Captain America and the 9 most patriotic Marvel heroes ranked best to worst

On the Fourth of July, America celebrates its separation from Great Britain. To many Americans, this is the day when they became free. Plenty of Marvel characters exemplify what it means to be a patriotic American. These are the top ten and what makes them the most patriotic. We'll start from the best to the "worst" and begin with the best of them all.

Writer note. You'll notice that some of the people represent some of the toxic traits of what patriotism can be. Nevertheless, they're patriotic.

1. Steve Rogers

"I'm loyal to nothing, General -- except the Dream." - Steve Rogers

There isn’t a person in any genre more patriotic than Steve Rogers. When he was young, he did whatever he could to fight against tyranny. That included going through a painful experiment that could have killed him. As he got older, he continued his battle against anyone that went against the American way.

The best part of Steve Rogers is he isn’t blind. He sees things that make him question what’s wrong with America. When that happens, Rogers speaks up, shows up, and sometimes protests. There’s nothing more American than standing up when things are wrong.

2. Ben Grimm

"I'm always runnin' inta some big-talkin' joker who thinks he can whup the ol'FF! But we're still here, see? Which is more'n ya can say fer them other far-out foul-ups!" -Ben Grimm

The only difference between Ben Grim and Steve Rogers is their appearance. Ben gives motivational speeches, fights for his beliefs, and never backs down from a challenge. I’d bet Ben could go through the Super Soldier Program and survive too. Also like Steve Rogers, Ben Grimm believes in what America should and could be and speak about it proudly.

3. Sam Wilson

"Maybe that's because you're white, Colonel... and don't know how it feels to be on the other side of the color line!" -Sam Wilson

When Sam Wilson became Captain America, the American public was upset. Some of it was seeing someone who isn’t Steve Rogers in the uniform. A big part of it had to do with Sam being Black. Despite that, Sam Wilson fights for the American Dream and wears the uniform pridefully. So much so that he remains Captain America while Steve Rogers wears the uniform too.

4. Bucky Barnes

"The main thing is America's got two Super hero groups to fight for her now!" -Bucky Barnes

Bucky Barnes was Captain America’s first partner and was willing to go above and beyond to protect America. That led him to do things that Captain America couldn’t be seen doing. They were dirty, underhanded, but necessary. To this day, Bucky understands that he has to do things that others can’t do to protect America and innocent people.

5. James Rhodes

"We're fighting for the future of Mankind, Captain. Getting home is the least of our worries." -James Rhodes

James Rhodes doesn’t get the credit he deserves for being a patriot. They see the War Machine armor and his adventures with Iron Man and forget he was a Colonel in the U.S. Marines. To him, it’s an honor to hold that title. Even when the job doesn’t agree with him. Let's also not forget that he was once the Iron Patriot and did a better job at it than Norman Osborn.

6. Jason Strongbow

"So let's see what you've got. You might do okay with those New York City boys. But you and me are in Phoenix, Arizona. So you take a swing at a real American and see what happens." -Jason Strongbow

Jason Strongbow is proud of his indigenous heritage and remembers they were here before America existed. One of the reasons he fights so hard is to show the world his strength and that of his people. When the Phoenix Force selected possible hosts (Avengers: Enter the Phoenix by Jason Aaron), Jason Strongbow was one of them. He didn’t want the power to be a superhero. He wanted to bring power to his people.

7. Carol Danvers

"We're the Ultimates. The ultimate team, to solve the ultimate problems." Carol Danvers

It seems wrong to put Carol Danvers low on this list. She’s a loyal American who follows the law. Unfortunately, sometimes blindly. The latter is the only reason she’s not higher. Yes, loyalty is necessary, but sometimes you must do more than follow. Thankfully, Carol Danvers does the right thing in the end. Plus, to Carol, America is small when you're an intergalactic hero.

8. Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross

"I was General Thunderbolt Ross. I became the very thing I hated most in life. I am the Red Hulk." -Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross

“Thunderbolt” Ross did whatever he could to protect America. First, he signed up to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. Later, he did it by protecting America from the Hulk. He was so determined that he became a Hulk himself. It takes a dedicated person to become the thing you hate. Ross did that and owned it.

9. The U.S. Agent

"Someday there is going to be a reckoning and I'll prove to the world that I'd make a better symbol of America than him..." -John Walker

John Walker is the most dedicated person on this list. He doesn’t think about what he’s doing. He does whatever is asked of him. Nevertheless, he does them because he’s a loyal soldier. Unlike Carol Danvers, John Wlaker never regrets what he’s done and doesn't learn from his mistakes.

10. Frank Castle

"You boys need a role model? His name is Captain America, and he'd be happy to have you." -Frank Castle

Frank Castle is not a nice person or a hero and he knows it. He’ll be the first to admit he’s broken multiple laws and what he’s doing is atrocious. However, he’s a patriot and a former U.S. Marine. He believes that Steve Rogers is a role model, the military and the police have a responsibility to the public, and we all have a responsibility to each other too. He even attempted to be Captain America after Steve Rogers died (that didn't last long).

Look past the skull and his actions, you’ll see a patriot. After leaving the life of the Punisher behind, maybe he can lead a different and better life protecting kids in Weirdworld. 

Who else should be on this list? Should anyone be taken off? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.