The idea of Captain America was born of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, who first appeared in Captain America Comics #1, published by Timely Comics. The character is one of the most popular superheroes created and has managed to capture a big fanbase.
Steve Rogers, who takes on the mantle of Captain America, was once a frail, asthmatic boy who wanted to do his part in helping the Allies win against the Nazis. He takes on a super-soldier serum that changes his physiology and turns himself to his peak physical form.
In the comics, the character is a lot more grittier. Over the years, many instances have shown us how different he is from MCU’s Captain America, who is toned down a lot. He is superhuman, with a vibranium shield, and fights off humans and aliens alike, whoever threatens Earth. But compared to the comics, when it comes to movies, Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers is a mellowed-down version, who is basically a SHIELD pawn for most of it.
Steve Rogers From Marvel Comics vs Chris Evans’ Captain America
The character of Steve Rogers has become a part and parcel of the current pop culture. While we have known him for much longer, Chris Evans brought the character to life and gave a near-perfect visual to go with it. But in making him seem like the perfect Cap, the studios have toned the character to such an extent that the comic version would probably roll over in anger.
The character was created as someone who valued truth and justice above all else. But it wasn’t always about the American way. In fact, there were instances in the comics where Steve Rogers left the Captain America mantle behind to become the Nomad, and another time, they simply went by as The Captain.
Above all else, for Rogers, it was about the cause – if he believed in it, he worked for it, and it wasn’t confined to just “the American way.”
But in the movies, Chris Evans’ Captain America largely remains a pawn of the govt. for most of his run. He was more a SHIELD agent than an individual who fought for what was right.
The latter of which was actually what Jack Kirby had created him to be. He wasn’t a representative of America, but the idea of what America should be about. Unfortunately, this was not something that was clearly portrayed in the movies. And ain’t that a shame.
Fans Opine on The Comics vs Movies Debate
Captain America’s fan base is big and strong, just like him. He is one of the best characters to come out of Marvel Comics, and its rare to find people who do not like him. And no shade to Chris Evans, as he gave his all to the character in the MCU.
But it’s not without some disagreements. Many fans have debated over the fact that the movie Cap and the comic Cap are quite different. In ways that he feels like a prim-er version of what he is supposed to be. And fans are as always, ready to point it out.
While the character was mellowed down to a large extent, it goes without question is Cap is and always will be a fan favorite. And there is doubt that Chris Evans was the best reflection of it on screen.
The Captain America trilogy is available on Disney+.
