When Captain America Quits: The History and Meaning of a Super Soldier’s Protest

[@MattDraper]

Read the full essay on Comic Book Herald: www.comicbookherald.com/when-captain-america-quits-the-history-and-meaning-of-a-super-soldiers-protest/

[@Galvatronover]

This kinda seems repetitive to me(captain America quitting)

[@Galvatronover]

It’s not that politics are in comics is a problems it’s that when you don’t do it right is is considered talking down to your audience

[@magdavillafuerte505]

The video is fine, though (and i'm saying this not as a american but as a peruvian) you're forgetting that not all nations agree with the american point of view of patriotism as a set of ideals, but rather as a culture in specific, this means that some of people in other countries would not understand captain america personal conflicts, because in other countries is more easy to say that you love your nation, not your goverment, because in those countries the nation is just culture, it doesn't have anything to do with ideals for them.

[@Galvatronover]

@@magdavillafuerte505 that’s interesting 🤔

[@magdavillafuerte505]

@@Galvatronover for example, here in my country apelling to democracy is just done under a moral light, never under an identitarian light because our nation wasn't made under the ideal of democracy, it started as dictatorships followed by democracies followed by dictatorships followed by other dictatorships.

[@matti.8465]

"We want Captain America to be more like The Punisher" guess even then, comic fans had the dumbest demands. I love how they embraced how bad of an idea that was.

[@shawnswint1521]

Same can be Said about Superman. Fans have been Complaining that Superman is Either too Boring or too Vanilla. Then came the ''New 52'' & We got a Superman Who was More Destructive & Reckless & People go Why is Superman so Dark & Destructive. Clearly Fans Can't Grasp over what they want their Heroes to be.

[@michaelconnor1542]

This never happened. I knew no one who wanted Cpt America to be like Punisher. We there were reasons we like them and making them like another takes that away.

[@marcusdavis5599]

@@michaelconnor1542 you literally had people writing in to say they wanted it...

[@mikerodrigues2906]

I collected back then and never like that idea of him quiting or anyone replaceca super hero or all the all the variants they where making .

[@michaelconnor1542]

@@marcusdavis5599 what? One or two people, out of the tens of thousands of readers. More likely Punisher fans. Many of who, at the time, wanted every character to be more like Punisher.

[@pluckee]

babe wake up new matt draper essay

[@OomaGooma]

It saddens me when people think Cap is boring and totally uncool. Captain America is someone who we all should strive to be like. So to me he is the epitome of a true hero. Also, Mark Gruenwald’s writing was way ahead of its time. His Work on Captain America and Squadron Supreme are great examples of this.

[@Okkotsu86275]

Most people who think are uneducated fools who base their opinions on their own theories instead of the actual material

[@jagtech490]

Can’t blame them when most of caps runs are meh and one of his biggest stories is way to similar to batmans under the red hood

[@zemox2534]

What evidence do you have to back up such claims?

[@nont18411]

Nobody thinks like that anymore, because being boring and totally uncool is now what people think of Superman, Cap’s DC counterpart

[@Infamous41]

All old comics were "campy"

[@eldiablodelsur]

I can't help it; I absolutely love Captain America, especially when he takes a stand on principle. On more than one occasion, Cap has been the "conscience" of the Marvel Universe. He exemplifies the very best principles that this country offers, and he stands iconic as their standard-bearer. I remember his appearance during the "Daredevil Born Again" storyline, where Steve earnestly tries to mitigate the ever-heightening situation between Matt Murdock, the Kingpin, and Nuke. He always chooses to stand and fight for what he sincerely believes is the greater good.

[@陳潔明-w6y]

But thanks to the writers of Marvel, our favourite patriot rarely did anything for the mutant citizens of America...

[@zemox2534]

Cap does not get enough credit or respect. Like Superman and Optimus Prime, he is a beacon of hope in a cruel and cynical world.

[@danielwood6833]

Omg yes! Supes, Cap and Prime are the definitive ideal heroes.

[@skyyswaggstudios2934]

Superman is the same way, people think hes boring because hes just a good person

[@seanodeli7031]

Prime ? I guess but he’s a truck hard to wrap him up as a hero

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

@@seanodeli7031 In the cartoons he absolutely is. "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." - Optimus Prime.

[@jonathanwells223]

They wanted him to be an ignorant old man/petulant ineffective bully that we were supposed to laugh at in the movies, fuck Joss Whedon, you made Firefly but that’s about the only good thing you did and it wasn’t because of your directing.

[@TevyaSmolka]

It really breaks my heart that people think captain America is boring and not interesting which is bullcrap because like superman Captain America is the symbol of hope for the marvel universe.

