6 Characters Who Became Captain America Other Than Steve Rogers
(Image courtesyFB/E.Z.)
When most people think of Captain America, they immediately picture Chris Evans and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Anthony Mackie is a talented actor, there was little setup or buildup for his transition into wielding the shield—despite Steve Rogers passing it to him in both the MCU and the comics. Casual fans who haven’t read the comics often struggle to envision anyone other than Chris Evans, or rather, their idealized version of Steve Rogers, as Captain America. However, many characters have stepped into the role throughout the comic book history, proving that the mantle is bigger than just one man.
Characters Who Became Captain America
Captain America is not a name for one person; it is a mantle and a title. There are over 20 different characters besides Steve Rogers who became the official Captain America in the comic books. Steve Rogers has lost his life, become an elderly man, and just lost the title of Captain America many times in the comic books.
Here is a list of six characters besides Steve Rogers who became the official Captain America.
John Walker/ U.S. Agent
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John Walker made his debut in Captain America #323 in 1986. A former military officer, he was enhanced with a super-soldier-like serum by the Power Broker. Initially taking on the mantle of the villainous Super-Patriot, Walker was an extremist, embodying a darker, twisted version of Captain America. However, he later redeemed himself and officially held the title of Captain America for nearly two years in the late 1980s.
Eventually, Walker transitioned into his new identity as U.S. Agent after Steve Rogers reclaimed his shield and title. Unlike Rogers, Walker operates with a more aggressive, hardline approach, often resorting to extreme methods to achieve victory. Actor Wyatt Russell portrays John Walker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing his complex and morally gray character to life.
For a deeper dive into his latest adventures, check out U.S. Agent: American Zealot. In this storyline, Walker now works independently, protecting a small town from the sinister operations of a soulless corporation.
Get the 112-page paperback for $15.97 at Amazon now.
2. Bucky Barnes/ Winter Soldier
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Bucky Barnes was essentially the Robin to Captain America’s Batman in the 1940s. However, after his early comic book appearances, he faded into obscurity or was placed in forgettable storylines—until the 2000s. In 2005, Bucky received a retroactive origin story that dramatically reshaped his character. Instead of dying in World War II, he was captured, tortured, and brainwashed by the Russians, transforming into the deadly assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Under mind control, he carried out assassinations and was periodically placed in suspended hibernation for months or even years between missions.
In 2008, following Steve Rogers’ death in the comics, Bucky took up the mantle of Captain America. However, his tenure was short-lived, as his dark history as the Winter Soldier became public knowledge, ultimately leading him to relinquish the shield.
For a deeper dive into this compelling arc, Captain America: The Death of Captain America – The Complete Collection is a 559-page paperback that chronicles the storyline where the Winter Soldier steps into the role of Captain America.
Get it for $49.99 at Amazon now.
3. Truth: Red, White, and Black (2003)
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The Tuskegee Experiments were a horrifying real-world atrocity carried out by the U.S. government between 1932 and 1972. Hundreds of Black men were forcibly infected with syphilis under the guise of medical research, suffering for decades without proper treatment. This comic draws inspiration from that historical event, exploring how the government might have attempted to recreate the super-soldier serum that transformed Steve Rogers into Captain America.
After Rogers’ transformation, the secret formula for the serum was lost. In 1942, over 300 African-American soldiers were subjected to experimental recreations of the serum—enduring extreme testing, suffering, and unimaginable torture. Only one test subject survived: Isaiah Bradley. Despite the brutal experiments, Bradley took up the mantle of Captain America, carrying out covert missions in secrecy.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, actor Carl Lumbly brings Isaiah Bradley’s powerful story to life, shedding light on the tragic yet heroic legacy of a forgotten soldier.
Get the 168-page hardcover for $69.95 at Amazon right now.
4. Sam Wilson/ Falcon
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Depending on how you look at it, Steve Rogers is actually in his late 90s. His time frozen in ice, combined with the effects of the super-soldier serum, dramatically slowed his aging process. However, in 2012, after battling a formidable villain, Rogers discovers that the serum in his blood is degrading. As a result, his body begins to age naturally, and he rapidly transitions into an elderly man. Realizing his time as Captain America is over, he chooses to pass the shield and mantle to Sam Wilson.
Sam Wilson has officially held the title of Captain America in the comics on and off since 2014. As of now, he still carries the shield, sharing the title with Steve Rogers in the current storyline.
Get Captain America: Sam Wilson – The Complete Collection Vol. 1, a 474-page paperback for $30.52 at Amazon now.
5. Clint Barton/ Hawkeye
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Comic books have a habit of bringing characters back to life, no matter how definitive their deaths seem. In 2007, Steve Rogers was killed in the comics, leaving the mantle of Captain America vacant. Before Bucky Barnes officially took up the role in 2008, another unexpected hero briefly stepped in—Clint Barton. At Tony Stark’s urging, Barton agreed to don the shield for a single mission, honoring Rogers’ legacy before ultimately returning to his own identity.
Get Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America, a 109-page hardcover for only $12.25 at Amazon.
6. Nazi Steve Rogers
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In the comics, HYDRA is essentially Marvel’s version of the Nazis. In 2014, Steve Rogers lost the super-soldier serum, causing him to rapidly age into a man in his 90s. Later, he comes into contact with a Cosmic Cube—an object of immense cosmic power—which restores his youth. However, this isn’t the Steve Rogers fans know.
Instead, the Cosmic Cube creates an alternate version of Rogers—one who has been a lifelong HYDRA agent. This “Nazi Captain America” shocked readers, sparking outrage among Marvel fans. Due to the backlash, Marvel quickly retconned the storyline. It was revealed that the real Steve Rogers had been trapped inside the Cosmic Cube, and the Winter Soldier eventually rescued him. Rogers ultimately defeats his HYDRA counterpart, reclaims his title, and has his youth restored.
Get Captain America: Steve Rogers Vol. 1: Hail Hydra, a 169-page paperback for $7.75 at Amazon now.
Many Characters Became Cap, But There is Only One Steve Rogers
If you’re a casual comic book reader, it’s important to know that many legacy characters exist within the medium. Publishers often retire a main character temporarily and allow another to step into the role. Even Nightcrawler from the X-Men briefly became Spider-Man.
If Steve Rogers is your favorite character, that’s completely understandable. For many modern fans, their image of Captain America is tied to Chris Evans rather than the comics. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it does mean you’re missing out on decades of incredible Captain America stories. The title of Captain America isn’t exclusive to one person—it’s a mantle that has been passed down through generations. Countless alternate versions of Cap exist in comic book history, waiting to be explored.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
