Captain America Dead?

Captain America Movie Wallpaper - Captain America vs. Thor: Whose movie costume is better?

2010-06-12T14:03:00.001-07:00

History of the Captain America Movie

2010-03-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

*Source: WIKIPEDIA

The First Avenger: Captain America
A film titled The First Avenger: Captain America, produced by Marvel Studios, is due for release on July 22, 2011. It is being directed by Joe Johnston. It has been confirmed that shooting for the film will commence in June 2010.

Development

In April 1997, Marvel Studios was in negotiations with Mark Gordon and Gary Levinsohn to produce Captain America. In addition Larry Wilson and Leslie Bohem were set to write a script.[7] In May 2000, Marvel teamed with Artisan Entertainment to help finance the film. However, a lawsuit arose between Marvel Comics and Joe Simon over the ownership of Captain America copyrights, disrupting the development process of the film. The lawsuit was eventually settled in September 2003.[9] In 2005, Marvel received a $525 million investment from Merrill Lynch, allowing them to independently produce ten films, including Captain America. Paramount Pictures agreed to distribute the film.

Originally, the film would stand alone; producer Kevin Feige said "about half" the movie would be set during World War II before moving into the modern day.[12] Producer Avi Arad said, "The biggest opportunity with Captain America is as a man 'out of time', coming back today, looking at our world through the eyes of someone who thought the perfect world was small-town United States. Sixty years go by, and who are we today? Are we better?" He cited the Back to the Future trilogy as an influence, and claimed he had "someone in mind to be the star, and definitely someone in mind to be the director".[13] In February 2006, Arad hoped to have a summer 2008 theatrical release date.[14] Jon Favreau approached Arad to direct the film as a comedy, but he chose to make Iron Man instead.[15] In July 2006, David Self was hired to write the script.[16] He explained Captain America was his favorite superhero as a child because "my dad told me I could one day be Captain America".[17] Michael France was also interested. Joe Johnston met with Marvel to discuss directing the film.

Captain America was put on hold during the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike. However, in January 2008, Marvel Entertainment reached an interim comprehensive agreement with the Writers Guild of America that would put writers immediately back to work on various projects that were under the company's development.[19] On May 5, 2008 (after the success of Iron Man), Marvel announced the film The First Avenger: Captain America for a May 6, 2011 release (before being slightly pushed back the next year).[20] The Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier viewed some of the concept art being created for the film, and was impressed enough to offer his services, but Marvel turned him down.[21] Leterrier said "I've seen some of the design work they're doing for Captain America, and it looks amazing". Johnston finally signed on in November 2008,[6] and he hired Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (The Chronicles of Narnia) to rewrite.[22] Feige cited Johnston's directorial work on October Sky and The Rocketeer and his special effects work on the original Star Wars trilogy as to why he was an appropriate choice. Raiders of the Lost Ark will be an influence on the film, because they hope the film will not feel like a period piece.

When asked whether anti-US sentiments would affect the film's box office, Feige said, "Marvel is perceived pretty well around the world right now, and I think putting another uber-Marvel hero into the worldwide box office would be a good thing. [...] We have to deal with much the same way that Captain America, when thawed from the Arctic ice, entered a world that he didn't recognize," similar to the way Stan Lee reintroduced the character in the 1960s.[24] Likewise, Arad noted "Captain America stands for freedom for all democracies, for hope all around the world. He was created to stop tyranny and the idea of stopping tyranny is important today as it was then and unfortunately it's not going to change because that's how the world works. So I think that we will have some interesting challenges but at the end of the day if the movie is terrific and the movie talks to the world, it's not about one place, it's about the world and I think [on] that basis it will be very successful."[25] Later, after the election of US President Barack Obama, Feige commented, "The idea of change and hope has permeated the country, regardless of politics, and that includes Hollywood. Discussions in all our development meetings include the zeitgeist and how it's changed in the last two weeks. Things are being adjusted."

In December 2009, director Joe Johnston said he plans to start filming in April 2010.[26] In a separate interview that month, he described the film's pre-production: "Rick Heinrichs is production-designing and we're set up down in Manhattan Beach [California]. ... We have eight or ten really talented artists, and we all just sit around all day and draw pictures and say, 'Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we could do this?' It's that phase of the production where money doesn't matter: 'Let's put all the greatest stuff up on the wall and [then later] see what we can afford.'" The film, he said, will begin "in 1942, 1943" during World War II. "The stuff in the '60s and '70s [comic books] we're sort of avoiding. We're going back to the '40s, and then forward to what they're doing with Captain America now."[27] Johnston confirmed that the Red Skull would be the film's primary antagonist.[28] He has also stated that the World War Two-era super team the Invaders will be appearing in "the entire second half" of the film.[29]

Finally! Captain America Movie News!

2010-03-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

Though we don't have our Captain America just yet, it looks like that's not stopping Marvel from casting the film's main villain. The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Hugo Weaving will play the Captain America villain Red Skull, who, in the comics, was the superhero's arch-nemesis and right-hand man to Hitler during World War II. The story goes that both remained in suspended animation following a battle and were revived in modern times to do battle once again.

Weaving, of course, has already played one classic villain – that of Agent Smith in the Matrix trilogy. Though he turned good for the Lord of the Rings franchise (man, Weaving is a franchise machine!), he's always been great as a villain. This is definitely inspired casting, and I can't wait to see Weaving back in a villainous position; he was the best part of the Matrix movies.

