Just like Greece will forever be remembered for the mythology that spawned the likes of Zeus and Hercules, so too will America for superheroes. Quite rightly described by Stan Lee as being a present-day version of Greek or even Norse mythology, the colourful comic book characters dominating newsstands, theaters, and TV shows are rooted in the United States and its most formative years.
It should hardly come as a surprise, then, that there are a lot of very patriotic superheroes. Many of these were created during the dark days of World War II, though there are some who both pre and post-date that conflict. The one thing they all have in common, though, is the love of their country.
The characters listed here may have been created to help get people through tough times when things weren't looking so good for America, or simply embody everything that's great about the USA without wearing the flag on their chest, but they're all true patriots for very different reasons.
To check out the full list of heroes (and the odd anti-hero), all you need to do is click the "Next" button below!
10. Phantom Eagle
Long before Captain America served his country, Phantom Eagle flew through the skies and defended the good, ol' U.S. of A during the dark days of World War I. Debuting in the pages of Marvel Super-Heroes #16, this largely forgotten caped crusader was a heroic fighter pilot.
A member of the international super-team called Freedom's Five, he raced into action alongside the Crimson Cavalier, the Silver Squire, Sir Steel, and Union Jack. However, it was this American with German parents who fought for the Allies and managed to repel a German invasion of New York.
While he's been involved in stories featuring Kang the Conqueror, The Hulk, Doctor Strange, and The Punisher, it's a real shame Phantom Eagle doesn't get more love, especially as a true patriot.
9. Miss America
Miss America is a Golden Age superhero who was a member of both The Invaders and All-Winners Squad. Despite being a wealthy teen heiress who could have easily spent World War II living in comfort, the second Madeline Joyce gained superpowers in a freak accident, she suited up to fight for the country she loved.
With "the strength of a thousand men" and the power of flight, Miss America was a key ally to Captain America and company as she battled alongside him against the Nazis.
Unfortunately, Marvel decided to resurrect the character years after her death as a racist in the pages of X-Statix Presents: Dead Girl. While she ultimately renounced the beliefs that sent her to hell, this soured the character's legacy, hence why she doesn't place higher here.
8. American Eagle
American Eagle was created by Doug Moench and Ron Wilson and is a member of the Navajo Tribe. Also known as Jason Strongbow, he's never starred in his own series, but has become a recurring presence in the Marvel Universe (including in the pages of Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda.
Jason actually received his powers during a run-in with Black Panther villain Ulysses Klaw, and after a blast of sonic energy combined with the uranium in the sacred mountain he was looking to protect were combined, he gained a number of incredible superhuman abilities.
American Eagle represents a different side of America, but one that's every bit as important as the red, white, and blue-clad characters you'll see elsewhere in this feature.
7. Uncle Sam
Unsurprisingly, there have been a few different versions of Uncle Sam in the comic books over the years, with the original first debuting back in 1940 as a revolutionary war soldier who was magically resurrected to fight for the United States whenever the country came under the threat.
Created by The Spirit's Will Eisner for Quality Comics, DC Comics later acquired the character and made him a supporting player in the pages of Justice League of America.
There, he led the Freedom Fighters, and was depicted as a spiritual entity created through an occult ritual by the Founding Fathers whose powers could be utilised whenever he merged with a dying patriot. He basically had all the powers of Captain America, and most recently appeared in "Blackest Night" and The New 52.
6. Iron Patriot
The first Iron Patriot - Norman Osborn - really didn't care about his country and only suited up in this armour to stick it to Captain America and Iron Man after he took over the Marvel Universe. Thankfully, a real patriot later took over the mantle in the form of Tony Stark's closest friend, Colonel James Rhodes.
Of course, it's Kevin Feige, Shane Black, and Drew Pearce who deserve credit for that as they gave Rhodey the Iron Patriot armour in Iron Man 3 before the company's comic book division stole the idea and launched an unsuccessful solo series for the character.
Rhodey didn't wear the flag for long (he went back to being War Machine before dying in the pages of Civil War II), but he's a legit war hero, so you just know he displayed this armour proudly while he had it. Marvel Comics later resurrected Rhodey and the Iron Patriot concept, and that's resonated with fans in a bigger way.
5. U.S. Agent
Despite starting off as a villain and in many ways representing the antithesis of a patriot, U.S. Agent has developed over the years into someone every bit as willing as Captain America to step up and do what's right for his homeland.
He may have more of a killer instinct than Steve Rogers, but despite once being a Super Patriot who showed off the darker side of nationalism, he's found the right balance somewhere along the line.
Still, it could be argued that he's both the most patriotic hero and villain in comic book history! Either way, his beliefs and actions often make for an interesting parallel to Captain America, and with the way the world has changed since his introduction in 1986, some might argue that he's more relevant today than ever.
4. Isaiah Bradley
Isaiah Bradley is a character with an upsetting and harrowing history. One of 300 African American soldiers used as test subjects in attempts to recreate the Super Soldier Serum, he was the only survivor and ended up taking on the Captain America mantle.
Sentenced to life in prison for donning the stars and stripes to battle the Nazis, we're not sure Isaiah has the same love for his country he once did. However, we're talking about a superhero here who put everything on the line to fight for America, with the tragedy being that he was then unfairly punished for that.
While the government did everything within its power to keep Bradley's legacy a secret, he still became a legend and a hero to the Black community, and someone who definitely deserves your admiration and respect.
3. Wonder Woman
It's easy to forget, but Wonder Woman is surprisingly patriotic to America...even if she does hail from Themyscira! The Amazon Warrior clearly fell in love with her new home after leaving that island and has fought on the country's behalf on countless occasions.
Clearly respectful of the American Dream and the freedom America grants its citizens, it's no wonder she's so closely associated with the States.
The fact is, Wonder Woman represents American ideals. She firmly believes that all men are created equal and that they're endowed with certain unalienable rights; truth, justice, and the American way, basically. For that reason, Diana Prince is definitely worthy of a place here, even if her patriotic nature hasn't perhaps received that much of the spotlight in recent years.
2. Superman
The Man of Steel may have renounced his country in a controversial and - now forgotten story - from before The New 52 reboot, but make no mistake about it, Superman loves America.
While he may be an alien (a term that applies to many of the people who immigrated to America around the time he was created), Clark Kent being brought up by a hard-working American family in Kansas helped to reinforce his sense of right and wrong.
He isn't decked out in the colours of the flag, but Superman represents the whole world in some ways, bringing the best things about America to other nations and even the universe. Fighting for truth, justice and the American way, this hero brings to life the qualities pretty much every patriot would like to see in themselves.
1. Captain America
While Steve Rogers may have that classic American look, the fact that he started off as a sickly, skinny kid from Brooklyn has ensured that he's remained true to his roots. From back when he was fighting Nazis in World War II to when he became a member of The Avengers decades later, Captain America has always represented everyone.
Yes, he's questioned his government at times, but like any true patriot, he has his own beliefs and simply wants to see people treated equally so that they have a fair shot at also achieving the American Dream. Upholding the honourable qualities on which his homeland was founded, Cap represents all the good things about the country.
Other heroes have held the Captain America mantle, of course, and in the MCU, it's now on Sam Wilson to continue representing the ideals of his country. The hero will do so as he also shines a spotlight on the causes which mean something both to him and a lot of the people watching his adventures.