Every week, a secret cabal of Marvel staffers gathers to discuss the best of the best when it comes to the House of Ideas.
It's America's birthday this weekend, and Marvel has the greatest gift of all prepared with the return of Steve Rogers in CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN (and don't forget to check out the FREE Prelude on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited)!
However, the Secret Cabal didn't want to get left out of the celebration, so they've compiled their own list of Marvel's 10 greatest American heroes—and one Canadian (it's Canada Day as well after all).
For each entry you get the quick rundown as well as a special spotlight comic courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited.
As always, these picks reflect the personal choices of the Secret Cabal, not the official opinion of Marvel or Marvel.com, and can be considered subjective at best. Enjoy!
Honorable Mention: GUARDIAN
First Appearance: UNCANNY X-MEN #109 (1978)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "
Guardian embodies everything great about Canada
and the USA. He takes on the burden of protecting others without complaining.
He became a hero because he wants to help and make sure his work is used to protect innocent people. His loyalty is to doing the right thing, not simply to his government or his own selfish plans." – Secret Cabal member OneManDynasty
Spotlight Comic: ALPHA FLIGHT #1 (1983)—Guardian kick starts
Alpha Flight!
10. BUCKY (Rikki Barnes)
First Appearance: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (1996)
Why She Makes the List: "Born on an alternate Earth, this sidekick of her world's Captain America has seen her home destroyed and found herself in our universe all alone. But she's not the sort who will let a little thing like losing not just her nation, but
everything she's ever known keep her down Her patriotism runs deep, regardless of which USA she's defending!" – Secret Cabal member RunawayJ
Spotlight Comic: CAPTAIN AMERICA #4 (1997)—Bucky makes her "Heroes Reborn" debut!
9. AMERICAN EAGLE
First Appearance: MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE ANNUAL #6 (1981)
Why He Makes the List: "Before Columbus ever set foot upon United States soil, Native Americans policed this land, and these days, as
American Eagle, Jason Strongbow still does. Level-headed but badass, American Eagle uses a little super strength and a lot of grit and common sense to police his reservation, defending it against the madness that often permeates the rest of the nation. Don't think Jason's up to the task? He beat
Bullseye into paralysis one time—let that sink in." – Secret Cabal member Annihilator882
Spotlight Comic: AMERICAN EAGLE: JUST A LITTLE OLD-FASHIONED JUSTICE #1—Jason Strongbow defends his turf against
Cottonmouth!
8. PATRIOT (Eli Bradley)
First Appearance: YOUNG AVENGERS #1 (2005)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "Young Elijah Bradley had one helluva teacher when it came to the ideals that embody America: his grandfather, Isaiah Bradley, the African-American Captain America. As
Patriot, Eli has often charged into battle with a chip on his shoulder, but has never forgotten the legacy he is attempting to carry on, representing his grandpa, as well as Steve Rogers and any others who have worn the red, white and blue. Patriot may not be your father's American icon, but that's not going to stop him." – Annihilator882
Spotlight Comic: YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #1—Eli Bradley meets with the
Winter Soldier and learns more about the legacy of the Patriot name!
7. DUM DUM DUGAN
First Appearance: SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 (1963)
Why He Makes the List: "Know what Timothy Aloysius Cadwallander Dugan was up to before he enlisted in the
Nick Fury's Howling Commandos unit? He was a circus strongman—how awesome is that?! For over 50 years, the affectionately nicknamed 'Dum Dum' has been Fury's right hand man, with nothing but guts, a bowler cap and one of the greatest mustaches known to man. Dugan will go to war with any who opposed America or freedom in general and when push comes to shove, you best bet on the carnie." – Annihilator882
Spotlight Comic: SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #13—Dugan and the rest of the Howling Commandos team with Captain America during World War II!
