Now that the Infinity Saga has fully played out on the big screen, I feel a bit more comfortable discussing this topic. However, WARNING - much like another unavoidable reboot of the Fantastic Four, slight-spoilers ahead!
People always ask me why Captain America over Iron Man. To me, that’s an easy question to answer superficially; Captain America, or more accurately Steve Rogers is not the hero I would be if suddenly imbued with superhuman powers, because Cap’s personality isn’t like mine at all. He’s truly altruistic at his core, i.e. he is blatantly absent of ego. He does what he believes to be the best thing for those he encounters in his role as a hero, in the best way he knows how- for them, not for himself.
In comparing characters like Iron Man and Captain (which I am often doing, because I get asked this so often) I can likely more easily explain why I don’t gravitate towards Iron Man; Is Iron Man a hero. Absolutely. Is he also a conceited, know-it-all with control issues? Indeed. And given my personality I fall closer to his side of the bell curve than Cap. But on a personal note, I’m trying, and have been trying to move the needle, but I digress.
Another key difference between Cap and Iron man, or more accurately, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark is the fact that Captain America doesn't think he is smart enough to know what’s best for everyone else. And while Tony Stark is highly intelligent in many ways, he’s just stupid enough to think that he does know what’s best for everyone else. Usually without their input. This is demonstrated in the film and comic version of the character via Ultron’s creation, his stance on the Sokovia Accords (or Superhuman Registration Act, if you’ve read the comics themselves). Within the comics specifically, his participation in the Illuminati (think-tank and self-appointed string pullers consisting of Iron Man, Namor, Dr. Strange, Professor X, Reed Richards and Black Bolt) solidifies his interest in making decisions on the behalf of others on a global scale. I can perhaps best sum this up by stating the following; Cap is worthy.
Contrarily, Steve Rogers is the personification of the U.S. as a righteous (not read as ‘self-righteous’) protector. And that is not to say that Rogers as Cap is beholden to laws and bureaucracy of a nation when the acts it perpetuates are morally wrong. His moral compass isn’t necessarily tied to a government or a country, its tied to doing purely good for the benefit of others, because it is the right and only thing to do. Take this quote from the Marvel’s Civil War event within the comics: “Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong, is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world --No, YOU move.” Ya, those that have read this blog before and/or know me probably knew that was coming.
As an aside, I know there has been a kerfluffle surrounding the time travel plot issues in Avengers: End Game, what due to Steve's traveling backwards in time to live out his days with Peggy Carter. To the detractors and so-called time travel experts: Stop overthinking it and just enjoy Cap's swan song in the MCU! Why oh why can't you simply enjoy a thing!
In closing, I understand that many people identify with certain heroes in their life solely because those heroes remind them in some (or many ways) of themselves. I have those heroes as well. Cap though, for me, Cap is something different. His character is a reminder of the limitlessness of ideals, not only when we clearly and simply define them, but also when they are tested. This in turn reminds me of what we can accomplish when we stand by and do what is truly right.
