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In Marvel Comics, Steve Rogers suited up to become the super soldier over 80 years ago. His role as Captain America protected and inspired several generations of Americans. While Steve Rogers will most likely be remembered as the original Cap always and forever, the pages of Marvel history gave birth to other courageous heroes who were willing to fight for justice when their country needed it the most.
From veterans to sidekicks and every type of hero in between, more than a dozen ambitious individuals have risen to grasp Captain America’s shield over the decades. But no matter the wearer, one thing has remained consistent – Captain America represents the absolute best ideals, like courage, patriotism, and compassion. On this list, we will take a look at some of the most epic Captain America comic stories ever told and witness how the hero’s spirit inspired even the most unlikely champions to respond to a call.
20 Steven Rogers
A Revolutionary War Captain
A footnote in the vast history of Marvel, there existed a lesser-known man named Steven Rogers. Not the Steve Rogers you know to be the greatest hero of all time, but a distant ancestor who once donned the star-spangled mantle. Debuting in Captain America #194 by Jack Kirby in March 1975, this Rogers existed in the Revolutionary War era.
As a rugged patriot, Captain Rogers wasn’t a typical red-white-and-blue icon. He was still an inspirational leader who went on an infiltration mission and almost got himself killed, but was saved by an immortal being named Ulysses Bloodstone. In a way, he was a man of contradictions – a slave owner, perhaps, as The Falcon once pointed out. Steven Rogers met his end on the battlefield, long before the country sanctioned the Captain America identity.
19 Steve Rogers
The Most Iconic Captain America
First showing up during World War II as a scrawny kid from Brooklyn, he became a symbol of home. Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, burst onto the scene in Captain America Comics #1 in the year 1941, courtesy of the legendary duo Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. His origin story has been told loud and clear in the world of comics, movies, television, games and more – a young soldier who volunteered for Project Rebirth and was injected with the Super-Soldier Serum eventually transformed into a shield that represents America.
In the movies and comics, Cap upholds his own “timeless principles of freedom, equality, and justice of the American Dream.” From battling Nazis to thwarting HYDRA’s schemes, defeating The Red Skull to Baron Zemo, whose grudge against Cap is so old that it predates even the internet, Steve’s arc has been a rollercoaster. But he has always returned as the one true Captain America in the hearts of people worldwide.
18 Butch Cantwell
A Believable Impersonator
In Captain America Comics #46, a mobster named Butch Cantwell, who was active in the 1940s, observed how Captain America and Bucky Barnes were dominating the crime-fighting scenario and hailing themselves as heroes to the world. Concerned by this, he came up with a plan. He replicated Captain America’s costume, upgraded it with bulletproof armor, and went on to the streets to terrorize people.
Naturally, Cantwell’s impersonation of Captain America was a stint that did not last very long because the real Cap and Bucky trapped him in a situation that led to him being turned over to the authorities. The character was created by Vince Alascia, and he debuted in 1945. While Cantwell was in no way strong enough or skilled enough, his addition to the Marvel Comics only strengthened the real Cap’s arc.
Related: 10 Marvel/DC Crossover Comics to Check out if You Love Superhero Movies
17 Carl Zante/The Acrobat
Another Criminal Poser
Created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Dick Ayers, Carl Zante first appeared in Strange Tales #106 as he tried to manipulate the Human Torch into joining him on a personal mission to get rich. After telling him that The Fantastic Four were taking credit for his accomplishments, he forms the Torrid Twosome with Human Torch. The Acrobat and Human Torch then begin to rob banks, but when the latter realizes that he is being tricked, he chases after him.
Later, The Acrobat poses as Captain America and tries to steal one of the cars at an antique auto show, breaks his criminal friends out of the jail, and even narrowly escapes imprisonment. It isn’t until later that the real Captain America confronts the phony Captain America and puts an end to his villainous deeds.
16 Isaiah Bradley
A Sad History
In 2002’s Truth: Red, White & Black #1 by Robert Morales and Kyle Baker, Marvel Comics readers were introduced to a dark secret chapter in Captain America’s lore – one that had been kept hidden for decades. After Steve Rogers was assumed dead, the U.S. government continued their program of creating super-enhanced beings, where Black soldiers like Isaiah Bradley were experimented on to replicate the super soldier serum.