Still waiting to hear who Weaving will be going up against; as of now there's an online effort to get Chris Evans in the role. I wouldn't be surprised if he's the one who winds up in the red, while and blue. Evans vs. Weaving? I'd see it. You?

Director of First Avenger: Captain America

2008-11-12T12:30:00.001-08:00

Having directed rampaging dinosaurs in Jurassic Park III and a snarling Benicio Del Toro in the upcoming remake of The Wolfman, Joe Johnston has signed on to bring one of Marvel’s most popular comic-book heroes to the big screen. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he has signed on to direct First Avenger: Captain America for Marvel Studios. The pic is being prepped for a May 6, 2011 release.

A wartime creation of Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, Captain America first appeared in 1941. The character is the product of a super-soldier program that turns scrawny, sickly Steve Rogers into a Nazi-fighting war machine who wields an indestructible shield. A symbol for the war effort, the hero was later resurrected as part of Marvel’s Avengers.

Staying true to its comic origins, First Avenger will be set during World War II. The character will then be brought into modern times for the upcoming Avengers movie, which Marvel hopes to launch in 2011. Marvel is taking pitches from writers and is looking for an actor to play the title role. The movie is being produced by Marvel's Kevin Feige, and exec produced by Louis D'Esposito, Stan Lee and Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel.

Two members of the Avengers team, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, have already been introduced on the big screen, and Thor is on the way. Kenneth Branagh is in talks to direct Thor for a 2010 release. Director Jon Favreau and actor Robert Downey Jr. are also re-teaming for to Iron Man sequels.

Captain America Trailer: Mythos

2008-06-28T04:04:00.001-07:00

New Captain America Wallpaper: Bucky Barnes 2008

2008-06-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

A new Captain America as emerged. It is fitting that the Greatest Super Hero ever by replaced by the Greatest Side Kick Ever: Bucky Barnes.

CAD presents: "New Captain America" Wallpaper (1024)

To Download, Click on Image, Right click "set as background" or "save as"

Captain America Wallpaper: Captain America is Dead

2008-06-27T23:21:00.001-07:00

CAD presents Captain America RIP aka Captain America is Dead Wallpaper. CAD will be creating a series of wallpapers in honour of CAP.

To download, click on image, right click and "set as background" or "save as"

Captain America #39 - Comic Book Review Coming soon

2008-06-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Comic Book Review: Captain America #38

2008-06-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

C.A.D always looks forward to the latest issue of Captain America. This title continues to be Marvel’s strongest title as Brubaker is giving us a run that is certain to be viewed as one of the more legendary runs that you will find on any title. It seems that Brubaker simply can do no wrong with Captain America. Last issue had an excellent hook ending and I am excited to see if the man at the end of the last issue really is the 1950’s Captain America. Let’s hit this review for Captain America #38.

Creative Team
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Pencils: Steve Epting
Inks: Steve Epting & Mike Perkins

Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10

Synopsis: We begin with the Steve Rogers look-a-like asking Sharon if she knows who he is. Sharon realizes that this is none other than the 1950’s Captain America. Jack Monroe served as his Bucky. That the 1950’s Captain America had surgery to make him look identical to Steve Rogers. That both the 1950’s Cap and Jack Monroe took a different version of the Super Soldier serum. Unfortunately, the serum was incomplete and ended up driving the 1950’s Captain America and Jack insane. They began seeing enemies and conspiracies where there were none.

The 1950’s Captain America became the Grand Director who was a generic white supremacist villain. Steve Rogers ended up stopping the Grand Director. Jack Monroe survived the experience and went on to become the Nomad.

Sharon is pissed that she stayed behind to rescue the Grand Director. She is angry that this abomination is still alive while Steve and Jack are both dead. Sharon pulls out her gun and is about to shoot the Grand Director, when she is suddenly zapped in the back and falls to the ground unconscious. Lukin and Faustus have entered the room.

Faustus puts the Grand Director back in his hospital bed. The Grand Director says that Sharon knew his name. Faustus responds that of course she did. That he is Captain America. Faustus and Lukin leave the room. Faustus comments that the Grand Director’s body healed well like he said it would. Faustus says that the Grand Director is just a bit disorientated since he has been in deep sleep for a long time. Lukin watches his guards carry Sharon’s unconscious body away and comments that Faustus had better do a better job with the Grand Director than he did with Sharon.

We cut to Captain America and the Falcon arriving at an AIM base. Redwing, Falcon’s pet falcon, does some recon for Falcon. Falcon can see through Redwing’s eyes and tells Captain America that the AIM base is being shutdown and cleared out. Also that Arnim Zola is overseeing the work.

We shift to Red Skull and Faustus watching a news report that new polls show that Senator Wright has 20% of the vote for the upcoming presidential election. The Red Skull comments that those are just the first numbers and they mean nothing. Faustus adds that Skull may be correct, but that it will take Faustus’ work to make it so. Faustus tells Skull to remember that Skull is not the only one in this.

Captain America and Falcon attack the AIM soldiers. Bucky thinks how the Falcon is certainly his own man, but that Bucky can see an influence from Steve in the Falcon. And that makes Bucky smile. Bucky realizes that he cares about not letting Falcon down and showing him that he can do the job as Captain America.

