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A little bit of context

Captain America and Black Widow: From Comics to Collectibles

Captain America and Black Widow are two of the most popular superheroes in the Marvel Universe. They have starred in countless comics, movies, TV shows, and video games. Now, you can even find them as Funko Pop vinyl figures!

This blog post will delve into the captivating history of Captain America and Black Widow, tracing their origins in the comics to their latest on-screen adventures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). We’ll explore the characters’ powers, allies, and nemeses, examine their evolution, and analyze their cultural impact. We’ll also take a look at the different variations of Funko Pop Avengers Endgame Captain America & Black Widow Vinyl Figures, including their descriptions, prices, and where to buy them. Finally, we’ll discuss the future of these characters and the company that created them, Marvel Studios.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Captain America, the embodiment of American patriotism, was created by writer Joe Simon and artist Jack Kirby. He first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 in March 1941, as the United States prepared to enter World War II ¹. Steve Rogers, the man behind the mask, was a young man with a burning desire to serve his country, but his frail physique and numerous health issues, including asthma, scoliosis, and heart problems, made him unfit for traditional military service ¹. Undeterred, Rogers volunteered for a top-secret experimental program known as “Operation: Rebirth.”

Under the watchful eye of Dr. Abraham Erskine, Rogers was injected with the Super-Soldier Serum and exposed to a treatment called “vita-rays” ². This transformative process pushed him to the peak of human potential, granting him maximum human strength, agility, stamina, and enhanced reflexes ². Armed with a vibranium shield and an unbreakable spirit, Rogers became Captain America, a symbol of hope against Nazi oppression.

During World War II, Captain America fought alongside his loyal companion, Bucky Barnes, and became a beacon of freedom for the American people ¹. He confronted the Red Skull, a Nazi agent and his arch-nemesis, and played a pivotal role in the Allies’ victory. In a fateful mission in the war’s final days, Captain America and Bucky were believed to have perished while trying to stop a bomb-laden plane. However, they had miraculously survived, frozen in the icy depths of the North Atlantic ¹.

Decades later, Captain America was discovered and revived by the Avengers. He joined their ranks and quickly became a respected leader and a cornerstone of the team ³. However, re-emerging in a world vastly different from the one he knew, Captain America grappled with the challenges of being a “man out of time” ³. He struggled to adapt to modern society, wrestling with the loss of his past and the changes in the world around him. This “man out of time” aspect added a layer of complexity to his character, highlighting his resilience and unwavering commitment to his values in the face of a changing world.

Captain America’s journey has not been without controversy. During a period of disillusionment with the American government, he abandoned his Captain America identity and briefly took on the mantle of Nomad ⁵. This period reflected the character’s internal conflict and his struggle to reconcile his unwavering belief in American ideals with the realities of a flawed system.

Captain America’s Powers and Abilities

Captain America is often hailed as the pinnacle of human potential. He embodies the peak of human strength, speed, agility, and resilience without venturing into the realm of superhuman abilities. His powers, a result of the Super-Soldier Serum and vita-ray exposure, include:

• Peak Human Strength: Captain America possesses extraordinary strength, enabling him to lift an impressive 2,200 lbs ⁶. He can effortlessly hurl his shield with tremendous force, capable of shattering concrete and toppling opponents much larger than himself.
• Peak Human Speed: Captain America can run at speeds of up to 30 mph ⁶, outpacing even the fastest athletes. His reflexes are lightning-fast, allowing him to dodge bullets and react with incredible speed in combat.
• Peak Human Agility: Captain America is an exceptional gymnast and acrobat, capable of performing feats of agility that defy ordinary human limitations. His movements are fluid and precise, making him a formidable opponent in close-quarters combat.
• Peak Human Durability: Captain America’s bones and muscles are incredibly dense, granting him remarkable resistance to injury. He can withstand falls from great heights, endure powerful blows, and emerge from explosions relatively unscathed.
• Accelerated Healing: Captain America’s healing abilities surpass those of an average human. He can recover from minor injuries in mere seconds and heal from more severe wounds in a matter of hours.
• Enhanced Senses: Captain America’s senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch are all heightened to the peak of human potential. This allows him to perceive subtle details, detect faint sounds, and react to threats with heightened awareness.
• Master Tactician and Strategist: Captain America is a brilliant tactician and strategist, capable of analyzing complex situations and formulating effective plans in the heat of battle. His leadership skills and strategic mind make him an invaluable asset to any team.
• Indomitable Will: Captain America possesses an unyielding will and unwavering determination. He never gives up, even when facing insurmountable odds, and his unwavering resolve inspires those around him.

