Comic Book Superhero Captain America Dies

The nation's beloved superhero Captain America has died. The venerable superhero was killed in the issue of his namesake comic that hit stands Wednesday, the Daily News reported.

The new edition's pages depict a sniper who shoots down the shield-wielding hero as he leaves a courthouse, according to the newspaper.

Resurrections are not unknown in the world of comics, and Marvel Entertainment editor in chief Joe Quesada said a Captain America comeback wasn't impossible.

This last issue ends a long run for the stars-and-stripes wearing superhero. The character was created in 1941 to incarnate patriotic feeling during World War II. Throughout the years, an estimated 210 million copies of "Captain America" have been sold in a total of 75 countries.

According to the comic, the superhero was spawned when a scrawny arts student named Steve Rogers, ineligible for the army because of his poor health but eager to serve his country, agreed to a "Super Soldier Serum" injection. The substance made him a paragon of physical perfection, armed only with his shield, his strength, his smarts and a command of martial arts.

Simon and artist Jack Kirby came up the character in 1941 as a foe for Adolf Hitler, who was more evil than any villain they could dream up together.

"It's a hell of a time for him to go. We really need him now," said Joe Simon, 93, after being informed of his brainchild's death.

The allure of Captain America was partly because he had no real superpowers. The serum made him an example of a human being at his fullest potential.

Joe Quesade, 43, Marvel Entertainment's editor in chief, said that he wouldn't rule out Captain America's eventual return. But for now, the fans of Captain America are in mourning.

"I was shocked. I was not expecting it," said Gerry Gladston, co-owner of Midtown Comics in Manhattan. "I'd rather they didn't kill him-but it's going to mean great sales."

Captain America has appeared in lyrics of famous songs in pop culture. The Kinks had him in their song "Catch Me Now, I'm Falling" with the lyrics: " This is Captain America calling." Guns N Roses even made mention of the super hero in "Paradise City" with the lyrics," Captain America's been torn apart, now he's a court jester with a broken heart."

Captain America was even made mention of in the movie Easy Rider. In the movie, Peter Fonda's character is nicked named Captain America.

Sources:

Associated Press:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070307/ap_on_en_ot/captain_america

New York Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/03-07-2007/entertainment/books/story/503125p-424376c.html