[@陳潔明-w6y]

Captain America, the embodiment of the clash between what America stands for and America itself.

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@陳潔明-w6y agreed and you’re right about that

[@陳潔明-w6y]

@@TevyaSmolka Yet, dude never was bothered to help the mutant citizens of America... Nice writing and continuity, Marvel...

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@陳潔明-w6y okay fair enough

[@kennethsatria6607]

Difference is Cap isn't as above the world as Superman who can alternate between the existences of a man, a superhero and a god that protects all. I feel like Cap has a harder time of it in a human sense cause he's not so super. And in a writing sense his stories are tougher to experience because of the human element.

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

"I'm loyal to nothing, general. Except the dream."

[@johnathonhaney8291]

"I thought I was the American dream. And then I woke up."

[@keithgehman3945]

Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Eugene Debs quotes AND the captain america theme, it's like matt draper can read my mind and knows exactly what I want lol

[@morganbrokaw5190]

I was just coming to this section to compliment the quotees.

[@Xehanort10]

3:01 That's one weird reason to quit being a superhero. "My girlfriend said no when I proposed to her so I'm gonna quit and reveal my identity to the world."

[@maxhydekyle2425]

It's the same reason girls say no to me, surely.

[@stephaniewozny3852]

Yeah, that was a dumb one. Out of character, too.

[@angusmacfrankenstein7227]

Ah, those Silver Age Marvel Comics! Sometimes they don’t make much sense, and the characters often seem like they’re a heartbeat away from bursting a major blood vessel or breaking some teeth in close-clenched jaws!

[@grantbaugh2773]

Especially because it didn’t even work since Sharon was still working at Shield and felt she didn’t have the time to have a relationship. So he was gonna have to wait until she also left.

[@yvngdende]

I could be laying dead in my coffin, only to instantly wake up when a new Matt Draper vid releases

[@BlueCruzader]

Sweet Lady Liberty, I love these essays

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@derekgreen7319]

The mark gruenwald run is so underrated. It's criminal that it hasn't been collected into an omnibus.

[@noxidninja5109]

I've been struggling to focus on reading over lockdown so these essays are reminding me why I love comic books, thank you Matthew Draperino

[@Xehanort10]

7:32 The Commission going "You have to protect America and only America instead of the world" is similar to a JSA comic where after World War II the government told the JSA to unmask to prove they weren't Communists. Demanding heroes who helped them win the war in the DC universe reveal their identities or else they'd accuse them of being Communists was stupid.

[@Infamous41]

"Better not support Trump or your a Nazi like us" - modern day revolutionaries

[@Ashguy733]

"It must be wonderful to live in a world of black and white. You tell me to 'be a king' but you have no idea, Rogers. No idea of the sacrifices I've had to make, the gray areas where- " Namor " How can you even say that? We fought in the war together! Everyone sees Captain America as some "moral compass," but its just me, Steve Rogers, making up for......you were there. You know both of us had to make impossible decisions on the battlefield. We both lost men.... I know things aren't 'black and white.' But you and I both know Good when we see it.....and I know you are good." Captain America

[@TheEliera]

This is so awesome! And even when Brubakers run was rushed it still my favorite. And I really like Bucky as Cap.

[@uncannydcmarvelous5732]

In what way it was rushed?

[@dr.s8972]

"When Captain America drops his mighty shield!"

[@CouncilCape897]

"All those who chose to oppose his shield will cheer!"

[@williamjohnson3790]

Cap has always been fascinating to me because, while all superheroes are an exaggerated representation of some part of our values, Cap in particular extrapolates that further into being a representation of America. Your video illustrated very well how the definition of "America" used for Steve constantly shifts, whether that be nationalist loyalty to the flag, the real-world US government's agenda or the writers' own snapshot of ideal American values (which are also subject to the culture of their time). Yet another absolute banger, my dude.

[@JoshuaSkaar]

This gets a thumbs up a 0:01 because of the use of Alan Silvestri’s theme.

[@rzerox21xx]

Great Video Matt, as always, the earlier Captain America run I have to this day in floppies is Ed Brubakers entire run start to finished, Rick Remenders Run, Waid brief 2nd stint(well technically third if you count pre heroes reborn, and post heroes reborn Waid Cap as separate) and Im enjoying the heck out of Coates run which is sadly ending in issue 30 this June.

[@angelwing9]

The section explaining why the real life quotes are necessary is extremely powerful and I'm really glad you pointed that out cuz I prolly wouldn't even thought of why it's important to recognize these people more than a comic book character. As always, amazing video!!