Captain America and Falcon operate as a good team as they tear through the AIM soldiers. Captain America thinks how despite how bad this sounds that the fact remains that he was born for combat and death. Captain America and Falcon close in on Arnim Zola. Arnim Zola proceeds to blast away at our heroes which causes a minor fire in the facility. Zola says that he will take everything important with him and that the heroes can have the victory of the scorched Earth. Zola proceeds to set off a bunch of bombs that had been set around the AIM facility.

We then see Arnim Zola hook himself into a machine and disappear from his robotic body. Falcon quickly grabs Captain America and flies them out of the AIM facility just before the bomb blows up the entire place. Captain America and Falcon watch the burning facility. Captain America says that he wonders what the Red Skull wants to hide this badly.

We slide back to Red Skull’s headquarters. We see the Grand Director in a room full of monitors that are playing footage of Steve as Captain America. Faustus calls the Grand Director “Steve.” Faustus tells the Grand Director that his country needs him. That his country needs a man of honor to be Captain America. Faustus asks the Grand Director if he is that man. The Grand Director answers yes he is.

We then see Arnim Zola’s consciousness suddenly appearing inside of one of his spare robotic bodies. Zola then marches off to inform the Red Skull about what just happened at the AIM facility.

We shift back to Faustus now showing the Grand Director footage of Bucky as Captain America. Faustus says that this man is a pretender to the title as Captain America. That Bucky is not worthy. And that Bucky is the man who murdered the Grand Director’s sidekick Jack Monroe. The Grand Director whispers “Bucky?” End of issue.

Comments
The Good: Captain America #38 was another excellent read. C.A.D might as well just stop posting reviews for Brubaker’s Captain America. But, the fact remains that Brubaker simply crafts one of the most consistently good reads that you will find on the market.

Captain America #38 was another well paced issue. Brubaker delivers an enjoyable mix of action and drama. The story progresses in Brubaker’s typical steady fashion. To no surprise, Captain America #38 was a strongly plotted issue. The method in which Brubaker lets this story organically unfold is amazing. All the various plotlines interconnect and build off of each other in a logical and pleasing manner.

Since taking over the controls of Captain America, Brubaker has been weaving a tale that few comic books on the market can rival. The complexity of the story and the impressive attention to detail is a consistent aspect of this title. I love how Brubaker continually leaves the reader with more questions than answers with each new piece of information.

As always, Brubaker whips up plenty of his usual strong dialogue. All the characters have such nicely developed external voices. The dialogue has an enjoyable and realistic flow to it.

Brubaker treats the reader to a nice action scene when Bucky and Falcon team up to attack the AIM facility. It was pretty cool to see Bucky and the Falcon in action together. They make a pretty nice team and flash some good chemistry despite this being their first mission together.

Brubaker continues to do a wonderful job with Bucky’s character. Bucky displays an innate desire to please anyone who reminds him of Steve in any shape or form. We see that in how even though the Falcon is his own man, Bucky sees Steve’s impression on the Falcon. And that bit of Steve drives Bucky to show Falcon that Bucky can fill the role as Captain America.

Bucky is carrying a guilty conscious that he let Steve down for his actions as the Winter Soldier. And that Bucky never had a chance to reconcile with Steve before Steve was killed. This guilt that gnaws at Bucky’s heart combines\d with his ever present desire for Steve’s approval is leading him to want to receive that approval from those who were close to Steve.

I also dig how Brubaker continues to show the reader the difference between Bucky and Steve Rogers. Even though Bucky idolizes Steve and wishes he could be that man, Bucky is honest about who and what he is. Unlike Steve, Bucky is an engine of death. Bucky is a living weapon. Bucky lives for combat and death. I never got that impression from Steve. To be sure, Steve was a soldier and not shy about fighting for what he believed in. But, Steve was more of an embodiment of everything positive that America stood for. Combat and death is never what defined who and what Steve was like it does for Bucky.

Brubaker does a fine job handling the tension between Faustus and Red Skull. It appears that these two men may not be able to subordinate their egos in order to achieve their common goal. I am interested to see if this brisling between Faustus and Red Skull leads to a serious schism that threatens the success of the Skull’s elaborate plans.

I am thrilled with the return of the 1950’s Captain America. What an absolutely brilliant twist. Brubaker continues to amaze me as he continually reaches deep into Captain America’s mythos and keeps trotting out plenty of interesting characters. This move should create plenty of material for an exciting story.

Brubaker does a good job showing the 1950’s Captain America as a man who is living a complete lie and is totally unaware of that fact. It is actually sad that a man would be so totally and thoroughly stripped of his own identity and person. Nobody even knows this character’s real name. It is eerie how Faustus is molding his own Steve Rogers to unleash on an unsuspecting world. I cannot wait to see what happens when Bucky and the 1950’s Captain America cross paths. It is going to be fantastic.

Brubaker also makes the 1950’s Captain America plotline new reader friendly. Brubaker gives the reader enough back-story on the 1950’s Captain America without boring long-time readers. And I enjoyed the way that Brubaker seamlessly integrated the back-story into this issue without breaking the flow of the story.

We get plenty of the usual quality artwork from Epting and Perkins. These two gentlemen always deliver such a fine looking issue that is the perfect match to the mood and tone of Brubaker’s story.

The Bad: I have no complaints with this issue.

