Marvel Comics, art by Jack Kirby
One of the most unfortunate images of the deadly violence incited by Donald Trump last week was the sight of several pro-Trump protesters wearing clothes with Captain America’s shield while looting the Capitol.
After all, as many people noticed at the time, Captain America is known for a few things. Like for example he defend democracy instead of working to overthrow it like Trump supporters when they interrupted Joe Biden’s legal election victory certification. Furthermore, he is a staunch enemy of the genocidal fascists, rather than proudly associating himself with them, as many of Trump’s supporters did during his violence. And, of course, he is a patriot, unlike the traitors who started the American Civil War, whose flag several of Trump’s rioters waved.
Naturally, fans of Marvel’s Nazi superhero were not amused. Fortunately, they will be pleased to know that, according to Neal Kirby, son of comic book legend Jack Kirby who co-created Cap with Joe Simon in 1941, his father would wholeheartedly agree with them. In an emotional statement shared Tuesday night by Jake Tapper from CNN, Kirby angrily denounced the troublemakers of Trump who, he said, were examples of everything that Captain America – and his father – were opposed to.
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“My father, Jack Kirby, along with his partner Joe Simon, created Captain America in 1941. Perhaps the most iconic symbol of patriotism since the ‘Spirit of 1776’, Captain America has remained a symbol and protector of our democracy and the rule of law for the past 79 years. he was raised by two Jewish boys from New York who hated Nazis and hated bullies. Captain America defended the oppressed and, as the story was written, even before he gained strength and dexterity from Army Scientists, he always defended what was just and never gave up, ”wrote Kirby.
“At 72, I have a very vivid personal memory of all the political and cultural upheavals since Castro’s revolution in the mid-1950s. Add to that my father’s stories, and I could probably paint a picture of the northern battlefields France around the city of Metz in World War II, ”continued Kirby. “However, the events that took place at the Capitol of our nation on January 6, an insurrection inspired and fostered by our own president, will be the event that will haunt me forever.”
“While watching one of the horrific videos of the capitol assault, I thought I noticed someone in a Trump / Capt. America t-shirt! I was shocked and mortified, ”continued Kirby. “I think I even took a quick look at someone with a Captain America shield. A quick Google search revealed Trump as Captain America on t-shirts, posters and even a flag! These images are disgusting and shameful. “
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And in case there was any ambiguity, Kirby added: “Captain America is the absolute antithesis of Donald Trump. Where Captain America is selfless, Trump is selfish. Where Captain America fights for our country and democracy, Trump fights for personal power and autocracy. Where Captain America is with the common man, Trump is with the powerful and privileged. Where Captain America is brave, Trump is a coward. Captain America and Trump couldn’t be more different. “
“My father, Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, the creators of Captain America and veterans of World War II, would be absolutely disgusted by these images,” he concluded. “These images are an insult to the memories of both. If Donald Trump had the qualities and character of Captain America, the White House would be a shining symbol of truth and integrity, not a fiery pit of lies and hypocrisy. Several of our presidents had the same values as Captain America. Donald Trump is not one of them. “
So to recap: Captain America thinks fascists are bad.