From the Comics: The Unfreezing of Captain America

One of the most famous events in comic book history is undoubtedly the unfreezing of Captain America. This one, simple action changed the course of comic book history and brought back a character most fans will agree is one of the greatest heroes of all time. Today’s “From the Comics” insight will look at how this event occurred and how it led to Captain America joining the Avengers. 

Background

Captain America was a hero long before the Avengers were a team or even before the individual members of the Avengers had been created. Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created and introduced Captain America in Captain America Comics #1, way back in December of 1940. He quickly became one of the company’s top comic characters and his adventures were published throughout what is known as the Golden Age of Comics.

However, during the later half of the 1940’s, superhero comics became less and less popular. Many superhero titles were canceled and their characters essentially stopped appearing. Captain America was no exception to this trend and, by the later half of the 1950’s, he had completely disappeared from the comic book landscape.

Then, in 1963, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby had an idea. In issue #114 of a comic called Strange Tales, they predominately featured an imposter pretending to be a classic hero, Captain America. The comic closed with a statement asking fans if there was any interest in bringing back this hero for real.

Less than a year later, fan interest allowed Captain America to make his debut in Avengers #4.

The Return

After a recent battle with the Avengers, Namor was traveling the North Sea looking for the other Atlantians, who had recently rejected his leadership. There, he noticed a group of people worshiping some sort of human figure incased in ice. Feeling angry due to his recent troubles, Namor lashed out at the people and tossed their frozen idol into the sea.

This block of ice was carried away by the water, began to melt, and drifted right past the Avengers’ submarine. As luck would have it, it was noticed by the team and immediately brought on board. There, the Wasp recognized the freshly-defrosted man as Captain America, a hero the Avengers remembered from years ago.

At this point, Captain America woke from suspended animation with a shocking jolt. After some initial confusion and a near brush with death from Thor’s hammer, Captain America was given the opportunity to explain what happened to him.

He stated that, during World War II, he and his young partner, Bucky Barnes, were attempting to stop an “explosive-filled drone plane” from being captured by the enemy. Unfortunately, in order to stop the plane, the two were forced to jump on top of it as it took off. Bucky was trapped on the plane and was caught in the plane’s explosion. However, Captain America was able to leap from it before it ignited, causing him to fall into the frigid waters off the coast of Newfoundland. He explained that that was the last thing he remembered before the Avengers woke him up.

Shortly after finishing his story, Captain America and the Avengers arrived back in New York City. Captain America immediately began taking in the sights and sounds of a familiar city, in a new era. He was amazed by the strange hairstyles, smaller cars, television, and NYC’s UN building. He also met people who recognized him and were happy to have him back “just when the world has need of such a man.”

Then, a somewhat strange debacle took place. The Avengers were unexpectedly turned into stone and Captain America was asked to save them. After doing some detective work, he discovered that an alien had attacked the team and that this alien was working for Namor, who was still upset after his recent battle with the Avengers. Captain America convinced the alien to release the Avengers from their stone prison and all of the heroes went off to fight Namor.

Though their battle with Namor was inconclusive, it was obvious to the Avengers that Captain America was a proficient fighter and a definite asset on the battlefield. Together, they offered him membership on the team and he immediately accepted.

This marked a huge moment in the history of comic books. It allowed a Golden Age hero to return to the comic book landscape and was the first expansion of the Avenger’s roster. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby began Avengers #4 by suggesting readers “save this issue” because they will “treasure it in time to come” and history has proven this brief warning to be more than accurate.

Note: Some of the exact details surrounding these events have been slightly altered by later comics. The exact nature of those retcons will be the subject of a future “From the Comics” exploration.

Recommended Reading

If you’re interested in reading these comic adventures for yourself, we recommend picking up the following titles:

• Captain America Comics #1- This issue that introduced the world to Captain America. This issue is collected in Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age Captain America Vol. 1.
• Avengers #4- Which depicts Captain America’s unfreezing and the adventures immediately following it. This issue is collected in Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers Vol. 1 (Review).

“From the Comics” is ComicBookWire’s attempt at placing the spotlight on important, memorable, or just plain fun moments in comic history. For more articles like this check here. Also, make sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.