One of the most shocking revelations of new Captain America, John Walker. Instantly, fans grew to dislike him as he appears as an antithesis to Steve Rogers.
Regardless of how much the audience hates John Walker, John and Steve are somewhat similar in their experiences and viewpoints, explaining why the government chose John as the new Captain America. However, there is no denying that John is different from Steve in their backstory and morality, showing why he does not deserve or represent the legacy of the shield.
Similar: Patriotism
Both Steve and John are patriotic and were former soldiers. They fought in wars during their periods, willing to sacrifice their lives to defend against those who pose a threat.
John shared that he wanted to become Captain America because he was fighting for his country. In comparison, Steve was integral during World War II, fighting against Nazis and HYDRA to protect and defend his country while dressed in his identity as Captain America.
Different: Their Opinions About The Government
Despite being patriotic, Steve remained skeptical about the government and its agenda. In The Winter Soldier, he realized the world was not as black and white as he thought and learned that some government officials were corrupt. His views about the government and experiences from HYDRA's infiltration influenced his decision against the Sokovia Accords, believing that overwhelming government control over the team could become an abuse of power.
John has expressed his for the government, and he cannot go on missions without government approval. John itted that his actions during the war were not humane, but he still did them due to the government's orders. This argument s Steve's position against the Sokovia Accords. Furthermore, he favors government surveillance on people, which Steve is against, given the constitutional rights about privacy. Therefore, it makes sense why fans are totally against John as his beliefs about the government's power widely differ from Steve's.
Similar: Inseparable From Their Best Friend
The First Avenger highlighted Steve's close friendship with Bucky Barnes, either going on double dates or fighting together to take down HYDRA. Sam Wilson was also integral in helping Steve to find Bucky and had a loyal friendship with him. Without his closest friends, Steve felt alone in a different world.
Similarly, John relies on his best friend and wingman, Lemar Hoskins. Considering John has insecurities, Lemar appears as the person, guiding him and being the voice of reason. For instance, he thought Sam's approach was more reasonable to reach out to Karli than immediately arresting her as John had planned.
Different: John Lacks Self-Control
John has shown many times that he lacks any self-control. He becomes easily short-tempered because of the little respect he receives while also being too proud of his accomplishments. He is also impatient interrogating people and shows little comion towards others like Karli.
Episode 4 shows the antithesis between Steve and John's self-control. After Bucky supposedly died, Steve exhibited self-restraint over his emotions and powers by not going on a vendetta against Arnim Zola. He also showcased his control by Civil War. After watching his best friend die, John had no self-control over his anger and aggression, killing an innocent Flag-Smasher and being hostile towards Sam and Bucky. His actions show that he is not emotionally fit to be Captain America.
Similar: Watching Their Best Friend Die
Having been best friends since childhood, Steve witnessed his best friend, Bucky, supposedly die and became heartbroken. However, Steve would again lose not one but two of his closest friends when he watched Sam and Bucky perish after Thano's Snap.
John also suffered a similar fate in episode 4. After Lemar tried to stop Karli from killing John, Lemar died of a fatal blow by her. To make matters worse, John watched his best friend die and eventually lost his sanity.
Different: John Was Never The "Little Guy"
Dr. Erskine was careful about his pick for Project Rebirth and chose Steve Rogers. Before the serum, Steve was a small and skinny man who had health problems. Yet, he possessed a good heart and comion for others and had the energy to find his inner strength despite being physically frail. Even after the serum, he maintained his moral com and comion for people like Wanda Maximoff.
Unfortunately, John Walker is what Dr. Erskine feared. John is naturally strong and healthy, making him the perfect soldier. However, he is unstable and holds a dark past, exemplifying the point of "bad becomes worse." Once John injected himself with the serum, not only did John gain more strength, but he also became worse with his instability and aggression, proving Dr. Erskine's point.
Similar: Introduced As A Heroic Symbol When The World Is Most Vulnerable
Steve and John became Captain America during Earth's most vulnerable times. Steve took on the identity of Captain America as propaganda to encourage Americans to buy bonds and the soldiers during World War II. Eventually, he became a hero after saving the 107th Infantry.
John became the new Captain America during the chaotic months after the Blip. The world is in disarray as borders are back, and countries are trying to handle the immigration and citizenship problems. However, considering that aliens, wizards, and androids exist and Steve is gone, the world needed someone to lead them in this pursuit of tranquility and security, and John was the choice to achieve this.
Different: Fighting Style
Given that John is robust, he appears to have a fine grasp of the shield when he fights. However, John showcases no finesse in any combat fighting and uses the shield as his only defensive and offensive approach. Episode 5 highlighted his lack of fighting style when he heavily relied on the shield to fend off Bucky and Sam. When the shield was separated from him, Bucky and Sam effortlessly overpowered him despite John's profound strength from the serum.
Steve possesses combat skills with or without his shield. He showcased a variety of martial art skills seen in the opening moments of The Winter Soldier. After he willingly gave up the shield, it did not diminish his abilities or strength. He still had the strength and fighting skills when he faced Thano's army, showing that Steve was not always reliant on his shield to do the work.
Similar: Doing What Is Right
Steve always wanted to do what was right, which meant breaking the rules several times. His actions have gone as far as fighting with Avenger to uphold his morality and beliefs.
Despite how different John is to Steve, John is also trying to do what he believes is right. As a soldier, he wants to protect the people from harm's way, especially when the Flag-Smasher is causing chaos to achieve their ultimate goal. John also tries to do the right thing by working with Sam and Bucky, given their close relationship with Steve.
Different: Arrogance As "Captain America"
Steve never used his new abilities after the serum and identity as Captain America as justification to receive respect and gratitude from the public. He built his reputation as Captain America by defending humanity and doing what was moral and humane to earn that respect. He also never took the title to be proud of and was willing to give it all up if his title and job went against his beliefs as he did in Civil War. Even his recognitions speak volumes for why he was worthy for Mjolnir.
John is arrogant about his role as the new Captain America and his accomplishments as a soldier, expecting other people to respect and ire him. He always mentions that he is "Captain America," displaying his egotistical nature. John also tries to act superior, belittling Sam and Bucky despite their experiences and embarrassingly attempting to order the Dora Milaje, believing his title gives him the jurisdiction. Even after the government stripped John from his title, he grew obsessive and self-absorbed over the role of Captain America.