Star-spangled President
With the united states presidential election coming up, we take a look at the three times Marvel Comics mooted the idea of Captain america as President america.
THERE are no doubts about Captain America’s leadership qualities. He has saved and served America, the world and even the universe on countless occasions.
This begs the question – why doesn’t he run for president and enforce the necessary policy changes for the betterment of humanity?
Surely, having taken on the might of the Infinity Gauntlet and even proven worthy enough to wield Mjolnir, becoming a publicly elected representative should be easy, right?
Well, in the past, Marvel Comics have published three alternative stories that moot the idea of Captain America as the President of the United States.
The first attempt came almost 40 years ago via Captain America (vol.1) #250, followed by a What If? story in 1981 and finally, arguably the best attempt via Ultimate Comics Ultimates #15 and #16 in 2012.
Fast forward to present day, and lot of has changed in both the fantasy and reality landscape. With Ronald Reagan proving that even an actor can be president, maybe Chris Evans should also explore the possibility... some day.
Anyway, let’s check out the three alternative Cap for president stories and see if he would really be a better alternative to, well, whoever is in office now.
Captain America (vol.1) #250 (1980)
Writer: Roger Stern
Artist: John Byrne
It all started in 1979 via a wild idea (emphasis on “wild”, as these were “conservative” times for comic books) by Roger Mckenzie and Don Perlin about making Cap president.
However, it was shelved in record time and left in limbo until a year later, when the (then new) creative team of Roger Stern and John Byrne was looking for a story worthy of a 250th issue milestone.
Those days, Cap stories were not big news but Byrne’s presence served as a crowd puller, buoyed by his “uncanny” stint on the X-men, and the idea of Cap running for president guaranteed instant attention on the character.
The instigator of the tale was Sam Underwood (from the New Populist Party), who convinced Cap to run for president, after the latter stops terrorists from blowing up the party’s convention event.
Initially, Cap brushed off the idea, but started giving it serious thought after receiving feedback from various parties (including his Avengers’ teammates, the Republicans and Democrats).
At a press conference, Cap explains that his duty is to uphold the American Dream, but being president would require him to preserve the reality of the country. Since the two objectives are at odds, he declines the candidacy.
What If #26 – What If Captain America had been elected president? (1981)
Writer: Mike W.barr
Artist: Herb Trimpe
Despite Cap’s rejection of the candidacy, issue #250 generated a lot of hype and interest – resulting in a What If? issue on the matter. This alternative take has him accepting the candidacy instead, and eventually winning by a landslide (based on popularity votes, Cap’s votes exceeded the combined votes received by both Jimmy Carter and Reagan).
Backed by his proven track record in saving the world and diversity offered by his running mate – Andrew Jackson Hawk, Cap makes an immediate impact with several socially responsible reforms.
However, his political inexperience makes him an easy target, as arch nemesis the Red Skull exploits it to set a trap for Cap. Impersonating a foreign leader (of San Pedro), the Red Skull invites Cap for a one-to-one President meeting at his country. Raring for some field action, Cap obliges and ends up being held captive in a foreign land.
As expected, Cap breaks free and engages in a duel to the death with the Red Skull, with both of them killed in the process.
Ultimate Comics: Ultimates #15 and #16 (2012)
Writer: Sam Humphries Artists: Billy Tan and Luke Ross Unlike the two previous single-issue tales, this Ultimate Universe version holds nothing back, as Cap/ Steve Rogers is elected President (as the People’s choice) after the destruction of the previous administration.
With America in a state of turmoil (Washington DC has been decimated, States are seceding from the union, Hydra is attempting a coup and a new Asgardian trickster is exploiting the situation), the need for strong and hands-on leadership has never been greater.
Unlike the What If? version where Cap had no “firepower” at his disposal, this one has the full support of the Ultimates! Leaving the administrative matters to his Chief of Staff Carol Danvers, America’s newly appointed president prefers to take on problems head on with his fists (and shield).
His departure from the conventional consultations and committee-led decision-making processes left many uneasy and frustrated, but Cap’s results-oriented approach reaffirmed the public’s decision to appoint him.
Eventually, Cap’s “wartime president” persona took its toll and upon some self-actualisation, he felt that it was best for the country and himself to step down.
Overall, this Earth 1610 portrayal of Cap as president did the most justice to fans who felt that he should have taken up the challenge in 1980! Oh well, better late than never.