More than three hundred Black soldiers were tested on, and Isaiah was one of the few survivors who gained powers similar to those of Captain America. Bradley took on the identity of Captain America and flew to Europe to contribute to the war, but his acts were considered treasonous, and he was imprisoned unjustly.
Later, he emerged from seclusion to tell his story. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bradley shows up in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and speaks to The Falcon of his experiences, saying, “They will never let a black man be Captain America. And even if they did, no self-respecting black man would ever wanna be.”
15 Jeffrey Mace/The Patriot
Carrying on the Name and Idea
Played by Jason O’Mara in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jeffrey Solomon Mace is a name and face that fans of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are quite familiar with. He was a former journalist chosen by Phil Coulson and Matthew Ellis to become the leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. as an Inhuman. In the series, he represented genuine morals and virtues, quickly became the enemy’s target and was shortly killed. But in Marvel Comics, he had a glorious arc.
After witnessing the real Captain America fighting the Nazi spies in 1941, he felt inspired and would occasionally get involved in matters affecting the country. It wasn’t until 1946 that Jeff was offered to officially take the place of Captain America by pairing up with Fred Davis Jr., who had replaced Bucky. With the words “I can never be [Captain America]. But I can carry on in his name – with his name,” he first picked the shield in Captain America Comics #59, and from then on, he became the second longest-serving Cap in Marvel.
14 William Burnside (a.k.a, Grand Director)
“Bad Cap”
Also known as Captain America of the 1950s, or Bad Cap, William Burnside was only eleven years old when the first Captain America was created in 1941. He was created by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema in 1953 and his first notable appearance was in Young Men #24, but he only became operative in Captain America #153.
After graduating from college, Burnside was so obsessed with learning about the history of Captain America from the Nazi point of view that he dug through archives and found a copy of the Super-Soldier Serum. He managed to change his appearance to Rogers and became Captain America, but it was when the United States had attained peace and lost interest in the superhero, which accelerated his descent into madness and the US Government was forced to have him cryogenically frozen.
13 William Naslund
An Illusion Created by the Government
In 1977’s The Invaders #14 by Roy Thomas and Frank Robbins, William Naslund became the official canonical replacement for Steve Rogers. Apparently, after Rogers was believed dead, it was practically impossible for the U.S. government to reveal the truth to the public because of how dependent they’d become on the hero. So instead, they recruited a fledgling patriotic superhero named the Spirit of ’76 and suited him up as Captain America in What If? #4.
Naslund was originally a sidekick to The Patriot. He went on missions with him and was by his side when he died. Naturally, he agreed to impersonate the hero, fighting crime, stopping villains, and protecting citizens as Captain America until 1949. Naslund’s run as Captain America was short-lived, but his duty towards the nation is worth remembering.
Related: Chris Evans’ 11 Best Movies Before Captain America, Ranked
12 Bob Russo, Roscoe Simons, and Scar Turpin
Super Fans
As told in Captain America #178 and Captain America #179, after Steve Rogers gave up the shield and became the Nomad, a professional baseball player named Bob Russo sensed an opportunity, retired from the sport and assumed the role of Captain America. But because of his lack of patience and the fact that he couldn’t even climb a wall, he stepped down from the role. A biker, Scar Turpin, replaced Russo but after a disastrous attempt at stopping a mugging, he failed as well.
This led to Roscoe Simons, a fan of Captain America, to live his ultimate fantasy as the hero. As one of the two people Rogers personally approved of, Roscoe was seen over five issues of Captain America and the Falcon from 1974 to 1975. His short-lived career came to an abrupt end after a confrontation with Red Skull, who killed him after finding out he wasn’t Rogers.
11 John Walker/U.S. Agent
Couldn’t Live Up to the Shield
John Walker, popularly known among fans as Super-Patriot or U.S. Agent, was a U.S. Army veteran who underwent a process that enhanced his strength and made him skilled enough to become a superhero. He was among the more famous official replacements of Captain America at the hands of the U.S. government after Steve Rogers left the role behind due to a White House conspiracy.
