From saying 'Hail HYDRA' to passing on his shield to Falcon, Captain America has gone through some drastic changes in the comics of the 2010s. The character's popularity soared this decade with Chris Evans' portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But while Evans played the Captain's classic version, many alternate scenarios were being worked around with him in the realm of comics.
As mentioned earlier, Steve Rogers wasn't the only Captain America in this era as others like Falcon and Bucky also held the shield at different points in time.
10 Captain America: Reborn (Limited Series)
Some of the best Captain America comic issues of the 2000s included The Death of Captain America and Fallen Son, both of which touched upon the hero's demise and the aftermath. As the title suggests, the Reborn miniseries end up reviving him into a newer Marvel Universe.
Reborn starts off by capturing the sad reactions of his peers in the Avengers. It perfectly sums up the impact that he has had on other superheroes. But when he returns, his indomitable spirit goes on to address the Captain's heroism further.
9 Captain America: Who Will Wield The Shield (One-Shot)
Following Steve Rogers' death, his best friend Bucky Barnes holds the shield of Captain America. But when Rogers turns out to be alive, both must decide on who will be the next Captain.
The comic is narrated via flashbacks as Rogers jogs down memory lane, thinking about all the times that he fought alongside Bucky back in the Second World War. In this sense, this one-shot showcases the roots of Steve and Bucky's iconic friendship while adding more context to the future of 'the shield.'
8 Avengers Vs. X-Men (Crossover)
One of the wildest comic book crossovers from the 2010s, Avengers Vs. X-Men showed a new side to Captain America's personality. When the Phoenix Force returns and demands the sacrifice of Hope Summers, her mutant team naturally tries to help her out. On the other hand, Captain America and a few Avengers decide to hand Hope over to the Force as it could prevent the collateral damage and further loss of lives.
In earlier comics, Captain America was always ready to sacrifice himself over others. But in this case, he uses a rational thought process believing that one mutant's sacrifice can save the rest of humanity. This decision is what leads to further chaos between the two factions.
7 Sam Wilson Vol 3 (Captain America: Sam Wilson #9-13)
As a second Civil War erupts, Steve Rogers returns to don the star-spangled costume while the new Captain America (Sam Wilson) struggles with his own internal dilemmas. Given the immense popularity that Rogers enjoys as the Captain, many people aren't ready to respect Wilson in his new role. Within no time, #givebacktheshield starts trending on the Internet.
This impactful storyline shows readers the insecurities that a superhero can face in the wake of public backlash. Wilson tries his best to honor Roger's legacy but at the same time, he needs to carve his own. Whether the public is ready for him or not, this question forms the crux of the story.
6 Cut Off One Head (Falcon & Winter Soldier #1-5)
As the Winter Soldier (aka Bucky) becomes the target of an assassination, Falcon decides to find HYDRA's links behind this incident. The two unlikely friends race against time to find the new leader of HYDRA before the evil organization wreaks havoc on a global scale.
For those who loved Sam Wilson and Bucky's on-screen chemistry as characters in the Disney+ MCU shows, The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Cut Off One Head would make for an adrenaline-fueled ride. Once existing in Captain America's shadow, both heroes shine out on their own in their pursuit to save the world.
5 Captain America & Iron Man (Limited Series)
Captain America and Iron Man might have their disagreements but they also make for a great duo while leading the Avengers. In this limited series, they are left to their own wits as they visit Madripoor to investigate a sketchy arms deal.
Fans of the Captain America mythos are bound to read Captain America & Iron Man as it resembles the adventures of MCU's Bucky and Falcon in the same fictional Marvel Comics country. Madripoor is a fascinating setting with its own fair share of ominous secrets. While the 2000s saw the two heroes waging a 'civil war' against each other, it is only exciting to see them finally join forces.
4 Hail HYDRA (Limited Series)
In five issues, five different artists interpret Captain America's tumultuous relationship with the Nazi-era organization known as HYDRA. From countering soldiers to zombies, he fights off HYDRA forces in all the ways that he can. By the final issue, he even seeks the help of fellow Avengers like Wolverine and Spider-Man.
The longstanding enmity between Captain and HYDRA is what formed the basis of the former's origin. And as this conflict might be a perpetual theme in the pantheon of Captain America stories, Hail HYDRA serves as an interesting reinterpretation of his attempts at bringing down the organization of global evil.
3 Captain America: Steve Rogers Vol 1 (Captain America: Steve Rogers #1-6)
A brainwashed Steve Rogers returns in a new costume and a new attitude even as Sam Wilson has taken up the duties as the all-new Captain America. Rogers goes against everything that he stood for. A particular moment was when he said 'Hail HYDRA,' a shocking scene that became quite a meme'd Marvel Comics moment.
The reveal behind his mind control explains why Rogers began behaving in such a manner. But in the debut issue, the shock is very much there. In fact, the quote was famously acted out even in Avengers: Endgame. Such can be the impact of a single comic book panel.
2 Man Out Of Time (Limited Series)
Man Out Of Time is one of the best takes on Captain America's early days. The story starts off in the present when the frozen Steve Rogers is brought back to life by the Avengers. Backstories reveal his adventures in the War and how he engaged in direct combat with foes like Red Skull and even Adolf Hitler.
Shifting between the timelines, readers can't help but empathize with Rogers for the generation gap that he feels in this new world. To an extent, such themes were also explored in The Avengers.
1 Promised Land (Captain America #701-704)
Set in a Utopian America of the future, Promised Land is centered upon Captain America's son Jack Rogers. As Jack struggles to find a cure for his son's fatal diseases, he chances upon some family-kept secrets that he never thought he would find.
Even though Captain America does not play an active part in the storyline, his glorious history is present everywhere in this storyline. On one hand, he's venerated as an all-American hero. Meanwhile, his grandson just leads an anonymous life. The contrast between the two makes the story all the more exciting.
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