Overall: Captain America #38 was another wonderful read. If you still have not given this title a try then I urge you to do so. This is a comic book that is so well crafted that it should appeal to most comic book readers. If nothing else, give Brubaker’s Captain America a try when it comes out in trade paperback format. This title is worth the cover price and I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Bucky As Cap

2008-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

New Captain America

2008-03-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

After escaping from Faustus with the help of the Falcon and Sharon Carter, Bucky is captured by S.H.I.E.L.D. who take him to Stark's Helicarrier. Bucky promptly escapes and after a brief battle with Tony Stark, is given a letter from Steve Rogers asking Stark to watch over Bucky, and the mantle of Captain America should continue. Bucky agrees to relinquish his grudge against Stark and to become the new Captain America, but only if Stark uses S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technology to guarantee that no one can ever control him again and also to conduct himself with complete autonomy. As this arrangement is illegal under the Superhuman Registration Act, Stark keeps his support of the new Captain America secret. As Captain America, he wears a new costume and carries a gun which he uses on his first mission to kneecap A.I.M. agents and later against both Crossbones and Sin.

Bucky As Captain America?

2007-10-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

When IGN spoke to Brubaker last month, we asked him about the possibility of Bucky becoming the new Captain America should the situation or possibility present itself. Here's what he had to say: "I don't think he would think he would be good enough to do it. Bucky's whole thing, I don't know if you saw the latest Punisher: War Journal, but his whole thing has been - I tossed this off a long time ago and Matt [Fraction] remembered it and decided to use it - that no one is good enough. If anyone tried to put on a Captain America costume or tried to use that shield… That's why he went and got the shield. No one is good enough to carry that thing. Notice that he hasn't carried it either. I think that's his thing though - if anyone puts on that costume, he's going to find them, beat the crap out of them and take the costume off. You don't wear Mickey Mantle's uniform! -laughs- You know? So I don't think that would be something he would want to do or he would think he was worthy of. But that's interesting."

Captain America New Costume

2007-10-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

But what…or who is it? One thing that Marvel makes clear - it's not Steve Rogers. He's still dead.

The top image is a 50/50 variant cover for Captain America #34, due in January. As for what the costume is all about? It's the return of Captain America - or "a" Captain America. Writer Ed Brubaker reveals that he'd long had the idea of a new Cap debuting in January of the year following his death, and just mentioned that Marvel should get Alex Ross to design the new look.

Desires and wishes have become reality, apparently. And yes - this Cap has a knife and a gun. And a chest emblem that's reminiscent of Cap's original triangular shield. As for who's in it...well, that one secret's not being revealed. Until January.

One interesting aspect of this new design will be the public's reaction to this iconic symbol of America - a character who in the past fought symbolically armed only with a shield and his fists and who famously was depicted punching out Adolph Hitler with his bare knuckles - now arming himself with a handgun and hunting knife. The gun is a throwback to the movie serial days of Cap, when he did pack heat to take out bad guys, but in regards to the weapons - will they be regarded as a sign of the times or just another superhero story?

Looking for more on the outfit and where it came from - and why it's shiny? Check back at Newsarama tomorrow at 10:00 am EST for an in-depth interview with both Ed Brubaker and Alex Ross.

What's the plan for Bucky?

2007-06-11T22:51:00.001-07:00

Well CA number 26 came out and it was as a killer story line. I have followed CA since I was a kid and I have to say - I love what they have done with CAP!

What will Bucky do?

A) Join the Avengers?
B) Marry Baron Zemo's daughter?
C) Kick the crap out of Tony Stark? :)

Fallen Son - Captain America

2007-06-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America is an upcoming comic book limited series dealing with various superheroes' reactions to death of Captain America in the Marvel comics universe. The five-issue series is written by Jeph Loeb, with Leinil Yu, Ed McGuinness, John Romita Jr., David Finch, and John Cassaday each illustrating one of the issues.

Official Tagline

Where Were You When Captain America Died? The Superhuman Civil War has ended - but a final gunshot took the life of the super-soldier known as Captain America. Now a stunned world asks: Can you kill a legend? And how will men and women with amazing and destructive powers react to the death of their beloved ally?

Background

According to Loeb, each issue deals with the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The title comes from Loeb's own experience of having lost his son Sam Loeb. Denial deals with Wolverine, Anger deals with the two Avengers teams (Mighty Avengers & New Avengers), Captain America himself is dealt with in Bargaining, Spider-Man is the focus of Depression and Iron Man comes under the spotlight in Acceptance.[1]

Plot

Issue #1 - Denial

"Wolverine confronts Winter Soldier about the improbability of Captain America dying from the gunshot wounds suffered at the court house. They argue over what actually happened that day (Including Wolverine bringing up the fact that Captain America and Winter Soldier, the former Bucky, have both been thought to be dead at one time yet survived to current times). Unable to get Winter Soldier to agree on a trip to S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters to see with their own eyes that Captain America is indeed dead, Wolverine goes to find the only other man who could help him find the truth; Daredevil. Using some enchantments created by Doctor Strange, the duo make their way into the main S.H.I.E.L.D Hellicarrier and to the holding cell of Crossbones, the man who made the first shot on Captain America.

After some interrogation by Daredevil and Wolverine (including Wolverine using his own "brand" of interrogation.) Wolverine makes his way to where S.H.I.E.L.D is keeping Captain America's body. Iron Man shows up to tell Wolverine that Captain America is indeed dead. Wolverine notes that Captain America's shield is not in the coffin and that Iron Man is probably looking to replace Captain America even though Steve Rogers is dead. Instead of arresting Wolverine, Iron Man lets him go for the simple reason that Wolverine can tell the others that it is indeed true: Steve Rogers, Captain America, is dead. As he leaves; Wolverine warns Iron Man that if he learns that Stark had anything to do with Captain America's death, then he would kill him.

