Five Captain America Stories Chris Evans NEEDS to Read
Mar 29, 2010 by Rob FrappierNow that Chris Evans has been cast as Captain America, what essential reading does he need to do for the role? We pick five Cap stories Evans needs to read – see if you agree.
It’s been just over a week since Marvel announced that Chris Evans would play Captain America, and fanboys around the world have more or less embraced the decision. In fact, they’ve already begun making their own Captain America posters.
While others have jumped on the Evans bandwagon, I have been more hesitant. Although I don’t think Evans is bad for the role (he certainly makes for a more believable Cap than some of the other rumored candidates), I’m unsure if he has the gravitas necessary to lead a team as important to the Marvel universe as The Avengers. I mean, can you honestly say that you see Chris Evans leading Robert Downey Jr. into battle?
Now before I get angry fanboy letters, I should say that I still think Evans has the potential to be a great Captain America. The key to his success, however, depends on one thing: research. If Evans takes the time to properly research who Captain America is as a character and what role he plays in the Marvel universe, he’ll be in a stronger position to knock this role out of the park.
Of course, with more than 70 years of source material to sort through, finding the best Captain America stories to research is no easy task. That’s why I, being the nice guy that I am, decided to do Evans’ legwork for him. So, without further ado, I present “The Top Five Captain America Stories Chris Evans NEEDS to Read.”
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CAPTAIN AMERICA’S ORIGINS
(Captain America Comics #1, 1941)
While the cover of Captain America’s first comic is misleading (Cap wouldn’t go face-to-face with Hitler until Captain America Comics #2), it clearly demonstrates what Joe Simon and Jack Kirby were thinking when they created the character. A product of World War II, Captain America was conceived from the beginning as a response to the evils of Nazi Germany. In essence Cap was, and remains, a patriotic hero that represents the greatest ideals of American society.
In the character’s first appearance, we learn how Steve Rogers is transformed from a frail young man incapable of serving his country into the powerful Captain America, thanks to the U.S. government’s “Super-Solider” formula. Although this story is familiar by now, looking back on the first issue of Captain America almost 70 years after it was published provides a new perspective on the character’s origins.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that American patriotism is not as strong in the 21st century as it was in the early 1940s. By reading Captain America Comics #1 and imagining what the world was like at the time of its publication, Evans will better understand the kind of man Steve Rogers is – i.e., a guy who would do ANYTHING to serve his country, even subject himself to an unknown, potentially dangerous experiment.
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CAPTAIN AMERICA’S EXPLOITS DURING WWII
(Tales of Suspense #63-71, 1965)
Considering that the events of The First Avenger: Captain America are going to take place primarily during World War II, it would make sense for Chris Evans to brush up on some of the Captain’s wartime battles. Beginning with Marvel’s Tales of Suspense #63, a retelling of Captain America’s origins, this run of Marvel comics during the mid 1960s showcases Captain America and his sidekick Bucky Barnes in a series of flashbacks, as they fight Nazis and trade blows multiple times with their archenemy, The Red Skull.
While the stories in Tales of Suspense #63-71, which were primarily written by the legendary Stan Lee, are often criticized for being boring, I still think there is value in reading them. Why? Well, for one thing, they are comprised almost entirely of action scenes. Granted, the action scenes are repetitive, but they are action scenes nonetheless. If Chris Evans wants to find a comic where 90% of the pages are Cap wailing on Nazi soldiers, this would be a good place to start.
Additionally (in my opinion at least), there is a certain endearing quality to the melodramatic writing that runs through these nine issues. It may not be the “gritty” superhero that modern audiences have come to expect, but it’s good material for Evans to look into if he wants to see how the “good old-fashioned” Captain America took care of business.
Continue to our final 3 picks…
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nice little list. I hope the guy reads some of it — though I doubt it. actors are *over* it, I think.
The first Waid/Garney Cap (1995-96) was fantastic, some of my favorite Cap stories! Sure the Cosmic Cube can be dicey in a story like Cap, but they handled it well!
