The final 'Death' of the Golden Age of Marvel?

[Winters_Sorrow]

Marvel have killed off Captain America.
See link here

Is this a welcome sign that very old characters are being 'retired' to focus on more recent heroes and comparative morality or a cynical cash in before the inevitable "rebirth". And is it even desireable to abandon these old stalwarts?
In fairness Marvel are historicially usually more reluctant to bring dead heroes back to life but recent events (like the return of Bucky) have questioned whether this is still the case.

What are people's thoughts?

 

[Talysia]

One thing I've noticed about Marvel over the years is that nothing - especially death - is permanent in the Marvel universe. It used to happen a lot with the X-Men stories. My guess is they'll see how public opinion fares and then consider their options. Still, if it IS permanent, then maybe it is the end of Marvel's golden age.

 

[McMurphy]

Re: The final 'Death' of America

I think everyone is going to be a little hesitate over believing a comic character's death is permanent, but, due to Marvel's recent strokes of sudden big changes, I think there is more of a chance that he will stay dead than in the past...however slight that may be.

What interests me about the move, is the symbolic nature of it. Obviously, the Civil War series is overtly political and reflects the current state of the United States. Nothing in the Marvel universe could drive home the point that the "American dream" has been assassinated by an Administration's stripping the average citizen of their rights, engaging in new-age empirical war waging, and the public seemingly active support or, at least, apathy over either action than be killing Captain America: the ultimate and long lasting symbol of patriotism. The character was created to rally domestic support for the United States efforts in World War II; he has legitimate roots as an icon for patriotism.

I actually find it a shame that it is the shocking changes to the Marvel Universe that has gotten all the media discussion instead of the bold political stance taken by a major mainstream comic book company that the changes take place in.

 

[dustinzgirl]

Yes, but this is Captain America for pity's sakes...he can't die, ever! He will be resurrected!

Actually I haven't read comic books in a decade or so, but I used to love Capt America, Iron Man and stuff when I was a kid.

Capt America has been around forever--since what, the 1940's? How can they possibly kill Capt America?

Talysia, yes they do that a lot, but once they kill a character and bring them back it never has the same feel....its kinda like a cheat I think.

 

[Talysia]

Talysia, yes they do that a lot, but once they kill a character and bring them back it never has the same feel....its kinda like a cheat I think.

I couldn't agree more. Granted, it's been a while since I read any Marvel, but to me it always felt like a publicity stunt when they killed a major character off, and then brought them back again. I enjoyed the stories back then, but as you said, it wasn't the same.

 

[Alienweirdo]

i wouldn't be surprised if they bring him back, i'd be dissapointed if they did though. as sad as it is, his death would remain a huge event and unlike Superman's death have a prolonged effect on the marvel universe. i think Mcmurphy has hit the nail on the head with the analogy.

as for death of the golden age, what about Namor?

Anyway, there is always the Ultimate Universe.