It’s hard to believe it, but Captain America has been crushing baddies for three-quarters of a century now. First brought to life by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon in the pages of Timely Comics (then Marvel) in 1941, Cap sprung from the comics to become an iconic figure around the world.
He’s certainly been through his share of twists – both in the comics and on the big screen in popular films like Captain America: Civil War – but has always come out as a champion of justice and a defender of the common individual. It’s in this spirit that Marvel has decided to honor the red, white, and blue crusader with his own larger-than-life statue.
Marvel unveiled the massive bronze statue yesterday at their booth (#2329) at San Diego Comic-Con 2016. The unique statue peaks out at over 13 feet and weighs at least a ton. The gorgeous statue will remain the centerpiece at the Marvel booth for the duration of Comic-Con on display and to pose with fans. Marvel is also issuing a limited-run SDCC exclusive comic book which integrates the statue into its stories. Also, fans who are truly enamored with the statue can pick up 1/12 scale models at Marvel’s booth throughout the convention. Get an eyeful of all that Captain America below:
After its run at Comic-Con, the Captain America effigy will embark on a cross-country journey, which fans can follow via Marvel’s social media sites. Winding up in Steve Roger’s native borough of Brooklyn, New York, the sculpture will tour the city before landing in the Children’s Corner of Prospect Park with a dedication ceremony on August 10 from 1-3 p.m. The celebration also includes a Captain America-themed “Movie Under the Stars” program each Wednesday running from through August 10. Borough President Eric L. Adams discussed his excitement over the honorarium, saying via press release:
“To the rest of America and the world, he’s Captain America; to us, he’ll always be Steve Rogers, ‘just a kid from Brooklyn.’ Brooklyn is proud to be the base of celebrations for Cap’s 75th anniversary, which will be capped by a larger-than-life statue traveling around our borough — befitting of this larger-than-life character. Prospect Park is the place to be this summer to enjoy the Captain America!”
Marvel Consumer Products VP Paul Gitter also chimed in on the Cap subject, stating:
“Since 1941 Captain America has remained one of the most influential Super Heroes in comic book history. He has evolved as a character throughout the years, but remains constant as a moral compass within the Marvel Universe and leader of the Avengers. The tribute statue and other activations are the perfect way to honor 75 years of this iconic Super Hero and to celebrate the borough of Brooklyn in New York City.”
75 years is a long time to remain a public figure, especially one as recognizable as Captain America. Since his inception, Marvel has tried on numerous occasions to reinvent the legendary superhero, by twisting his origins or swapping characters like Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson, among others, into the role. Despite the need to keep the Cap fresh, his latest Hydra twist (revealed as a retconning of a retcon, of sorts) proves that fans young and old still regard the Star-Spangled Avenger as a champion of the masses.
Whatever becomes of Captain America throughout his next iterations and challenges, we can’t wait to see what happens in his next 75 years of stomping villains and keeping the universe safe for regular Janes and Joes. Most of all, take a little breather, Cap. You’ve been at it a long time. Happy anniversary Captain America! We salute you.
NEXT: Civil War Blu-ray Special Features
Captain America: Civil War will be available as VOD on September 2, 2016, and on DVD and Blu-ray on September 13, 2016.
Doctor Strange opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016, followed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on May 5, 2017; Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7, 2017; Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel – March 8, 2019; Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 – May 3, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on July 12, 2019, and on May 1, July 10, and November 6 in 2020.