Two that need to be considered are the Stern/Byrne run which finally straightened out his origin and highlighted the man out of time and great depression aspects of the character. Also, the last issue of Daredevil: Born Again for a truly hardcore look at what Cap is like.
Btw, great article Rob! I love pieces like this. Not just the typical news update but an article that promotes discussion. Keep em coming.
Great choises!
Where the heck is Brubaker's legendary run?? You say you want to stay away from the “new stuff” yet you include Ultimates? Makes no sense.
Better than having that Office guy leading the Avengers.
I personally like the choice of Evans playing Cap.
I've always heard that the secret empire storyline is one of the most important story lines. When he find out a top ranking politician is running a clan-destine organisation and loses faith with the government. He becomes Nomad but only returns to the Captain America identity when he realises he isn't Captain America for the government but instead for the American Dream!
The Ultimates is a retelling of Cap joining the Avengers though, so, while it's technically new, it's a familiar story. Also, remember this isn't supposed to be the five BEST Captain America stories ever, just five stories that I think Chris Evans should read to get a better handle on the character.
Thank you for the comment though. I do appreciate it.
The office guy? Who is that?
That is exciting news. The Deathlok story arc is one of my favorites with the ol' Cap.
Yeechhh, no Ultimates fascist version of Captain America, please. If anything should be avoided in any research, it's the Ultimates. The only common thread between the Marvel movies and Ultimates is that Nick Fury is Sam Jackson, no need to delve into that twisted car wreck of comic book continuity any further.
And the Winter Soldier Omnibus (out today!) is definitely must-reading. While I applaud your other choices, not including that is just weird.
I'll admit that the Ultimate universe rode off the rails toward the end, but I really like The Ultimates. Also, Winter Soldier is definitely a must-read for Cap fans, but is it a must-read for Chris Evans in the context of being better in his role? I'm not sure.
Thanks for the comment though. Much appreciated. Also, thanks for pointing out that the Winter Soldier Omnibus is now on sale.
i think along with captain America no more the civil war event that marvel did would be a good indication on that relation ship between cap. and the government as well and shows that he is more the embodiment of the American spirit rather than the American government and that's what i think is essential to what Chris has to portray.
Why would an actor want to do that when the character of Captain America has been established for 70 years. The actor has a great resource to really build the character and give a veritable performance.
On the other hand you have someone like Tobey Maguire who admitted on national television he had never read a Spiderman comic book and neither was interested in them as a kid and IMO it really showed in his wooden performance. He was acting to a script having no knowledge of the character Peter Parker or Spiderman.
He was merely going through the job routine of doing what the director required of him. For me, I would rather have an actor and director who are truly passionate about the characters they are fortunate enough to work with.
Iron Man & The Incredible Hulk are fine examples of that method.
And Heath Ledger's performance in TDK was second to none. An absolutely brilliant performance from an actor who spent approximately three months researching the role like a true professional.
I agree those are some good stories.. I also think very strongly, that he should really do some heavy research into what it's like to be a soldier- to be a veteran. To speak to guys that have lost friends in war. He should take a serious look into that. He should go about things the same way as the actors from “the Pacific” and “Saving Private Ryan” “Band of Brothers”. I think those are some of the best modern war movies to date. I think if he goes down that road. It would add a very believable layer to him. Steve Rogers is a veteran and a soldier who as a man with no super powers looked death straight in the face and risked his life for his country. That first and foremost makes Captain America who he is.
Another thing I think is essential is that Captain America is a constitutionalist. That is exemplified by his stance in Civil War. I gained lots of respect for the Captain America character when he displayed such revolutionary spirit. Cap exemplifies the purest aspects of this country. He totally defends the constitution even if it means fighting his own government. Which Tony Stark was apart of for a time. He puts those things together. He'll have Captain America down pat!!!!! AND HE WILL KICK BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!
MISSING CAP STORY: CIVIL WAR
Someone may have already mentioned this but of all the CA storylines the recent CIVIL WAR cross over is the take on Cap that would best sell the film. Why?
Because it shows that Captain America is about an idea of freedom and liberty and not merely a soldier of fortune for some governement agency, group or other entity. The Civial War story line shows that Cap does what he believs to be the right thing even when doing so is not only the popularpath but goes againstthe grain of his superiors.
