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There are characters who have a universal appeal that goes beyond their origins. Captain America might have started as America’s very own super soldier, but he’s become something much more in the decades since he made burst onto the comic book scene punching Nazis left and right. And I can see the appeal – I’ve been cosplaying as Captain America (the Steve Rogers version) since 2020, despite living in the UK since long before that. He’s a hero that transcends borders that anyone can find something to latch onto.

His name might make it seem like Captain America’s popularity would be confined to the US, but I can tell you that he has plenty of fans here in the UK. When I started cosplaying as Steve Rogers, I figured I would be something of a novelty. It helped that I had the accent too. Yet, I was one of many Caps walking the floor at shows like MCM London. The hero’s role in the MCU certainly helped elevate him on the international stage, but what struck me, and what still strikes me every time I attend a convention, is how people feel ownership of a scrawny kid from Brooklyn who grew up to save the world.

For me, my love of Captain America started long before the MCU was a twinkle in Kevin Feige’s eye when I would read as many comics at the local shop as I could before they reminded me that it wasn’t a library (we were way too broke to afford to buy any comics back then). Here was a leader in the purest sense of the word; a mere mortal on a team with Thor, who was a literal god, Hulk, who was stronger than the gods, and Tony Stark, who thought he was a god. Yet, they all turned to him for leadership.

It wasn’t just his tactical mind or his ability to keep his cool under pressure that made him the leader of the team. It was how he was always the moral compass of the Avengers. When he gave an order, it was because he believed it was the right thing and I think that is something that makes him appealing to people around the world. As much as people fawn over conflicted heroes like Batman or Daredevil, we still love the unwavering symbols of good and honesty like Captain America or Superman. We’ve got enough darkness in the world; we could do with a little truth and justice now and then.

Every time I put on my Captain America costume, I know I’m going to get swarmed by people who are excited to see the character come to life. Whether it is at a convention or running a stall at a charity event, I have kids and adults eager to talk to me about the character, recreating our favorite scenes or sharing our favorite quotes with a wonderful giddiness. Captain America connects us, no matter where we're from.

Anthony Mackie might have gotten some heat for suggesting that Captain America represents something beyond America itself, but he was right. There is something universal about a character that stands up to bullies, looks out for people, and makes the difficult choices to do what is right. In a world where America doesn’t necessarily do those things, it is important to see that Captain America does.

As we’re going to see in Brave New World, Captain America is a man who will stand between us and the most powerful person on the planet and fight the battles we can’t take on ourselves. He’ll stare any bully or villain in the face and, with unflinching certainty, say, “No. You move.”

There is a sense, in every comic and movie that he appears in, that Captain America fights for everyone, and that is why Captain America is for everyone.

Want more? Make sure you've read our list of all the best Marvel Comics stories of all time, and the most powerful Marvel Comics characters (yes, you can debate in the comments!).