The son of a Marvel Comics legend is speaking out after one of his father’s most famous characters was appropriated during the January 6 uprising at the US Capitol in Washington DC. As documented in news photos, several of the protesters were seen wearing Captain America symbols, including their American flag-inspired shield, which was presented to him by its creators, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. (Simon and Kirby died in 2011 and 1994, respectively.)
In a statement released to CNN anchor Jake Tapper – and retweeted by outspoken actor Chris Evans, who plays Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – Kirby’s son, Neal, vehemently denounced the use of images inspired by Captain America by troublemakers, looking at the character’s origins in the Second World War era as a super soldier against fascism . “He was raised by two New York Jews who hated Nazis and hated bullies,” says Kirby’s statement. “Captain American defended the oppressed and … always defended what is fair and never gave up.”
Kirby went on to say that he was “shocked and mortified” to see Captain America’s symbols on T-shirts and flags during the Capitol insurrection. “These images are disgusting and shameful. Captain America is the absolute antithesis of Donald Trump … If Donald Trump had the qualities and character of Captain America, the White House would be a brilliant symbol of truth and integrity, not a fiery pit of lies and hypocrisy ”.
Neal Kirby, son of Captain America co-creator Jack Kirby, was distressed to see some of the January 6 terrorists / protesters wearing T-shirts with versions of their father’s creation corrupted by the outgoing president’s image. Your message to them: pic.twitter.com/RTH9UNs491
– Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 14, 2021
Kirby’s statement comes as Marvel Comics is facing new calls to retire the skull symbol associated with the Punisher, which was used by hooligans on January 6, as well as by police officers during the Black Lives Matter protests last summer. Actor Jon Bernthal, who played anti-hero Frank Castle on Netflix Punisher series, made known his displeasure, writing on Twitter: “These people are misguided and lost. They have nothing to do with what Frank represents or intends. “
So far, Marvel Comics has not made an official comment about the Punisher controversy. Interestingly, the subject was addressed in a 2019 edition of Punisher comic, which features a scene in which Castle faces a group of New York police officers who claim to be on the same side. After telling them pointedly: “We are not the same,” the Punisher goes on to suggest a hero whose example they should follow. “Do you boys need a role model? His name is Captain America and he would be happy to have you. “
Read more on Yahoo Entertainment