Personally I would like to see some friction between Cap & Iron Man along the lines of the whole Registred Heros act which the Civil War storyline is based on. Robert Downey is a strong actor which is a great part to why Iron Man has been a sucess. Thats nottos ee someone else would not have filled the role and the movie still be great but that Robert Downey brings a certain level of realism to something that quyite frankly is about as unrealistic as youc an get and still not dip into the magic or super powers areana.
I believe Robert Downey playing Iron Man as he has and comingto terms with the fact that he needs to at least work with the governement on the Iron Man technology clashing with Chris Evans playing a Captain America who after 2 films is becoming more and more unhappy with the stae of governement, would make for some really incredible AVENGERS movie, a part 2 if you will.
Avengers part 1 should be the origin that brings them together and towards the end we can see the rift betwen Iron Man and Cap starting and in the Avengers sequel they could deal with a Civil Wars like storyline. Who says that an Avengers movie has to be about good verses evil? Sometimes the best story is about ideals verses morals.
Just food for thought. I'd loveto hear feedback on this but I can't count on DISQUS to let me know so I'll try to check back on this later.
I don't know critic. I don't see them going to the civil war storyline so soon. There are many villains to go through before getting to the civil war i think but I'm not positive. I have seen more surprising things before though.
I like a couple of the choices above, but off the top of my head-
Number one book for all involved with the making of the film to read is -The Adventures of Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty; Written by Fabian Nicieza & Kevin Maguire, Pencilers Steve Carr & Kevin West. Came out around 1991… I think.
The Mark Waid & Ron Garney run (Operation Rebirth, Man without a Country) to me really captured the Star-Spangled Avenger.
And though it may seem strange as it's not a “Cap” book or even the Avengers the Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli Daredevil series Born Again. Frank's written description of Cap (in just a single panel) shows what demands lay ahead for Evans in his portrayal of the character if not in the first film. “A soldier with a voice that could command a god–and does”-enter Thor.
BTW-As a huge Cap fan, I'm happy with the choice of Evans I believe he's got the chops for the role & will about face any doubters come opening weekend.
Fascist?
Fascists were an Italian political movement. Unless there's a Steve Rogers spaghetti western I don't know about Steve couldn't be a fascist.
If you mean that Ultimate Steve is a hard man who does what is necessary to get the job done, remember he's a soldier from the 40s who never experienced the intervening 70 years.
@mchops
Granted, a Civil War like story line would be complex for a first outing but it sure would make for somne interesting vieiwing. They could however do it on a smaller scale where the whole Supers Registration Act by the governement is not the key focus of the story but a part of it. At least they could start heading that way in the first film and then in a sequel really get into the meat of it. If there was ever a Marvel Storyline featuring Cap & Iron Man along with most if not all of the other Marvel characters being projected onto the big screen I'd like to know what it was.
I'm not a big comic book geek ( i.e. I don't get weekly issues but instead read complete graphic novel compilations a year or later) and so I'm willing to conceed that there may be a better story line to parallel but I don;t know of one that is more suited for the charcters and the actyors portraying them.
On a side note, DISQUS has once again not worked. I never got a notification from DISQUS about any of teh posts on this thread except yours. Does anyone else have this problem with DISQUS? I am posting these not as a Guest but as a DISQUS memeber so I'm not sure why it doesn't work right.
bluecollar
I agree that the Civil War storyline would be very interesting and definitely awesome on screen. Don't think they will go to it until after 2 movies if everything is successful.
I whole heartedly agree with this entire review/article/epistle.
No angry fanboy here.
Yes. Yes. Chris Evans is one helluva guy, and we all know that the mass public has literally embraced his role as the new Captain America. The problem herein lies is if he can keep up with the hype? The Human Torch and Captain America are two very different personas, one's arrogant while the the other is righteous. It should be quite a movie to watch once it is released.
You’re not listing the two greatest moments that defines Cap’s ideals, What If 44 and Daredevil 233. The irony is that Cap is so great, his best moments are not in his book.