[@TwoFacedKid4]

Great review on what keeps Captain America going after all this time. Keep it up! Still holding out hope that you'll review The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen one day.

[@Jakemufcfan]

We need a Gruenwald cap omnibus it’s crazy it hasn’t been made yet

[@llamas62]

Truly the best comic book channel on youtube, thank you for the fantastic work you do!

[@MrTenInHell]

America has been morally grey even while fighting the Nazis. I’m pretty sure lots of Americans wanted nothing to do with a European War especially during the 30s. The difference is we have almost a century of history between then and now. I’m sure shitting on Nixon and talking about racial politics won’t seem all that political in a 100 years. People protested Chaplin’s movie The Great Dictator which basically made fun on Hitler and Nazis. All that matters is it has to be well done. Some of these comics look fantastic not a huge Marvel fan but I might read some of the later runs especially the Brubaker one.

[@mathewguglielmi8451]

An evocative and really well thought out video essay. I thought that Cap's never ending battle as a paragon of hope and civic virtue was summed up very well in the Avengers Endgame quote, "I can do this all day!"

[@davodshah8869]

One of the few channels with videos I really make sure to watch, thank you

[@qwellen7521]

I still wish Bucky had stayed as cap in the 616 universe, so much potential, and this coming from a fan of Willson cap.

[@DzustComics]

To truly love something, is to reflect on it and see the flaws and try to improve it. That goes goes for everything, especially countries!

[@mnm25chango2]

Wow, really great video essay. Love this, thank you for doing this and sharing it!! 🙏🏽

[@super7389]

hey, I really enjoyed your Captain America videos (Noticed how your 80th comic video is on Captain America on his 80th anniversary). Thanks for that. If you want more capain america video ideas, I got a suggestion : maybe do it on the second and third movie in the mcu ?

[@LuckyCashews]

This is beautiful, thank you

[@batspidey7611]

Captain America is an amazing hero and character.

[@RudyBlackman]

A true nation is not moved by its propaganda it’s moved by the people

[@BlueBoboDoo100]

Wow. This is my favorite video of yours yet. Very timely, informative, and well-handled.

[@markodjuric4282]

A great video Matt! Thank you!

[@ytcorporate9237]

Can't wait to watch! I was wondering if you'd be interested in making a video on cancelled Terminator sequels - I haven't really dug into it, but I take there'd be a lot of them.

[@MattDraper]

I haven't really looked into how many cancelled Terminator sequels there are, but as long as there are a decent number then that would make a good topic!

[@ytcorporate9237]

@@MattDraper Thanks, man - and congrats on 50k! I'm a new-comer, but it's safe to say that I'll be sticking around.

[@shoresean1237]

The only storyline I might find off-putting (The Silver Age was what it was), was the 'HYDRA connected with the forgotten people'. In RL, some of these forgotten people really wanted everyone else to be forgotten about, if not actively hurt. I wouldn't want anyone left behind, but again, their RL counterparts wanted this for just about everyone not themselves.

[@christianvenson1563]

First time I remember not hearing the midnight play behind your videos.

[@basscot17]

I Love how you made the extra work to contexctualize the era in which Cap quits, and that you pondered the issues of partiotism and nationalism. Thus is why we keep coming back!

[@TheEvilCheesecake]

Very thoughtful video. I appreciate how much focus you decided to include on Black America and black opinions on patriotism.

[@anthonyr9484]

I always generally enjoy your videos, but this one was so well thought out and powerful, I feel it is one of your best. Great job, Matt.

[@Mr.8point5]

This breakdown and observation was beautifully crafted. Well done on this one, sir.

[@DillonMaynard]

You did not have to go this hard on a video about comic books. Bravo.

[@nickms2365]

this is one of the best videos ive seen in a long time man

[@MastermindAXL]

Great article and video! Are you going to do one on Jonathan Hickman's X-Men run or "House of X/Powers of X"?

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I'd like to but at the moment I'm not sure what I'd say about it that hasn't been said by other videos already

[@MastermindAXL]

@@MattDraper Given your extraordinary analyses, I'd say you'll think of something!

[@joelgreenlee9421]

This is a great video! Thanks so much. It goes through so much

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the great video. Much ❤ as always 😊

[@maddniarslan]

Congrats on 50K Matt!

[@MattDraper]

Thanks!!

[@michaelroberts4748]

One of my biggest issues with Secret Empire, and please correct me if I'm wrong, is that Steve Rogers is still a Nazi in prison, meanwhile a memory of him from the Cosmic Cube is running around. And that annoys me.

[@harlannguyen4048]

I think that has been corrected, but I am not sure which issue explains it.

