The son of one of the creators of the iconic Marvel hero Captain America was “appalled” and disgusted” by the Capitol Hill rioters, especially those who stormed the building wearing clothes and carrying shields which referenced the character.
“Captain America has stood as a symbol and protector of our democracy and the rule of law for the past 79 years,” Neal Kirby, the son of Jack Kirby, said in a statement to CNN. “He was created by two Jewish guys from New York who hated Nazis and hated bullies.”
“While watching one of the horrific videos of the storming of the Capitol, I thought I noticed someone in a Trump/Capt. America t-shirt! I was appalled and mortified,” he continued.
“I believe I even caught a quick glance of someone with a Captain America shield. A quick Google search turned up Trump as Captain America on T-shirts, posters, even a flag! These images are disgusting and disgraceful. Captain America is the absolute antithesis of Donald Trump. Where Captain America is selfless, Trump is self-serving. Where Captain America fights for our country and democracy, Trump fights for personal power and autocracy. Where Captain America stands with the common man, Trump stands with the powerful and privileged. Where Captain America is courageous, Trump is a coward. Captain America and Trump couldn’t be more different.”
“My father, Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, the creators of Captain America and WWII veterans, would be absolutely sickened by these images,” Kirby said. “These images are an insult to both their memories.”
“If Donald Trump had the qualities and character of Captain America, the White House would be a shining symbol of truth and integrity, not a festering cesspool of lies and hypocrisy. Several of our presidents held the same values as Captain America. Donald Trump is not one of them.”
Captain America himself, actor Chris Evans, also lamented the scene while it was unfolding.
“So many people enabled this,” Evans, who is rumored to return to the role, said on Twitter on Jan. 6.
