Former Captain America, Sam Wilson, is preparing to reclaim the mantle and serve in the role alongside his compatriot, Steve Rogers. But new details are shining a light on what having two Captain Americas will mean for the Marvel Universe. As Rogers embarks on a mission to better understand himself and his place in the nation, Wilson is spreading his wings as the international symbol of the USA and everything that comes with it.
Steve Rogers may be the most well known bearer of the star-spangled mantle, but several others have embraced the Captain America identity. The notion of Captain America as a symbol was recently explored in The United States of Captain America, showing that the hero’s moniker can be embodied by anyone fighting for truth and justice. Now, Marvel looks to show what the name means to two of the greatest men to bear it in two series, Captain America; Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Symbol of Truth, starring Steve and Sam, respectively.
New details are being revealed about the new era by the series’ creative teams. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Captain America: Symbol of Truth writer Tochi Onyebuchi discusses how Sam’s journey will differ from Steve’s. Onyebuchi confirms that Sam is effectively going to be the public face of Captain America, representing the title on the world’s stage. Onyebuchi says “One of the things I’m teasing in my book is, what does it mean for the rest of the world to accept a Black Captain America?” Sam’s mission on the international stage will also see him come face-to-face with the dark side of America’s foreign policy, combating forces wishing to utilize him for their own means.
Sam’s upcoming experience is likely going to put him between a rock and a hard place. As the public’s new Captain America, he has another chance to represent a more diverse image of the nation, and use the role to champion causes close to him. However, Onyebuchi’s teasing hints that the powers that be are aware of what an opportunity Wilson has assuming the role once again and are likely to use him as a tool in their efforts. The writer discusses how much of America’s foreign policy has been conducted in shadows, exploiting foreign governments and federal employees at the behest of corporate interests. Sam may find himself at the center of a larger conspiracy, but it gives him a chance to make the Captain America title his own. As Steve stays stateside trying to grapple with the shifting tide of the nation, Sam can root out and possibly put an end to the insidious nature of America’s more destructive tendencies.
The two-pronged approach to having dual Captain Americas is a smart move. Steve Rogers can do what he does best and explore what’s worth protecting in the nation as Sam Wilson stands for what’s right in the face of power as a Symbol of Truth.
