Comics

Comic Book Heroes Who Have Served In The U.S. Military

The worlds perceived in comic books are often magical and larger than life. However, some characters provide a more relatable storyline, captivating the audience with the feeling of pride and excitement. The most feasible way of this is through alter egos like the journalist Clark Kent or the photographer Peter Parker. Early comics were created during World War II around the time the United States joined the allied forces. These comics were a tribute to the heroism of the brave soldiers fighting overseas, such as the infamous Captain America, otherwise known as Steve Rogers. Whether these heroes obtained their power through mysterious energy or a top-secret government experiment, they were many a time chosen for their exceptional acts of courage in and out of battle.

Here are 8 Comic Book Heroes Who Have Served In The U.S. Military

 

#8 Captain Atom – Captain Nathaniel Adam

Nathaniel Adam battled in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Air Force Officer however was subsequently outlined for wrongdoing and condemned to death. To stay away from discipline, Nathaniel was welcome to participate in a military experiment with the guarantee of an official pardon. The experiment merged an alien metal with his body, giving him access to the Quantum Field and time traveled him 20 years in the future.

He woke up where he was believed to be dead and never pardoned, leading the military to extort him into utilizing his strength as their weapon. He later joined the Justice League and turned into the legend known as Captain Atom.

#7 Batwoman – Kate Kane

Born into a military family, Kate and her twin sister, Beth, lived their childhood on army bases. While attending Westpoint, Kate rose the ranks to Brigade Executive Officer by her senior year. With her exceptional discipline and ability, she was on her way to a successful military career. However, this was disrupted when she was accused of homosexuality conflict, breaking the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” rule.

In a courageous effort, she came out as gay and left West Point. This leads to substance abuse and loneliness. Kate later finds herself in an alley; alone and confused, a stranger attacks her. She was able to fight the guy off by the time Batman showed up to help. From that moment on, she was inspired by Batman and later became Batwoman.

#6 Gravedigger – Captain Ulysses

Ulysses was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II; he experienced a segregated military that forced soldiers of color to work lowly jobs like kitchen work and burying the dead.
He became the one-person unit known as Gravedigger by the Pentagon. Having no superpowers, he was undoubtedly a skilled soldier and marksman.

#5 Black Captain America – Isaiah Bradley

After the success of the Super Soldier Serum, the U.S. Army made it prominent to create more super soldiers. However, Dr. Erskine, the one who created the serum, was killed. To recreate the serum, the Army forcibly recruited 300 African-American soldiers to test the re-creation of the serum. One of these soldiers was Isaiah Bradley, who became a covert black-ops team for the military and a few other survivors.

Isaiah’s story leaked to both the Black and Superhero communities, all of whom had much praise for the man they considered the Black Captain America.

#4 Green Lantern – Sergeant John Stewart

To pay for a college education, John Stewart joined the Marines. He did a tour in the Middle East, which granted him the rank of Sergeant. Later, an event transpired in Gotham, which forced John to break ranks to save a stadium full of civilians; for his heroic actions, he was honorably discharged.

For his heroism, the Guardians of the Universe had been keeping an eye on him and later granted him a Green Lantern Ring. John would fit in nicely with the Green Lantern Corps and would go on to become the leader of the lanterns.

#3 War Machine – Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes

James Rhodes’ story starts when he meets Tony Stark while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Rhodes became Tony’s pilot and chief aviation engineer and took over for him as Iron Man when Tony had troubles with substance abuse. This leads to him becoming the War Machine to fight alongside Iron Man and the other Avengers.

#2 Captain Marvel – Major Carol Danvers

Carol Danvers was the daughter of two military parents; her father, Joe Danvers Sr. was a U.S. Navy officer, and her mother, Mari-Ell, was a captain in the Kree Army. She grows up to be an officer in the United States Air Force. There she meets Mar-Vell and gains his alien powers. Said to be the strongest Avenger, Captain Marvel has been a symbol for women’s rights and progress.

#1 Captain America – Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers was restricted from enlisting in the U.S. Army during WWII due to his health and stature. However, his passion and perseverance gained him entry to the Super-Soldier project. The result turned Steve Rogers into the superhuman known as Captain America.

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