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Fan-favorite character Josiah X is making a long-awaited return to Marvel Comics, returning with a dynamic new look and a new purpose in Captain America lore. Appearing in the upcoming Sam Wilson, Captain America series, the deep-cut hero has been given a fresh new design, courtesy of superstar Marvel artist Taurin Clarke.
As first announced by Marvel Comics, Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 – written by Evan Narcisse and Greg Pak, with art by Eder Messias and Valentine De Landro – will feature Josiah X in a prominent role, nearly two decades after his last appearance.
With this latest appearance, Marvel seeks to revive Josiah X, and to reintroduce him to a new generation of comic book readers, in what could become the defining era of the character. According to the creative team behind the series, Josiah is a natural fit, and will hopefully connect with fans, ensuring he sticks around this time.
Captain America Character Josiah X Returns To Marvel Continuity, Twenty Years After His Last Appearance
Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 – Written By Evan Narcisse & Greg Pak; Art By Eder Messias & Valentine De Landro; Available March 2025 From Marvel Comics
Josiah X’s return to Marvel Comics will be more than just a cameo; rather, it is being positioned as a turning point for the character, in which the goal will seemingly be to put his full potential as a hero on full display. Comments from Sam Wilson, Captain America’s creative team make it clear that they have invested significant energy in making Josiah’s comeback count, a result of the way the character resonated with them as readers, something they now hope to replicate.
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As co-author Evan Narcisse explained:
When we meet him as the Shadow Soldier in SAM WILSON, CAPTAIN AMERICA, he’s a hero at the next stage of his evolution, someone who’s answered those existential questions with a new codename, new uniform, and specific outlook. He’s a great counterpoint to Sam, in that they’re trying to do the right thing with very different attitudes. We’re really excited to bring him back in a way that honors the past and hopefully opens up a promising future.
Far from a throwaway, everything about Josiah X’s inclusion in Sam Wilson, Captain America has been deliberately crafted to maximize his appeal to Marvel fans. Spearheading the character’s revival has been artist Taurin Clarke, in a collaborative effort with Narcisse, Greg Pak, and Marvel’s Editoral team. Though readers will have to wait for more information on how he will fit into the plot of the miniseries, the creative team did offer some exciting details about his redesign.
Josiah X Redesign By Taurin Clarke; Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 Cover By Clarke
Asked about his contributions to the upcoming Sam Wilson, Captain America series, Taurin Clarke noted that Marvel readers were quick to ask about Josiah’s return when the series was announced. Clarke also stated that he and the series’ authors consulted writer Christopher Priest, who created Josiah X, and told arguably his greatest stories to date – a legacy they will build on, as they try to inaugurate a Golden Era for the character. According to Clarke:
When I was approached to do the covers for SAM WILSON, CAPTAIN AMERICA, I saw a chance to update a few characters. After getting the thumbs up to update Patriot’s hair from our amazing editors, the fans on social media immediately started asking about Josiah! I knew we had a huge task ahead of us, so I went in with notes from our co-writer Evan Narcisse, who also provided some great insights from the legendary Christopher Priest, and set out to create a design that reflects where Josiah is at mentally right now while staying true to his history.
Again, it is noteworthy, and exciting in its own right, how much care went into bringing Josiah X back into continuity.
As a classic character from Captain America history embarks on a glorious new future in Marvel canon, many fans will want to develop a greater appreciation for his history as well.
Describing his vision for the character, Clarke also noted:
He’s currently operating in the shadows, but he’s still a byproduct of his time as America’s forgotten super soldier, so there’s elements of his old costume from The Crew integrated into what’s essentially a covert-ops suit. Pieces of his old chainmail are underneath his vest as additional bulletproof armor, and his old bandana is under his Kevlar mask as a reminder of who he is.
Evan noted that Josiah should also wear the colors of Red, Gold, Black and Green just as proudly as he wore the Red, White and Blue, so we made sure to integrate that into his costume as well. I really hope what we’ve done resonates with fans.
Both Clarke and Evan Narcisse cited Marvel’s The Crew, which ran for seven issues in 2003, as an influence on Josiah’s appearance in Sam Wilson, Captain America, suggesting it is an underappreciated, short-lived series that readers should return to in anticipation of Josiah X’s long-awaited return to Marvel Comics. As a classic character from Captain America history embarks on a glorious new future in Marvel canon, many fans will want to develop a greater appreciation for his history as well.
Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 will be available March 19, 2025 From Marvel Comics.
Captain America
Initially debuting in 1940, Captain America is the patriotically themed superhero who has shared the title with only a few individuals. Beginning with Steve Rogers, Captain America’s birth resulted from a frail man taking part in an experimental U.S. Army super-soldier trial, which imbued him with super-human abilities. The character is often depicted wielding a nigh unbreakable and aerodynamic shield made of vibranium that they use to defend and attack their foes.
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