[@michaelroberts4748]

@@harlannguyen4048 I hope. Honestly haven't read Captain America for a while because of several issues, some personal, but with stories such as Immortal Hulk (catching up on it atm) and Nick Spencer's Spider-Man it seems Marvel may bounce back. Weird that the man who made Cap a Nazi is fixing Spider-Man!

[@TravelingPhilosopher]

This is such wonderful content. I was surprised by the amount of work and research put into making this. Thank you for making this.

[@SamWilson801]

Matt this was your masterpiece, man. I got emotional many times during the video. Thank you 🙏

[@jediknight131]

Awesome essay! Thanks for sharing!

[@grantbaugh2773]

Great video! With Marvel’s sliding timescale Steve must be dropping the mantle every other week.

[@crystalwellman9024]

I love this! Steve and Cap, comics and film, are best when telling a solid story of a man choosing to symbolize freedom and why he does it and if it continues to fit as the symbol or image grows alongside the person wielding it.

[@jmusic9648]

The fact u made this vid before TFAWS is so brilliant of u

[@dannygrizz4358]

WOOOOOOO! A MATT DRAPER VIDEO ESSAY!

[@falcondave9755]

Fantastic video Matt

[@SupaCoopaStudios]

I die everytime Matt makes a video. It’s just...so awesome

[@bionicblackman4251]

7:33 referenced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 2

[@terrencetarr6913]

I remember having a Captain America Halloween costume back in the late 60s-early 70s when I was around 8 or 9 years old...lol

[@detective___mcnulty]

Thank you for your hard work making these videos.

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

Great video, my friend. Always wonderful work, but you wrapped this one up with purpose

[@BruceWayne-qj6om]

I thought the title said when Captain America throws his might shield🤣🤣

[@ShinbrigTV]

OH MY GOD!!! I THOUGTH MATT QUIT MAKING COMIC BOOK VIDEOS?!?! WHAT A LOVELY DAY!!

[@TheChrisHype]

To me, Cap has never been what America is. He is what America should be.

[@vincentfranklin17]

An excellent essay, Matt! Thanks!

[@bruceguthrie9137]

I own the original art for that Mike Zeck cover of Cap before the bleeding flag. Certainly one of the covers I'm proudest of.

[@doomshill110]

Absolutely fantastic video mate :)

[@adammyers7383]

my issue with MCU cap is that, while he has a good story about challenging the people in power, he doesn’t ever seem to understand-or if he does, he doesn’t deal with it enough-how being Captain America...being Steve Rogers... gives him tremendous power over people as too many think he has the moral high ground, that he was incorruptible because he was himself. Basically, I find that patriotism assigned to Captain America instead of the United States is something that needs to be questioned just as much as the patriotism assigned to the US itself; and I don’t see that as much as I’d like.

[@thomasg2488]

Or MCU Cap was smart and knew that politics was corrupt and if he got involved, there'd be many people to undermine him. The Winter Soldier (film not Buck) pretty much shows him by the end and even then, he had his doubts about the government. Sure enough, HYDRA infiltrated SHIELD and after they defeated HYDRA, he probably understood his role to not be in politics but to embody that America (contrary to what MSM will say or show on both) has the ideals of being able to live a life on good principle and just be the best person you can. Problem is, in the real world, some people are ****ing stupid and don't think about those things and instead like to force their beliefs, left or right, on others in social media instead of having a civil debate outside. And sometimes, people just aren't going to be changed. 8 billion people on the planet, even Captain America can't change all their minds.

[@justbny9278]

@@thomasg2488 i think what he meant was that Maybe Captain America's smarts should have been questioned more, after all, does he Really know all the right answers all of the time? Can a single man Really have the better judgement for all situations? I don't think it really matters anymore for Steve Roger's character in the MCU, as his story has already been told, but as it was Yeah he did, his heart was always in the right place and if you want someone who Struggles more with Taking the right decisions and if they really do end up being the Best Decisions the MCU had that in Tony If Captain America himself really is a reliable symbol for what's right is now a question for Sam to figure out, and iirc was a big point of Falcon and the Winter Soldier

[@jackofallclaws6672]

You know, this video is really good, heck; I’d say it’s better than NerdSync’s video on Cap.

[@fernandoluna6589]

great video matt, always on the point

[@Nono-hk3is]

Thank you, Matt.

[@andrewpytko4773]

Talk about the time Captain America was asked to run for president.

[@JTR_3]

That was Ultimate universe right?

[@andrewpytko4773]

@@JTR_3 No that was the mainstream Marvel universe.