Issue #2 - Anger

The Thing joins a poker game organised by the New Avengers at the Sanctum Sanctorum. They argue about Cap's death and recent events caused by the Civil War. Each member has his or hers own opinion which sometimes causes conflicts, but always end up resolved. Wolverine returns from his quest aboard the SHIELD Helicarrier and informs the other Avengers Cap is really dead, much to the disliking of a furious Spider-Man. Spidey angrily leaves home and Wolverine shadows him to make sure the webslinger gets home safe.

In between, the distraught Young Avengers Patriot and Hawkeye leave the New Avengers home to hunt down some bad guys. Meanwhile, the Mighty Avengers have to prevent the super-villain Tiger Shark from destroying the world. Tiger Shark has stolen the so-called "Horn of Gabriel", which can summon terrible sea monsters to his side. The Avengers fight the monsters and with the aid of Sub-Mariner, Tiger Shark ends up defeated. However, Namor angrily reveals he learned there are missiles hidden in the coastline of Maine, and if they are directed at Atlantis he promises to fight back. He leaves, taking the horn and the monsters with him.

Issue #3 - Bargaining

Clint Barton seeks and finds Tony Stark at the deserted old Avengers' Mansion. Barton confronts Stark over the death of Steve Rogers. Stark then takes Barton into custody at the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier to confirm that he is, in fact, Clint Barton - back from the grave. Upon confirmation of his identity, Stark then reveals Captain America's real shield and Barton has the chance to take the shield for a spin (literally) on the helicarrier deck. There, Stark makes Barton an incredible offer: to restore Captain America to the people of the United States (and to Stark, which apparently is even more important). Stark takes Barton out on patrol and they discover Elijah Bradley and the new Hawkeye, Kate Bishop, defeating Firebrand. Stark confronts the duo about their violation of the Superhuman Registration Act.

Hawkeye has a little something for Iron Man from the Black Panther and they flee, only to be confronted by Barton as Captain America; shield and star spangled uniform included. Barton confronts Kate Bishop about her assumption of the Hawkeye mantle and makes a profound discovery that he cannot become the new Captain America. He allows Patriot and Hawkeye to escape and returns the Cap's shield to Stark. Stark vows to pursue Barton if he sides with the New Avengers."

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallen_Son:_The_Death_of_Captain_America

Breaking News: Cap's Shield is Missing!!

2007-03-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Source: MARVEL

" Details are sketchy at this time, but a S.H.I.E.L.D. spokesperson has revealed that Captain America's shield has gone missing.

It's unclear who has taken the shield as no photographic evidence exists, but S.H.I.E.L.D. has issued an artistic rendering of the accused along with this statement. "S.H.I.E.L.D. is following several leads and we are working with the cooperation of New York City authorities to resolve this matter." Un-named sources have spotted several S.H.I.E.L.D agents in and around television studios owned by Comedy Central.

One of the biggest questions is "Why?" Few have shown the strength, let alone have had the training, to properly wield the shield, so its use as a weapon seems negligible. If it was stolen to act as a trophy, then it must be taken back and placed in a museum proper. Whatever the reason, whosoever has the shield now will have much to answer for, particularly in these tumultuous times.

With just one of the two shooters believed to be behind the killing of Captain America in custody, this new wrinkle in the Cap case has the country even further on edge and authorities scrambling to find the famous shield.

The shield, granted to Captain America by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 is composed of several virtually indestructible--yet classified--metallic alloys. Though not his first shield, Cap famously used this circular weapon as both a rallying force for U.S. troops, as well as to battle Nazis prior to his disappearance at the end of World War II. Upon his reemergence decades later, the shield followed with him.

More than 60 years after its creation, the shield remains a symbol of American strength and will. With the country still reeling from Captain America's death, the location and security of the shield has become a priority for authorities from S.H.I.E.L.D. to local police.

We'll have more on this developing story as it unfolds.

Check out our other stories on the assassination of Captain America:
Daily Bugle: Cap Dead
Cap Death Hits Mainstream
Cpt. America Assassinated
Colbert on Cap's Death

Visit the Captain America memorial page at:
http://www.marvel.com/captain_america/"

Captain America #25 'Death of a Dream' VIP Package

2007-03-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Due to high demand for our variant cover Captain America #25, all Ticket purchases are now limited to 4 per person. CLICK HERE for more information.

Source: WizardUniverse Store

Why Cap? The Civil War series breakdown.....

2007-03-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

SOURCE: Thanks to Wikipedia!

"Civil War is a Marvel Comics summer 2006 and winter 2007 crossover event, based around a core limited series of the same name written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven. The work builds upon events appearing in previous Marvel crossovers, particularly Avengers Disassembled, House of M and Decimation. Some story elements are the result of the limited series Secret War. The tagline for the series is Whose Side Are You On?

Overview

The premise of the Civil War storyline is the introduction of a Superhuman Registration Act in the United States. Similar acts have been used as literary devices in Watchmen, Uncanny X-Men, DC: The New Frontier, Powers and The Incredibles. Millar has said:

“ I opted instead for making the superhero dilemma something a little different. People thought they were dangerous, but they didn't want a ban. What they wanted was superheroes paid by the federal government like cops and open to the same kind of scrutiny. It was the perfect solution and nobody, as far as I'm aware, has done this before.”

