Captain America did not die.

The name Captain America has existed for years, first held by soldier Steve Rogers. A private in the second World War, Steve was subjected to the experimental Super Soldier serum. Immediatly, the 90 pound weakling was transformed into the ultimate patriot. Enhanced strength, speed, and agility, coupled with Roger's preexisting will and knowledge made him a man to be reckoned, and thus was born Captain America, scourge of the Nazi's and keeper of all things just. He spent the better part of the forties fighting the Axis before going MIA. There were several pretenders to the mantle of Captain America, but they failed spectacularly.

Some time later, the body of Captain America is found frozen in a block of ice by The Avengers. Preserved after his final battle, Cap tells the Avengers of the death of his sidekick Bucky, and finds himself a man out of time. The legacy of Captain America continued on for years, as the leader of The Avengers and as a hero in his own right. He's been de-powered, re-powered, presumed dead, sent to alternate universes, and even turned into a werewolf. But most recently, he stood up against the government against the Superhero Registration Act.

The brainchild of Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, the Superhero Registration Act required all superheroes to publicly unmask and register with the government, essentially becoming government agents. Captain America stood steadfastly against this, insisting that it was the rights of his fellow heroes to preserve their identities and protect their loved ones.

Tragically, Captain America's side lost the ensuring Civil War. Upon realizing the damage that was being wrought in their crossfire, Captain America surrendered. While in custody, a sniper's bullet and his brainwashed lover fired the bullets that took his life.

The world has been in chaos, without a Captain America. There has been speculation galore, and his enemies have taken pride in their victory. The Punisher and Cap's formerly believed dead sidekick Bucky have both assumed the mantle (though the Punisher's role was only temporary), and the name and memory lives on.

Though the death was tragic, it is important to remember that Steve Rogers was the man under the mask. His death has sent shock waves through the world, and the super hero community will never be the same. Steve Rogers is dead, but Steve Rogers was not the idea. He was only the man.

Now and forevermore, Captain America lives on.

Learn more about this author, J. Christopher Baggett.
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