Walker debuted in Captain America #323 in November 1986, following which he served as Super Patriot. As Captain America, Walker was an interesting character, but he was also complicated and psychologically unstable. He had to be taken down within a year, but Walker then emerged as U.S. Agent. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he was seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, played by Wyatt Russell.
10 Clint Barton
He Didn’t Feel Right Donning the Costume
This one might come as a surprise to many, because in the live-action movies and series, Clint Barton is only ever seen as Hawkeye (and Ronin). However, one particular arc in the Marvel Comics steers in a different direction. After his best friend Steve Rogers dies during the Civil War event, Iron Man is so struck by grief that he decides to find a replacement for the title.
Iron Man turns to the recently resurrected Clint Barton/Hawkeye. Apparently, he had a close relationship with Rogers and was one of the few people to be able to properly handle Captain America’s shield. In 1964’s Tales of Suspense #57 by Stan Lee and Don Heck, Iron Man was seen giving Barton one mission to be carried out as Captain America – to let two Young Avengers go free.
9 Bucky Barnes
From Winter Soldier to Captain America
He has been on the sidelines for as long as we can remember, but the solemn Bucky Barnes only earned enough spotlight after Steve Rogers fell during the Civil War events in the 2000s. After having his mind blurred and his body controlled by HYDRA, Bucky had finally freed himself from his painful past and was ready to redeem himself. Donning the suit of Captain America not only felt like paying homage to a friend, but it gave him a renewed sense of duty and purpose.
Despite inheriting the Stars and Stripes, Bucky’s initial time as Captain America was met with disapproval from civilians and other superheroes like Clint Barton. But he was no longer the Winter Soldier, and by leading a covert squad to dismantle the hands that once pulled his strings, fighting against Skrull shape-shifters and battling Asgardian gods, he proved that Steve’s legacy was in good hands.
8 Frank Castle
An Unfit Version of Cap
Fans of Marvel’s What If? and The Punisher series will find the inclusion of Frank Castle quite interesting because it works as an alternate universe theory as well as a crossover. The character was created by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru, and John Romita Sr. and made its debut in Marvel Comics in Amazing Spider-Man #129. He was a former US Marine who served in multiple wars and protected the nation with his might.
But after witnessing the brutal murder of his wife and children, Castle turned into a vigilante and swore to take down organized crime wherever he found it. In Joe Keatinge’s What If? Age of Ultron #4, the Punisher of another universe serves as Captain America. Not only are his skills and unique brand of justice reminiscent of Cap’s code of honor, but Castle’s costume was also based on Rogers’ Captain America.
Related: 15 R-Rated Marvel Comics That the MCU Should Adapt
7 David Rickford
A Clever Ruse by Nick Fury
In Captain America #615.1, David Rickford was a highly trained Special Forces soldier who received excessive training to enhance his strength and tolerance. He made an entrance after Bucky’s run as Captain America was complete, and he was sent to a Russian gulag. Apparently, Nick Fury needed Rogers’ Cap to reprise his role, so he used David as a ruse by tricking him into becoming the next super soldier.
But when David botched assigned a dangerous mission of attacking an A.I.M. base., he was overpowered and about to be turned into a new M.O.D.O.K. when Rogers came to his rescue. Together, they fought A.I.M. and Rogers later convinced David to give up the title of Captain America for his own sake.
6 Sam Wilson/Falcon
A Captain America that Was Wrongly Unaccepted by America
Known universally as the live-action sidekick/highly skilled flying machine who trained alongside Captain America in several Marvel movies and the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson or the Falcon was a prominent figure in Marvel Comics as well. After debuting in Captain America #117, he took to the skies with his trusty wings and embraced a destiny he could never have imagined as Cap’s most loyal ally and friend.
In the comics, Sam Wilson became Captain America in two instances. Once in 1999’s Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty miniseries, when Rogers became a symbol of white supremacists. And the second time, one we’re more familiar with, was when Rogers was no longer able to carry out superhero duties. In both scenarios, as the first Black man to officially hold the title, Wilson found himself battling prejudice as much as supervillains, but he proved himself worthy enough to wield Cap’s shield.
