When discussing favorite characters in Marvel movies, Captain America is often mentioned alongside Iron Man. Steve Rogers is considered one of the most important heroes in Marvel comics because, as a superhero, he adheres to the principles of 'America First.'
This character has existed for about 70 years. His story began during the period of rapid growth of superhero comics, when Time Comics, which later became Marvel Comics, sought to create a new superhero.
The history of Captain America's creation is also known. Simon recalled in the book Marvel Comics The Untold Story that he spent an entire night creating sketches. According to his account, he developed a costume that included armor plating, muscular arms and chest covered by tights, gloves, and boots with upturned soles. He added a star to the chest and stripes under the star on the belt, using a red, white, and blue color scheme. A shield was also added. Initially, the page read 'Super American,' but the name was later changed to 'Captain America.' Simon noted that there were many characters with the word 'Super' in the market, and the name 'Captain America' seemed more fitting to him.
It is important to note that in that era, Superman, Batman, and other heroes fought aliens, costumed villains, and bandits, whereas the characters of Time Comics began to fight the real enemies of World War II. In the last weeks of 1939, Sam Mariner encountered a German submarine off the coast of New York. After this, Marvel comics began to oppose a dictator named 'Hiller.'
It was said that Goodman feared legal prosecution from Adolf. Sam Mariner also participated in the resistance on the French island against Nazi invaders. Meanwhile, the war in Europe intensified, France fell, and Americans realized the spread of the Nazi regime worldwide. Since the fight was now against America's enemies, the name Captain America became appropriate.
'Captain America #1' appeared on sale on December 20, 1940. In it, Steve Rogers is depicted as a thin young man who was not accepted into military service, but an experimental 'super-soldier' serum made him strong. He was not armored like Superman, but possessed a shield with stars and stripes corresponding to his patriotic costume. Excluding the real presence of Nazis, this design was little different from the 'Shield' in MLJ magazine, but Kirby's changing angles and dynamic drawings gave it uniqueness.
This first issue also showed a moment when Steve Rogers punched Hitler in the face, which at the time was considered a very bold act. After the release of the first issue, Simon and Kirby received death threats for several weeks. Despite this and all the disputes, this issue sold approximately 1 million copies.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America's shield is considered one of the most famous artifacts. Studying comic and film theories reveals that it is made of a rare metal called Vibranium, which absorbs energy and vibration. However, applying a scientific approach, such a metal does not exist on Earth. According to scientists, using modern technology, a shield can be created from a combination of titanium and graphene, which would be strong enough but could not completely negate the impact as in the films.
As for the shield itself, science can get close, but not achieve complete correspondence. Graphene is considered the strongest and lightest material in the world and, according to some data, 200 times stronger than steel. If layers of graphene are applied to titanium plates, the shield can become bulletproof, but it cannot completely absorb vibration. According to the laws of conservation of energy, the impact of a strong blow will inevitably reach the hand holding the shield. Thus, the story of Captain America begins with a sketch overnight and turns into a major symbol of wartime, and his famous shield remains a subject of discussion in comics, films, and science.