6. NOMAD (Jack Monroe)
First Appearance: YOUNG MEN #24 (1953)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "Though life dealt Jack Monroe enough bad hands to make most throw in the towel, he never gave up on himself or his dreams. In the 1950's, when the world was lacking a Captain America, Jack willingly injected himself with an experimental serum and became the new Bucky to a new Star-Spangled hero. After enduring years of suspended animation and seeing his mentor go mad and end his own life, Jack refused to let tragedy destroy him and took up the
Nomad identity to assist the true Cap. Though he never became the beloved hero he aspired to be, Jack continued to battle through setbacks until the end of his life, chasing the American dream." – Annihilator882
Spotlight Comic: CAPTAIN AMERICA #7 (2005)—The fall of Jack Monroe!
5. CAPTAIN AMERICA (Isaiah Bradley)
First Appearance: TRUTH: RED, WHITE & BLACK #1 (2003)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "Unlike Steve Rogers, Isaiah Bradley did not know what he was getting into when he was forcefully inducted into Project: Rebirth. He was exploited by his government and treated as an expendable asset by the military—and he still fought for them. Isaiah did not care what the people running America were responsible for, he cared about the ideals of America, and he sacrificed his physical and mental wellbeing to see them endure through the nightmare of World War II. Few have given as unselfishly as Isaiah Bradley, a man truly worthy of being called Captain America." – Annihilator882
Spotlight Comic: TRUTH: RED, WHITE & BLACK #1—The true story of the other Captain America!
4. CAPTAIN AMERICA (Bucky Barnes)
First Appearance: CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1 (1941)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "The man who has had the most to prove when it comes to his patriotism, James 'Bucky' Barnes has had quite the year. From shaking off the brainwashing effects of the Soviets to watching his hero and best friend killed to taking up the mantle of the Sentinel of Liberty himself, the newest Captain America has had to prove that he is worthy of the title. Fortunately, for everyone, he has come through with flying colors—red, white and blue, of course." – RunawayJ
Spotlight Comic: CAPTAIN AMERICA #34 (2008)—Bucky Barnes becomes the new Captain America!
3. NICK FURY
First Appearance: SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 (1963)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "He doesn't need to wear the flag to love his country—he wears an eye patch instead! That's right, he has given an eye, and—thanks to the Infinity Serum running thru his veins—countless decades to protect the land he loves. He's crossed the line to get things done and paid the price, never asking for much in return. Whether he's underground or in the skies, I know I feel safer knowing Nick Fury is out there to protect me—if I lived in the Marvel Universe…" – RunawayJ
Spotlight Comic: SGT. FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #1—Nick Fury leads the Howling Commandos into the heat of World War II!
2. U.S.AGENT
First Appearance: CAPTAIN AMERICA #323 (1986)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "U.S.Agent is the Jack Bauer of the Marvel Universe—
sure, he's a bit gruff and doesn't always play well with others, but throughout his career in both the military and in costume all he's ever tried to do is help those around him. No matter how much he gets knocked down, he always gets back up for one reason: to make the world a better place" – OneManDynasty
Spotlight Comic: OMEGA FLIGHT #2—U.S.Agent heads north to join
Omega Flight!
1. CAPTAIN AMERICA (Steve Rogers)
First Appearance: CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1 (1941)
Learn More About Him… here
Why He Makes the List: "Not only does Steve Rogers embody the American spirit more than any other figure in the Marvel Universe, it could be argued pretty strongly that nobody better defines the term 'hero.' Steve was not born with the physical tools to succeed in life, but his heart and dedication to the ideal that a better world was one worth fighting for made him a true warrior long before the Super Soldier Serum ran through his veins. Over five-plus decades of action, the stalwart Sentinel of Liberty has transcended simply being the symbol of a nation and become a representative for freedom, honor and liberty no matter where in the world he can find it." – Annihilator882
Spotlight Comic: CAPTAIN AMERICA #250—The people have spoken: Captain America for President!
Check out the official Marvel Shop for your favorite Marvel Heroes!
Download episodes of "X-Men: Evolution", "Wolverine and the X-Men" and "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes" now on iTunes!
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