Since Captain America was introduced in March 1941 he has become the quintessential patriotic hero. The first wave of superheroes faced not only the burgeoning comic book villains but also real and fictitious figures among the Axis powers and Nazi regime. Captain America, aka Steve Rogers, represented the pinnacle of bravery and devotion to stopping those villains – real or created.
In the years since, Captain America has maintained and grown his reach as one of Marvel’s flagship characters. He outlived the more gimmicky patriotic wartime characters, endured when superhero titles temporarily lost their foothold in comics, and when Marvel entered a period of fruitful creation, Captain America was updated and brought along for the ride. He has been a consummate team leader across Marvel titles and reached new heights of visibility outside of comics thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and Chris Evans’ never say die performances. Through trends and transitions, Captain America has maintained his position among Marvel’s most valuable and loved heroes.
Captain America first appeared in Timely Comics’ Captain America Comics #1 in the months leading up to World War II. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, he wasn’t the first patriotic superhero (Archie’s The Shield was months ahead of him), but he was the one with the most lasting impact.
In their premier Auction 241, Hake’s is selling Cap’s origin and first appearance in Captain America Comics #1 CGC 5.5. Not only did it introduce Captain America, the major Golden Age key also houses the origin and first appearance of Bucky, and the debut of Red Skull. It has a classic Jack Kirby World War II cover featuring Cap punching Hitler, and has an inset image of Bucky. Joe Simon and Kirby wrote the stories, Ed Herron provided an additional story, and Simon, Kirby, and Al Liederman provided the art.
Hake’s Auction #241 contains 2,120 lots of comics, toys, and other pop culture memorabilia, as well as political items, baseball cards, and other historical collectibles. Bidding is open at hakes.com now through Tuesday and Wednesday, July 30-31, 2024.