The act requires any person in the United States with superhuman abilities to register with the federal government, (which includes revealing his/her true identity to the authorities), and receive proper training. Those who sign also have the option of working for S.H.I.E.L.D., earning a salary and benefits such as those earned by other American civil servants. Characters within the superhuman community in the Marvel Universe split into two groups: one group advocating the registration as a responsible obligation and the other group opposing the law on the grounds that it violates civil rights and the protection that secret identities provide. Some compare the act to a form of slavery. Others compare it to the way police and soldiers must operate. The genesis for this idea sprang from conversations between Mark Millar, Brian Michael Bendis, and Bryan Hitch.[2] Within the story the adoption of sides by characters builds into the titular "civil war". Although the series can be read as allegorical commentary in the wake of 9/11 and The Patriot Act, writer Mark Millar has noted:

“ The political allegory is only for those that are politically aware. Kids are going to read it and just see a big superhero fight.

Marvel announced in August 2006 that the main Civil War book would be pushed back several months to accommodate artist Steve McNiven. The schedule had issue #4 being released one month late, in September, while issue #5 was released two months later in November. Furthermore, various tie-in books including the Civil War: Front Line mini-series and tie-in issues of other comics were delayed several months so as not to spoil any plot twists.

In late November, Marvel announced another delay, this time due to strep throat. Civil War #6, once scheduled for release in December 20, had been pushed back two weeks and was released in January 4. Unlike the last time, only one tie-in was delayed, that being The Punisher War Journal #2. Furthermore, Civil War #7 was also pushed back two weeks from January 17 to January 31. and then pushed back again until the 21st of February.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

The New Warriors battle a group of villains (Cobalt Man, Speedfreek, Coldheart, Nitro) in Stamford, Connecticut while filming a reality television show. Nitro explodes, killing more than 600 people (including school children and all of the New Warriors except Speedball). The rest of the superheroes appear in Stamford to search for survivors. Public opinion against superhumans turns, giving momentum to the Superhuman Registration Act days later. Angry civilians attack the Human Torch outside of a club.

After Captain America refuses to join a S.H.I.E.L.D. strikeforce created to fight all superhumans in violation of the act, he becomes a fugitive and forms an underground resistance called the "Secret Avengers". This team includes Hercules, Falcon, and Danny Rand, (who is acting as Daredevil). Luke Cage and the Young Avengers also join. Tony Stark (Iron Man), who supports the act, organizes registered superhumans and makes plans to support the act with Reed Richards and Hank Pym. Spider-Man unmasks himself at a press conference at Stark's behest as a show of support for the act. The X-Men declare their official neutrality in the conflict.

A large battle between the two sides culminates in the appearance of a cyborg clone of Thor, who kills the Secret Avenger Bill Foster. Sue Richards, a member of Stark's team, defends the Secret Avengers from the Thor clone's lightning blast, giving them a chance to escape. In the fight's aftermath, several Secret Avengers leave to join Stark. Meanwhile, Johnny Storm and Sue Richards join Captain America. Stark, Richards, and Pym draft the Thunderbolts to their cause.

After contemplating the brutal death of Bill Foster and touring the Pro-Registration prison facilities in the Negative Zone, [12] Spider-Man decides that he has made a mistake, and after a battle with Stark and the Thunderbolts, he escapes and joins the Secret Avengers.

The Secret Avengers break into the Negative Zone prison, where Hulkling, who has been disguised as Hank Pym, releases the imprisoned heroes from their cells to join the fight.Cloak teleports the combatants to New York City, where Namor and an army of Atlanteans arrive to fight alongside the Secret Avengers, whereas the Champions, the Thor clone, and Captain Marvel reinforce Stark's team. As Captain America is about to deliver a final blow to Stark, policemen, EMTs, and firefighters try to hold him back. Realizing how much damage the fight has cost the very people he wishes to protect, Captain America orders his team to stand down, and he surrenders.

In the aftermath of the event, the President of the United States grants general amnesty to all those who opposed the Superhuman Registration Act (except Captain America who is sent to jail and killed en route to a federal court); Tony Stark is appointed as the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D., demoting Maria Hill to deputy status; the 50-State Initiative, which puts a superhero team in every state, launches; and the Mighty Avengers assemble as a new team. Some heroes choose to move to Canada (resulting in the creation of the second Omega Flight), and some stay underground, including the New Avengers."

Newsweek covers Cap's Death: "O Captain! Our Captain!"

2007-03-10T18:50:00.001-08:00

"March 9, 2007 - CAPTAIN AMERICA IS DEAD. It’s a powerful headline, even for those who have never picked up a Marvel comic book and don’t know “The Sentinel of Liberty” from “The Scarlet Swashbuckler.” Fans and novices alike have been struck by the poignancy of the image on the pages of the comic book, released Wednesday: a patriotic do-gooder with a bullet piercing his burly, red-white-and-blue torso.

