US Agent Will Always Live in Captain America's Shadow
As one of Marvel’s most reputable and inspirational heroes, Captain America’s shoes are hard to fill. Many have tried to take up the shield in Steve Rogers’ stead, including U.S. Agent John Walker, but try as he might, Marvel just proved that Walker will never escape the shadow of Captain America.
Created by Mark Gruenwald, John Walker first appeared in Captain America #323 as Super-Patriot, an antagonist to the Star-Spangled Avenger. As a former soldier, Walker is just as patriotic as Rogers, but he is no superhero. Walker expresses his patriotism in a much more aggressive way that, at times, borders on villainous. Super-Patriot believed Captain America to be an outdated symbol for their nation and sought to replace him, which he almost succeeded in doing after defeating the terrorist Warhead in Captain America #332, making him instantly famous across the country. With that act of heroism on his resume, Walker was selected to become the new Captain America when Steve Rogers resigned in Captain America #333, but his tenure with the mantle was brief, and Walker himself later convinced Steve to return. With Rogers reinstated as Captain America, Walker took on a new superhero identity: the U.S. Agent. However, he may still have a few too many similarities to Cap.
Recently, U.S. Agent returned to Marvel Comics in U.S.Agent: American Zealot by Christopher Priest. Now working as an independent contractor without government assistance, Walker needs to obtain information any way he can, which includes impersonating Captain America in issue #2. When his bike breaks down in West Virginia, Walker gets some help from a good samaritan, who understandably arrives at the conclusion that Walker is Captain America himself. This leads to the townsfolk practically throwing a parade in his honor, with everyone clamoring to get a photo, thank him for his service, and ask him to kiss their baby. Walker tries to tell them that he’s not who they think he is but eventually realizes he can use the misunderstanding to his advantage to gain information. After all, who would lie to Captain America?
While the confusion actually wound up helping Walker here, this issue also goes to show how difficult it is for U.S. Agent to make a name for himself. On the one hand, he owes his entire existence to Captain America - even his outfit and shield are clearly variations of Cap’s gear. On the other hand, Walker’s outlook is very different from Steve’s. By taking on his own mantle, Walker hoped to do things his way, but as long as the public continues to see him as the Star-Spangled Avenger, he’s beholden to Captain America's legacy.
At the end of the day, it’s hard to blame anyone for confusing U.S. Agent with Captain America given their similarities. Although, between American Zealot and the upcoming The Falcon and the Winter Soldier TV series, in which Walker is set to make his live-action debut, maybe making a name for himself won’t be as difficult as it seems.
More: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: 10 Things You Need To Know About John Walker