What I love about Marvel is how willing they are to tell and retell the same stories and change the details and characters that are involved; thus presenting new angles and depth over the course of time. The more you read and watch the more you will get from each instalment.

Captain America, has always seemed boring on the outside as a character that represents the self-appointed ‘land of the free’, ‘best country ever’ United States, but is interesting exactly because of that. Just as the US in reality goes back and forth on the privacy versus safety thing the new Captain America movie takes this as its opening premise. Captain America must make the choice between these two states of being.

What is interesting is that the Hollywood version chooses the non-surveillance route as the side for Good; which I think says something nice about the US – ie that such a counter argument can be safely put forward against the prevailing philosophy.

This isn’t Cap’s first offense. This is very similar to the time Cap went against the superhero registration act and became a fugitive against his own government (in the Civil War series by Marvel comics).

So while Captain America could be accused of simplifying complex issues (i09 I’m looking at you) let’s not forget that this is a film for kids and the young and violent at heart. For a more complex depiction of the surveillance state, please investigate the Ghost in the Shell (first and second gig) as well, of course, as 1984 and We.

Captain America is great for kids and adults who need help determining the righteous path: Ask yourself, ‘What would the Nazis have done?’ And then do the opposite. (Clearly his decision-making is heavily influenced by early life experiences, but aren’t we all?). I believe the same ph test is used by many.