5 Samantha Wilson
An Alternate Reality
An alternate version of Captain America created by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez as part of Spider-Gwen’s narrative arc on Earth-65, Samantha Wilson was a student desperate to do her part in war, so she left her studies and entered World War II. Sam’s chance at donning the Stars and Stripes came when Peggy Carter offered her to partake in Project: Rebirth.
Sam underwent the twisted procedure and was injected with the Super-Soldier Serum, which gave her enhanced qualities of a human. And using her powers, technical know-how and natural bravery, she fought alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. in Europe as Captain America. Like the versions of Cap, Samantha also confronts great evils in the form of Red Skull, Baron Zemo, and HYDRA scientist Arnim Zola before finding herself trapped in the Multiverse.
4 Roberta Mendez
Captain America of the Future
Roberta Mendez, or Captain America 2099, is one of the coolest and strongest versions of the devoted patriot to exist within Marvel Comics. And even though female versions of Cap only exist in alternate realities, fans aren’t complaining because these women land blows that are just as impactful and enthralling. Created by Peter David and William Sliney, Roberta made her debut in the comics in Secret Wars 2099 #1.
She was the wife of Alchemax Operative One-Nine-Four-Zero and was subjected to the Super Soldier serum against her will. Metabolized, she shared the same powers and attributes as those of Steve Rogers of Earth-616 and fought alongside the Avengers of her universe as Captain America. Her costume resembled that of Cap’s, and she even wielded a shield.
3 Danielle Cage
“I Am the Shield!”
Another interesting character who became Captain America is Danielle Cage. Born to Luke Cage and Jessica Jones on Earth-15061, she was a natural hero. Unlike the others, Danielle was not a part of any project and was never injected with the super serum. Instead, she inherited the best qualities of both her parents and grew strong and sharp enough to take the identity of Captain America.
Her words, “See, my dad was an unbreakable man named Luke Cage. And my mom? Jessica Jones? She was even tougher. And I got their powers. So I don’t just throw the shield — I am the shield!” are testament to her strength. With Luke’s moral teachings and Jessica’s badass attitude, Danielle rose as a beloved hero within her universe and also became associated with the A.V.E.N.G.E.R.S. Initiative.
Related: Every MCU Villain Who Needs to Return & Why
2 Sharon Rogers
Another Multiverse Variant
We are naturally outside the timeline on Earth-616, and looking at the Multiverse, there are realities where Captain America was never frozen in ice at the end of World War II. On Earth-415, Steve Rogers and Agent Peggy Carter celebrated a private marriage ceremony and welcomed a baby girl a year later. Sharon Rogers was introduced to Marvel Future Fight #1 and was created by Netmarble Games.
As one would expect, Sharon followed in the footsteps of her parents and became an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. herself before eventually taking over her father’s role as Captain America. She later met up with S.H.I.E.L.D.’s tech adviser, Tony Star, who designed a futuristic Star Light Armor for her and a uniquely shaped shield to go with it.
1 Peggy Carter
Part of the Recent MCU
Marvel Studios already introduced this version of Steve Rogers’ love interest on-screen in the Disney+ series What If…?, so it should not come as a surprise that the character found herself transformed into Captain America in the comics as well. On Earth-86315, Steve Rogers and Dr. Abraham Erskine were assassinated by the Nazis way before the former could become Captain America. Peggy Carter was exposed to the Super-Soldier Program upon Howard Stark’s insistence.
By the time she was introduced in Marvel Puzzle Quest, Peggy already possessed great combat techniques and a devotion towards the cause, and paired with the powers of the Super Soldier Serum, Peggy became the greatest champion that America’s arsenal lacked in a time of need. Though her time as Captain America was fleeting, Peggy took on some formidable foes and opened new doors for successors.
“}]] While Steve Rogers is most likely remembered as the original Captain America, the pages of Marvel history gave the mantle to other heroes as well. Read More