opponent whereas Batman managed to hit Steve's head with a batarang and knock him out. In the same series, Captain America defeated Bane, who is known for turning Bruce Wayne into a cripple.

Batman acknowledged in the JLA/Avengers crossover that it is possible Captain America could beat him, but it would take him a very long time.

Steve Rogers is one of the few people that Deadpool truly respects, due to Captain America being Wade's childhood hero. Since both gained their abilities as a result of experimentation, Rogers empathizes with Wade, and is one of the few heroes shown to genuinely like the Merc with a Mouth.

Due to his connection to the events in World War II and subsequent suspended animation, Cap is one of the few characters whose backstory isn't affected by Marvel's sliding timeline.

Captain America was ranked 6th on IGN's "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time" in 2011.

Captain America was also ranked 2nd on IGN's "Top 25 Best Marvel Superheroes" in 2014.

Nick Fury's intel classified Rogers as power level 8.

Steve favors Earl Grey tea.

Steve Rogers personally hates tattoos.

Captain America's favorite romantic comedy is You've Got Mail.

Rogers has at times owned the copyright to the Captain America Uniform and even threatened to take legal action against US Agent when he wore a version of it without his permission.

Captain America was merged with two DC characters, Superman and Captain Marvel Jr. to create Super Soldier, and Captain America Jr.; Also in Tarot #3 the two halves of Captain America merged with the halves of Hulk and Silver Surfer to create Captain Cosmos and Major Gamma.

Captain America was ranked 2nd in "The Top 50 Avengers" in 2012.