People in high-risk occupations often only socialize with those in the same line of work. This is due to the belief that only those with similar schedules and backgrounds can truly relate to their problems. One might expect the same to be true of superheroes in a fictional universe. However, as Steve Rogers explains in Captain America #14, there’s a reason he and his fellow Avengers never hang out.
Written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Carlos Magno, Captain America #14 finds Steve Rogers enjoying a quiet day at home. It is the first time in months he has had an afternoon free to stay in, listen to music, and catch up on reading. He has just settled in with the unbeatable trio of “coffee, bagel, and books,” when he is interrupted by a neighbor, Mrs. Rosen.
Mrs. Rosen inquires as to Steve Rogers’ health, noticing that he seemed somewhat down when she saw him in passing. Captain America thanks for her concern and admits that recent events have left him feeling more lonely than usual, even with his unique circumstances. She then asks why he doesn’t seek out his fellow superheroes for companionship outside of work.
Being friends with Captain America has unique risks
Steve explains that there are a host of complications that come into play when superheroes socialize. The biggest issue is secret identities. Some heroes have them but are unaware that Captain America knows who they are because of his security clearance. Given those heroes are secretive and paranoid by nature, Captain America can’t just approach them casually to ask about getting coffee or lunch sometime.
The celebrity Captain America enjoys as a superhero with an open identity is another issue. Anyone Steve Rogers spends time with extensively would undergo intense media scrutiny. This might make them easy pickings for a canny supervillain, trying to determine which of his friends might secretly be a superhero ripe for ambushing.
Ironically, as Captain America is explaining this, Peter Parker is shown agonizing over the same issue. The friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is feeling similarly isolated and pondering accepting Steve Rogers’ invitation to just talk sometime. However, the problems posed by superheroes being friends in their civilian identities, coupled with Peter’s social anxiety, make it a struggle for him to make the call.
Captain America #14 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