Captain America in the MCU

Chris Evans brought Captain America to life in the MCU, capturing the character’s essence with remarkable accuracy. Evans first donned the star-spangled suit in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, which chronicled Rogers’ origins, his transformation into the super soldier, and his heroic exploits during World War II ¹. Evans reprised his role in numerous MCU films, including The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019) ¹.

In Avengers: Endgame, Captain America’s journey culminated in a poignant and satisfying conclusion. After playing a crucial role in defeating Thanos and restoring balance to the universe, he made the momentous decision to travel back in time and live a full life with his beloved Peggy Carter ⁷. This bittersweet ending provided closure to his character arc, allowing him to find peace and happiness after decades of sacrifice and struggle. Before venturing into the past, he entrusted the mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson, ensuring that the legacy of the shield would endure.

One of the most iconic moments in Captain America’s MCU journey occurred in Avengers: Endgame when he proved himself worthy of wielding Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir ⁸. This scene resonated with audiences, symbolizing Captain America’s unwavering righteousness, his pure heart, and his indomitable spirit. It solidified his position as a true hero and a worthy successor to the power of Thor.

Black Widow: The Super Spy

Black Widow, also known as Natasha Romanoff, was brought to life by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Don Rico, and artist Don Heck. She first graced the pages of Tales of Suspense #52 in April 1964 ⁹. Initially introduced as a Russian spy and an antagonist to Iron Man, Black Widow’s allegiance shifted, leading her to defect to the United States and embrace the path of a superhero.

Black Widow’s origins are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Born in the Soviet Union, she was trained from a young age in the Red Room Academy, a covert program that transformed young girls into deadly assassins ⁹. As part of her rigorous training, she was subjected to intense physical and psychological conditioning, mastering martial arts, espionage, and the art of manipulation. To further enhance her abilities, she was given a Soviet variant of the Super-Soldier Serum, granting her peak human physical capabilities and a slowed aging process ¹⁰.

During her early years, Black Widow was brainwashed and manipulated, with false memories implanted to ensure her loyalty ¹⁰. Among these fabricated memories was the belief that she had been a ballerina, a cover identity designed to conceal her true nature as a deadly operative. This complex backstory adds depth to her character, highlighting the trauma she endured and the resilience she displayed in breaking free from her past.

Black Widow’s exceptional skills and unwavering determination have made her a valuable asset to various superhero teams, including the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. She is a master of espionage, infiltration, and subterfuge, capable of seamlessly blending into any environment and extracting vital information. Her expertise in hand-to-hand combat and her proficiency with a wide array of weapons make her a formidable force on the battlefield.

Black Widow’s Powers and Abilities

Black Widow’s strength lies not in superhuman powers but in her exceptional training, honed skills, and unwavering resolve. Her abilities include:

• Master Martial Artist: Black Widow is a master of various martial arts disciplines, including karate, judo, aikido, savate, and boxing ¹¹. Her fighting style is a blend of agility, precision, and lethal efficiency.
• Weapons Expert: Black Widow is proficient with a vast array of weapons, ranging from firearms and knives to explosives and advanced technology ¹². She is a skilled marksman and can adapt to any weapon with ease.
• Expert Spy: Black Widow is a master of espionage, infiltration, and subterfuge. She can seamlessly blend into any environment, gather intelligence, and manipulate situations to her advantage.
• Peak Human Strength: In the comics, Black Widow’s strength is enhanced to the peak of human potential due to the Soviet Super-Soldier Serum. She can lift an impressive 500 lbs ¹⁰.
• Peak Human Speed and Agility: Black Widow possesses incredible speed and agility, comparable to that of a world-class athlete ¹⁰. She can effortlessly navigate complex environments, perform acrobatic maneuvers, and react with lightning-fast reflexes.
• Peak Human Durability: Black Widow’s bones and muscles are denser than those of an ordinary human, providing her with enhanced durability and resistance to injury.
• Accelerated Healing: In the comics, Black Widow’s healing factor is superior to that of an average human, allowing her to recover from injuries at an accelerated rate ¹³.
• Slowed Aging: The Super-Soldier Serum has also slowed Black Widow’s aging process, allowing her to maintain a youthful appearance despite her extensive history ¹³.
• Polyglot: Black Widow is fluent in several languages, including Russian, English, French, German, Chinese, Italian, and Latin ¹⁰. This linguistic versatility makes her an effective communicator and infiltrator in diverse environments.
• Widow’s Bite: Black Widow’s signature weapons are her “Widow’s Bite” gauntlets, which she wears on each wrist ¹⁰. These gauntlets are equipped with various gadgets and weaponry, including electroshock weapons, grappling hooks, tear gas pellets, and explosives.

