Comparison: Captain America and Scandinavian Vikings

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Recommended: Roles and characteristics of a traditional american hero

I fully accept that I am a geek when it comes to the Marvel superhero comics. I could not help but note that after watching Captain America, my favorite from the Avenger’s series, I noticed Chris Evans capitalized on the classic iconic American Hero. Typically when we hear superhero we think of a man that begins with Bat, Spider or Super. Yet none of these men fully embody the American icon of comic heroism. While using a narrative paradigm and Bourke I will examine our icon in comparison to a Norwegian Viking through a postmodern lens. Comparing these two icons may seem as an odd comparison, however their similarity might shed light into who the American hero really is.
Our Superhero Icon

[See attached image of Captain America]
Without including the movie, or the comics, let us examine the visual imagery of Captain America. In specifically examining the picture included in this text we will see a very strong hero. His wardrobe screams fighter; as he is equipped with pockets for holding weapons, durable for fighting, and accents his very masculine stature. His getup embodies his era, WWII, and pays homage to the country he is from and represents. His costume respectfully represents America. Steve Rogers, AKA Captain America’s costume is mostly blue however; single white star on his chest respectfully represents all of the states and towards his abdomen we find vertical red and white stripes. His mask covering around his eyes and chin is all black with a white “A” on his forehead.
With arms positioned at a ready stance, as if he was staring down an opponent or ready to run he looks like a super hero. In his left hand he is holding his shield. This shield would be the most iconic accessory of his. A red stripe, white, and an...

... middle of paper ...

... cultures and hidden identities yet act as mere examples of American and European cultures.

Works Cited

Anonymous. (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/

Captain America (Steve Rogers). (2013). Retrieved from http://marvel.com/
Universe/Captain_America_(Steve_Rogers)

City of Moorhead Hjemkomst center. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.hjemkomstcenter.com

Johnston, J. (Director & Producer). (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger. Hollywood: Paramount Films.

Lamoureux, M. (2009, March). The influence of Vikings on European culture. Retrieved from http://www.sourcinginnovation.com/archaeology/
Arch07.htm
Stockbro, K. (2013, November 24). Interview by L. Roach. Thoughts and Views on Vikings.

USA. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.statesymbolusa.org/National_Symbols/
National_colors.htm.

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