Sure, he’s just a made-up character. But it’s hard to avoid reading today's reality into the death of someone whose surname is “America” and who walks around in a spandex flag. From the first issue in 1941, in which the title character battles Adolf Hitler, “Captain America” has put a fantastical sheen on the nation’s very real troubles. And in Marvel’s recent “Civil War” mini-series, Captain America plays a starring role in a storyline that raised timely questions about individual rights versus national security. In the seven-book series that wrapped up last month, the Cap leads an underground resistance against the Superhuman Registration Act, a law that is widely regarded as an allegory for the Patriot Act, which required all superheroes to register their true identity with the federal government. In the end, struck by the damage that his movement was doing to American civilians, he surrenders. The series’s plotline carries over into the 25th issue of the Captain America comic: the icon is gunned down while on his way to the courtroom to face charges for his role in the civil war.

So what are we to make of it all? What does the murder of a flag-clad superhero say about patriotism? Joe Quesada, editor in chief of Marvel Comics, and Stan Lee, a long-time “Captain America” writer and all-around comic guru, spoke with NEWSWEEK’s Samantha Henig about the hopeful beginning and recent end of our country’s eponymous superhero. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: The “Civil War” comic mini-series that wrapped up last month touches on some pretty hot political issues. Were you at all nervous about delving into that?
JOE QUESADA: The Marvel universe is always at its best when we are reflecting the world around ourselves. “Captain America” was created right around the time of World War II, he fought Adolph Hitler, he sold war bonds; then in the '60s when you look at the cold war and the fear that we had of the atom but also the promise of the atom, and you get characters like the Hulk, who comes out of a gamma-bomb explosion, and Spider-Man, who is bitten by an irradiated spider. Then there’s Vietnam, and Tony Stark is a guy who’s building weapons for the war in Asia and happens to get crippled there and become Iron Man--all these things really stem from comics being a product of their time. So when we were thinking of the story of “Civil War,” there was absolutely no resistance on our part to do it because we just knew it was one of those great ideas that we had to go forward with.

And the byproduct of that mini-series: Captain America’s death. Where was his famous shield when he needed it?
Well, at that point he was being taken to the court for arraignment.

So he doesn’t get a shield?
Right, you might as well give him a gun.

Marvel’s editorial department decided on Captain America’s death a year and a half ago. Is it hard to make timely political statements with that much lead time?
If “Civil War” had hit six months earlier or six months later, it might not have hit with the same impact that it did when it finally did ship. When we planned the death of Captain America, we didn’t know the war would still be going on a year and half later, yet here we are. We’ve been very fortunate in the sense that it all seems very, very current.

Is it at all constricting to have Captain America be so overtly symbolic? Everything that he does is going to come out looking like some statement about the country.
I’ll be honest with you, Captain America is one of the toughest, toughest characters for any writer to write here at Marvel Comics. We struggled with the character for many years, because you don’t want to come out and be explicitly political with the character because this is a guy who wears the American flag. For each American, when we look at the flag, we all have varying feelings about America and the flag. Now you take that flag and you smack it on a character who stands for freedom, justice, the American way--all of that--and I think people will read whatever they want to read into it. That does sort of constrict how we write the character.

How has Captain America's popularity changed over time?
I think the popularity of the character has increased during points in America where there has been a large political or social rift within the country. Cap had an interesting resurgence in the late '60s and '70s during the civil-rights movement. I always find that the character is the most interesting when you put him in those sorts of situations, no matter how hard they are to write.

How have the enemies he's fought changed over the years? Are terrorists the Nazis of today? Or is it more complicated than that?
He has fought more contemporary characters and some characters that do resonate with the fears we have in the modern world. And that is when Captain America is at his best. Any time you see a lull in Captain America sales historically is when the character spends the bulk of his time fighting costume villains that have nothing to do with his character, and that’s usually during times when the country is politically and civically stable.

What’s your reaction to the death of Captain America? Did you see this coming?
STAN LEE: I was a little bit shocked when I heard about it, as I think everybody else was. It’s really a shame. He was a great guy and certainly America could use a man like that right now.

Why now? Why Captain America, do you think?
Well, here we are at war, and Captain America was one of the greatest soldiers--he was fictitious of course, but still one of our greatest soldiers. He was the ultimate patriot, and I imagine we could use all the patriots we can get today.

Do you think Americans relate to Captain America now in the same way they did at his conception?
Possibly not, because in the days when he was most popular we were fighting the Nazis, and just about everybody felt that that was a necessary war. Unfortunately today, there are people who we’re not sure we should be fighting in Iraq, so a patriotic character like Cap may not be as much in demand as he would have been then.

How did writing Captain America compare to writing other comic heroes?
Captain America was a little bit more difficult because, well, he was almost a little bit like Superman, he was just totally good. It was kind of difficult to put him in dramatic situations where if he had any faults or foibles they would resonate with the situation. In fact, when I reintroduced Captain America in the ‘60s--I believe he had been buried in a glacier or something and we brought him back to life--I tried to write him as though he felt he was something of an anachronism. He felt he was a character from the '30s and '40s and suddenly he’s in the '60s and it’s a time when there are hippies and there are protest meetings against the government and against the war, and he wasn’t used to that sort of thing. He felt that he didn’t belong. I tried to play up that angle in his stories in order to make him a more interesting character, rather than just a good guy who’s fighting the bad guys.

If being too good was his weakness as a character, what were his strengths?
He was courageous and brave and, not really having any superpower, he was easy for the readers to identify with. He was just a good fighter, but he couldn’t fly and he wasn’t bulletproof and so forth. And his name. He had a great name: “Captain America.” It’s a great name.

