Warning! Contains spoilers for Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1
Steve Rogers’ latest use of his iconic shield reminds readers why Captain America is one of the greatest heroes in the Marvel Universe. In Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #1, the first issue of Rogers’ new series, The Starry Man with a Plan gives readers a glimpse of a new purpose for the Shield. Although the routine appears to be a simple gesture, it is actually a strong symbol of Rogers’ character and what he stands for.
The first issue of Captain America: Sentinel of Libertywritten by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly with art by Carmen Carnero, shows Rogers attempting to return to his roots after his final years of heroism. Rogers returns to his childhood home in Manhattan, New York, to reconnect with being an everyday American, taking advantage of having two active men as Captain America. To achieve this goal, Rogers reveals a new daily routine: every morning, he walks 32 miles around the island, holding his iconic shield pointed at his fellow citizens. While it might seem like a little more than a simple ritual, Steve jogging with the shield says a lot about his character and what Captain America stands for. Steve Rogers holding his shield during his daily jog allows onlookers to reflect in his bright colors and shiny exterior. Rogers makes it part of his daily routine to illustrate a simple lesson: the shield belongs to everyone, not just him. “They shouldn’t see me when they see the stars and stripes,” he said. “They should see each other.”
Just as the shield itself has symbolic meaning, this simple ritual act provides a symbol of all that Steve Rogers stands for as Captain America. Although adorned with the stars and stripes, Steve often struggles with his role as an American icon. Although he embodies loyalty to his country, he – and many of his fellow Captains America – repeatedly come into conflict with American policies and government officials. By interrogating a general in Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli Daredevil #233Steve is dismissively praised for his loyalty before replying, “I’m not loyal to anything, General – except the dream” while clutching the American flag. Sentinel of Liberty comes just after Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run on Captain America ended last year, in which Rogers – a literal man out of time – struggles with his role in maintaining the American dream in a country whose government frequently distorts his ideals.
Captain America: Sentinel of Freedom #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
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