[@JTR_3]

@@andrewpytko4773 oh ok I only saw it in the Ultimate universe storyline near the end of the line

[@CoreyMason-r8g]

Awesome episode ❗🔥💯👍

[@wisethirtyseven]

Great work. Kudos.

[@DazzlingMrScratch]

Great video as always, I’ve come to learn the same people that say they hate politics in comics are the same who think Watchmen is the greatest comic of all time, or don’t like having something that challanges what they believe said to them. Also if you haven’t read it, check out Christopher Priest’s U.S. Agent run he is doing right now, it isn’t over yet, but has been pretty great and seems like it will loosely tie into what will eventually be going down in the Falcon and Winter Soldier show. I honestly wouldn’t even mind seeing a video done about that or “Truth: Red, White & Black” if you plan on doing anymore Captain America videos.

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I think it would be really interesting to do a video on "Truth." There will be more Cap videos in the future for sure.

[@ginofrancejr555]

If spider man is marvel's flash cap is marvels Superman. The embodiment of hope and idealism. You should cover more cap runs. Especially both waid runs and gruenwald and coates

[@lightknight6749]

Always like your vids, keep up your good work

[@davidgrinthal3499]

THIS WAS SO GOOD. I also have no idea how I never heard about Ta-Nehisi Coates' run on Captain America using the post Secret Empire landscape to comment on Trump America. Regardless of your politics, that's a brilliant seizing of opportunity

[@davebielke6319]

Most People will never appreciate or be inspired by the Original message of the True Captain America Character..that's a thing long Gone

[@Romezguide]

Great video Loved it bro!!

[@AE-su4wq]

Excellent essay

[@vj.phillips]

Great video!

[@Hi_Just_Fred]

"I love Captain America with a gun! He should be more like the Punisher!" *Comic book writer maniacally giggling.*

[@RonnieDFTBA]

This may be your finest video yet. Haven't read Coates' Captain America run, but might have to give it a try.

[@CameraPunk5049]

15:26 that's bc the Avengers of the mcu were heavily inspired from Ultimates.

[@SnapperChannel]

Great video once again Matt. Have you been enjoying the Falcon and Winter Soldier series so far? Also, do you have any recommendations for Captain America comics?

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I think the series is just ok so far. Good action and characters but I'm not loving the larger storyline. Check out any Cap comics by Gruenwald, Waid, Brubaker, and Spencer, to name a few

[@smashmaster521]

You win points for including Nick Spencer's run in your recommendations, Matt. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who likes that run.

[@moderateswag69]

Damn this shit was deep,I've been sleeping on comics

[@JoesGeekShow]

Another epic video.

[@gemahfletcher2509]

Will you do a live Q and A ? I have a lot of questions to ask.

[@MattDraper]

I'd like to do another one, but it will probably be a little while because my free time is very limited right now

[@gemahfletcher2509]

@@MattDraper your channel are really good it's relevant to say the least and your video is one that I looked up to the most. Keep going and stay safe

[@rowanwalthall9045]

Just commenting for the algorythm, for some reason Al Gore wants me to comment. Love your vids man !!!

[@luketruax5202]

Nixon was actually never impeached, in case anyone else was confused lol.

[@MrLeoni2]

Nope. He's resigned before they could even start with the proceedings.

[@seanodeli7031]

Nixon was president ? Thought he was just a character ? Weird

[@Edward-nf4nc]

As long as Captain America is a good man, there will always be controversy. Captain America can be an inspiration, a symbol of courage, a good leader, but Steve Rogers I was chosen because he was none of them! "Promise me you will remain true to who you are. Not a perfect soldier, but a good man". A good man will cause controversy because most people, especially politicians, are not true, honest and good people, and many are even puppets to their laws. That is why both heros and villians followed him in civil war. He belived in justace and rights for individuals, whilst Iron Man chose not to. Tony learnt this from Steve which is why he took part in civil war II. A good man will cause controversy, but we can not all be bad people. That is the issue Steve and most others face as Captain America.

[@snakes3425]

Cap is to MARVEL what Superman is to DC: The Hero others strive to be like. The moral anchor for an entire universe. #LOYALTOTHEDREAM

[@mattsherlock9636]

I never thought of mcu steve as a libertarian, but with how Disney and marvel studios prefer subtext and character over overt statements of ideological intent I can see how people can have different opinions on these things.

[@QuietKnightt]

Congrats on 50k Matt!! I’m betting on 100k before the end of the year 👍

[@MkR2398]

God bless Matt Draper

[@sahilhossain8204]

Lore of When Captain America Quits: The History and Meaning of a Super Soldier’s Protest momentum 100