Marvel introduces the First LGBTQ+ Captain America Representation in any media is of the utmost importance, and it just makes sense. People want to see and read about people they can relate to: characters who act, look and think like they do and who speak to them as a person. Comic books are no exception, and Marvel Comics has been introducing new, inclusive characters regularly. Over the last 10 years, Marvel Comics has introduced popular characters Miles Morales (a Black/Puerto Rican Spider-Man, made popular in the animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse,” which won the Oscar for best animated film); Kamala Kahn (a Muslim Pakistani-American teenager, who will debut on-screen in the upcoming Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel”); and America Chavez (a Latin-American lesbian) to name a few. With June being Pride Month, Marvel Comics is adding to its list of diverse characters by creating the first LGBTQ+ character to carry the mantle of Captain America.
COVERSTORY
“The United States of Captain America” is a five-part limited series that celebrates the 80th anniversary of the iconic character. The series will follow the original Captain America, Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans in 10 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU); along with Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan in the MCU); Sam Wilson (Falcon, the first African-American superhero in mainstream comics, played by Anthony Mackie in the MCU); and John Walker (U.S. Agent, played by Wyatt Russell in the MCU); as they search for Captain America’s missing shield across America. On their journey, they meet “everyday people from all walks of life” who have taken up the mantle of Captain America to defend their communities.
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The first issue introduces Aaron Fischer, an openly gay teen and the self-proclaimed "Captain America of the Railways." Aaron has made it his mission to protect runaways and people experiencing homelessness, even though he doesn't have the powers or resources of Steve Rogers. He was created by writer Joshua Trujillo and artist Jan Bazaldua. “Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life. He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten,” Trujillo said in a press release. Trujillo told Out Magazine, "I’m inspired by the people in my life, like my siblings who work for non-profits and in medicine. Or friends who are foster parents or teachers. These are people who take action every day to help each other, and Aaron is very much following their example." Illustrations courtesy of Marvel Comics. Chris Evans as Captain America courtesy of Marvel Studios.
