Captain America is one of the most iconic characters in comic book history, but that didn't happen overnight. While he does have his own movie coming out this summer, Captain America has been around for a very long time, building up a fan base and making history. In fact, the title of his new movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, is very fitting, because Captain America was the first Marvel superhero.
Before Marvel was Marvel, the comic company was known as Timely Comics. Back in 1941, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby came up with an idea for a patriotic superhero and Captain America was born. Captain America came after the introduction of Marvel superheroes the Human Torch, the android version, and Namor the Sub-Mariner. While he was the third superhero introduced by Marvel, he quickly rose to prominence. He became a symbol for the American people during World War II, embodying the strength and determination of the American people. The cover of the first Captain America comic, Captain America Comics #1, actually featured Captain America punching Adolph Hitler square in the jaw. Throughout World War II, Captain America was featured in Timely Comics fighting the enemies of the United States and solidifying his position as a symbol of America. Timely Comics also introduced other superheroes during this time, such as Captain America's sidekick Bucky and the robot the Vision. Captain America lasted for 78 issues with Timely Comics before the series was canceled and Timely moved away from all superhero comics, instead focusing on Westerns and Crime.
In the 1950's, Timely Comics became Atlas Comics and attempted to bring Captain America back, along with the Human Torch and Namor. Unfortunately consumers were still not showing much interest in superhero comics at this time. It wasn't until the 1960's, when Atlas Comics became Marvel Comics, that Captain America finally saw the revival he deserved. The 1960's were quite possibly the biggest decade in the history of Marvel Comics. First, the Fantastic Four were introduced in 1961, paving the way for most of the other big name Marvel superheroes. Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and the Avengers were all introduced during the 1960's, paving the way for a return of the first big Marvel superhero, Captain America. In Avengers #4, Captain America was revived from a chunk of ice he had been frozen in since the end of World War II and quickly took his place as the leader of the superhero team. It was fitting that the original Marvel hero would lead the new heroes in their fight for justice. Since his defrosting in 1964, Captain America has cemented himself as one of the biggest names in comics.
The original Marvel superhero is getting his due with his upcoming movie, Captain America: The First Avenger, the lead in to the Marvel movie event, The Avengers. It is fitting that it will be set during World War II, the beginning of both Captain America's career and the superhero sensation that would define Marvel Comics. Look for Captain America: The First Avenger in theaters on July 22nd.
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