How was the Captain America of 2007 different than the one that you worked on in the early years?
Lately we’ve had stories--I’ve had nothing to do with them, I think they’re brilliant though--in the series called “Civil War.” This is one of the few times when you might say he really was involved in a political situation where he had to decide which side he was on, and both sides consisted of good guys. And that to me reminds me of politics in America because I consider the Democrats and the Republicans good guys; they just seem to see things differently.

In the early comics, the supervillains were the Nazis. Do you think Al Qaeda and terrorists make equally good villains?
Oh, I think the terrorists make great villains!

Did you have a favorite villain to write?
For Captain America, one of my favorite villains was someone called the Red Skull. I’ve had many favorite villains: Doctor Doom, the Green Goblin, it goes on and on.

Are you surprised that commercially Captain America hasn’t taken off the way Spider-Man has?
No, not really. I think Spider-Man had more going for him, mainly because of the fact that he is a flawed character. He was less than perfect, and I think that the readers can identify with him more easily.

When you’re involved at the beginning of a comic, do you ever think about how it might end, how the superhero might die?
To tell you the truth, I never did. I used to feel that if I were lucky enough to create a character that would be popular, I wasn’t about to kill him because I’d be killing my bread and butter."

Homage to CaptainAmerica.us

2007-03-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

As many hard core fans know - http://captain-america.us/ is the place to be.

Please do check it out! A fantastic resource! Great site guys!! Keep up the great work!

Nuff Said :)

JL

Captain America Video!

2007-03-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

This just in!

A website [ Paul Hone ]has just put up a video in memory of to Captain America.

Check it out!

Captain America Wallpaper

2007-03-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

The first thing I thought of when I heard Cap was dead was "memory". How are we going to remember him?

I've dug up some links to wallpaper of Cap. I don't see anything yet in memory of Cap but hopefully some sites will start developing wallpapers around him.

Free Wallpapers

http://www.marvel.com/wallpaper/?title=Captain%20America

http://captain-america.us/wallpaper.htm

http://www.heroicwallpapers.com/desktop/56

http://www.comicwallpapers.co.uk/gallery.php?sid=1&cid=7

http://www.absolutely.net/1ss/wallpaperscomic_book_artcaptain_america.html

Purchase Wallpapers

http://www.marvelstore.co.uk/product.aspx?CharacterID=19&CategoryID=11&SubCategoryID=&ID=MOBCPAMWALL

Posters:

http://www.posterlovers.com/comicbooks/captainamerica.htm

Captain America Assasinated

2007-03-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Our friends at ComicBloc.com have started a great thread on this issue.

This blog will be dedicated to the AFTERMATH of CAPs passing and an analysis of why the "killed him off".

Captain America Death not yet on Wiki

2007-03-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_America

"Captain America, the alter ego of Steve Rogers[1] (in some accounts Steven Rogers), is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Timely Comics' Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941)."
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2007-03-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

'
From Larry Holmes, Jonathan O'Beirne
and Glenn Perreira
CNN
Adjust font size:
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Editor's Note: The following story reveals information about the Marvel Comics' "Civil War" storyline and a key character. If you'd rather not know, stop reading now.

NEW YORK (CNN) -- He fought and triumphed over Hitler, Tojo, international Communism and a host of supervillains, but he could not dodge a sniper's bullet.

Comic book hero Captain America is dead.

After close to 60 years in print, Marvel Comics has killed off Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, one of its most famous and beloved superheroes amid an already controversial story line, "Civil War," which is pitting the heroes of Marvel's universe against one another.

In the comic series, Rogers was to stand trial for defying a superhero registration law passed after a hero's tragic mistake causes a 9/11-like event.

Steve Rogers eventually surrenders to police. He is later mortally wounded as he climbs the courthouse steps. (Watch the story of an American hero Video)

Marvel says the comic story line was intentionally written as an allegory to current real-life issues like the Patriot Act, the War on Terror and the September 11 attacks.

"Every child knew about 9/11," says Dan Buckley, president of Marvel Comics. "If [he] could see a TV he knew what 9/11 was. The other similarities [to] things going on are just part of storytelling."

It was a violent and strange end for an American hero.

Captain America first appeared in 1941, just as the United States entered World War II. He was a symbol of American strength and resolve in fighting the Axis powers, and later Communism.

As originally conceived by creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Rogers was a man born before the Great Depression in a very different America. He disappeared after the war and reappeared only recently in the Marvel timeline. For a superhero many thought perfect, it was perhaps a fatal flaw for "Cap," as he became known.

"He hasn't been living in the modern world and the world does move," says Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada.

Quesada said he wanted to readers find their own meaning in Cap's end.

"There is a lot to be read in there. But I'm not one who is going to tell people, this is what you should read into it, because I could look into it and read several different types of messages," he told CNN.

Still, one has to wonder: Is Captain America really dead? Comic book characters have routinely died, only to be resurrected when necessary to storylines.

Joe Quesada agrees -- but said times are different now.

"There was period in comics where characters would just die and then be resurrected. And the death had very little meaning and the resurrection had very little meaning," he said. "All I ask of my writers is if you're going to kill a character off, please let that death have some meaning in the overall scope of things."

Besides, he said, there are other important questions left unanswered.

"What happens with the costume? And what happens to the characters that are friends and enemies of Cap?" Quesada said with a smile. "You're going to have to read the books to find out."