Marvel just unveiled its all-new 21st-centuryCaptain America, but there are already signs Steve Rogers’ successor may have a dark side to him, potentially making him a foil for his predecessor, rather than a hero. Captain America is meant to embody American values, but it is clear this new Cap represents a different era with different ideals.
Captain America#2 by Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti, showcases the debut of David Colton,a new Captain Americawho emerged following 9/11, which compelled him to join the military during the United States' polarizing “War on Terror.”
David Colton makes clear early on that he strongly believes in “American exceptionalism,” a deeply controversial sentiment for Marvel’s new Captain America.
Captain America#2; By The Creative Team Of Chip Zdarsky, Valerio Schiti, Frank Martin, And Joe Caramagna
InCaptain America#2, when Steve Rogers says he “went to sleep in a world of chaos,” his 21st-century equivalent, David Colton, affirms that “it’s still chaos” but that there are “walls of order” to keep the chaos in check. “We’re the walls,” he says, as the pair of patriotic heroes parachute into Doctor Doom’s nation of Latveria.
Colton’s sentiments about the United States tread a dangerously fine line between upholding a strong moral code for the nation versus espousing overtly nationalist views under the guise of being an American patriot. The modern Captain America being an unwavering supremacist for his nation could be a slippery slope that turns him intoSteve Rogers’ next villain.
Alternatively, David Colton could represent a more modern Captain America whose ideals have been shaped by the War on Terror, and how the United States and its military changed since Steve Rogers' time. However, Colton’s sentiments suggest he might support the United States’ more controversial geopolitical actions, such as destabilizing other nations.
Marvel Comics Might Ve Setting Up The Ultimate Captain America vs. Captain America Battle
How David Colton Could Become Steve Rogers’ Adversary
Another major aspect of David Colton’s origin is how his origin as Captain America is also tied to his admiration for the original, Steve Rogers. From a certain lens, Steve is responsible for David Colton’s ascension to the Captain America mantle and for who he has become in this current era.
When discussing Doctor Doom inCaptain America#1, Steve Rogers notes, “when you clad yourself in symbolism, you can’t help but become it. For better or worse.” This can also be ascribed to Colton, as hepotentially becomes an advocate for American aggression worldwide, which will likely put him at odds with Steve Rogers, embodying the theme of patriotism versus nationalism.
Colton is an interesting take on Captain America, because 9/11, and the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, played a major role in shaping him. Major David Colton could turn out to bea formidable successor to Steve Rogers, but his more hard-edged views of America’s global role may propel him to become an adversary ofCaptain America.
