Warning! This article contains spoilers for Avengers #52
Marvel Comics’ elite team of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers, has seen a number of leaders throughout its team but none fit the bill better than Captain America, and he just proved why. The Avengers are currently dealing with a multiversal threat that is traveling to different Marvel universes and killing every iteration of the Avengers. Before the chaos arrives on Earth, Captain America is proven to be the best leader of the Avengers as shown through the eyes of those who follow him.
In Avengers #52 by Jason Aaron and Juan Frigeri, Captain America is serving as the sole pallbearer at the funeral of an old friend and fellow World War II veteran. While there aren't many people in attendance, Captain America is there and he asked his fellow Avengers who would be in the area at that time to come if they could. So, standing a short distance away from the burial, Captain Marvel and newcomer Starbrand are paying their respects at the request of Captain America.
When Starbrand asks Captain Marvel why they are at the funeral given they didn’t know the person who died, Captain Marvel simply says they are there because Captain America asked them to be there. Captain Marvel tells Starbrand, “When Captain America asks you to be somewhere, ‘yes’ or ‘no’ aren’t answers you even consider. “What time, sir?” That’s the answer”. Captain Marvel’s statement shows a profound respect for Captain America, and her sentiment stretches further than simply showing up to a funeral. Captain Marvel essentially explained that no matter where Captain America needs his team, they will be there, whether it be on the battlefield, on another planet, or just at a funeral for an old friend and national hero.
While Captain Marvel was the one who most recently said she would follow Captain America no matter what, the entire team has shared her viewpoint since Captain America became the leader of the Avengers. Not only is Captain America a master tactician, skilled fighter, and super-soldier, but he is a good man who understands how to not only be a captain as his title describes but a leader in the truest sense of the word.
Captain America is physically one of the weaker members of the Avengers when compared with the likes of Captain Marvel, Thor, and the Hulk, but he is the fittest to be their leader. The reason that is the case isn’t because of the skillset he has or even totally due to the fact that he is a great leader as people don’t follow great leaders all the time. The reason Captain America is a great Avengers leader is because of his team’s respect for him and willingness to follow him wherever he may go, as beautifully expressed by Captain Marvel in this issue. With his team’s trust and respect, Captain America proves why he is the leader of the Avengers, and why he always will be.