Black Widow in the MCU

Scarlett Johansson brought Black Widow to life in the MCU, portraying the character with a captivating blend of strength, vulnerability, and complexity. Johansson first appeared as Black Widow in 2010’s Iron Man 2 and went on to reprise her role in several MCU films, including The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019) ¹⁴.

In 2021, Black Widow finally received her own solo film, which delved into her enigmatic past and explored her origins as a Russian spy ¹⁵. The film also introduced Yelena Belova, Natasha’s “sister” from the Red Room, who is poised to inherit the mantle of Black Widow in the MCU.

Captain America and Black Widow in Video Games

Captain America and Black Widow have also made their mark in the world of video games, appearing in various titles that allow fans to experience their heroic adventures firsthand. Some notable games featuring these characters include:

• Marvel’s Avengers: This action-adventure game allows players to step into the shoes of various Avengers, including Captain America and Black Widow, as they battle to save the world from a new threat.
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order: This action role-playing game features a vast roster of Marvel heroes, including Captain America and Black Widow, who team up to confront Thanos and the Black Order.
• LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: This action-adventure game allows players to control a variety of LEGO versions of Marvel characters, including Captain America and Black Widow, as they explore a LEGO version of the Marvel Universe.
• Captain America: Super Soldier: This action-adventure game is based on the first Captain America film and allows players to experience Captain America’s fight against Hydra during World War II.

Friends and Foes

Throughout their heroic careers, Captain America and Black Widow have forged strong alliances and faced formidable adversaries. Some of their notable friends and foes include:

Friends:

• Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier: Bucky Barnes, Captain America’s closest friend and wartime companion, was brainwashed and transformed into the Winter Soldier, a deadly assassin. He eventually broke free from his conditioning and became an ally to Captain America once again.
• Sam Wilson/Falcon: Sam Wilson, a former pararescueman, became Captain America’s trusted ally and eventually inherited the mantle of Captain America.
• Sharon Carter: Sharon Carter, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and Peggy Carter’s niece, has been both an ally and a love interest to Captain America.
• Yelena Belova: Yelena Belova, Natasha Romanoff’s “sister” from the Red Room, initially clashed with Black Widow but eventually became an ally.
• Red Guardian: Alexei Shostakov, a Russian super soldier known as the Red Guardian, was a father figure to Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova during their time in the Red Room.

Foes:

• Red Skull: Johann Schmidt, a Nazi agent and the leader of Hydra, is Captain America’s archenemy.
• Baron Zemo: Helmut Zemo, a Sokovian Baron, orchestrated the events that led to the Avengers’ division in Captain America: Civil War.
• Taskmaster: Tony Masters, a mercenary with the ability to mimic the fighting styles of others, clashed with Black Widow in her solo film.

Funko Pop Avengers Endgame Captain America & Black Widow Vinyl Figures

Funko Pop vinyl figures have taken the world by storm, captivating collectors and fans with their unique designs and vast array of characters. These figures are known for their oversized heads, small bodies, and expressive black eyes, making them instantly recognizable and undeniably adorable.

Funko has released a variety of Captain America and Black Widow Funko Pop figures based on their appearances in Avengers: Endgame. These figures are highly sought after by collectors and fans of the MCU, adding a touch of superhero charm to any collection.

Captain America Funko Pop Figures

Here are some of the different variations of Captain America Funko Pop figures available:

• Captain America with Broken Shield: This figure captures Captain America in his battle-worn Avengers: Endgame outfit, complete with a broken shield, symbolizing the intense struggle he faced against Thanos¹⁶.
• Captain America with Mjolnir: This figure immortalizes the epic moment when Captain America wielded Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, in the final battle of Avengers: Endgame. This exclusive figure is a must-have for any fan who witnessed this awe-inspiring display of power and heroism¹⁶.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Captain America: This FYE exclusive figure adds a unique twist to Captain America’s Avengers: Endgame appearance with a glow-in-the-dark finish¹⁷.
• Captain America with Prototype Shield Metallic US Exclusive: This figure showcases Captain America with a prototype shield in a metallic finish¹⁸.
• Old Man Steve Year of the Shield 80th Anniversary US Exclusive: This figure depicts an older Steve Rogers from the end of Avengers: Endgame¹⁸.

Black Widow Funko Pop Figures

Here are some of the different variations of Black Widow Funko Pop figures available:

• Black Widow with Baton Accessories: This figure features Black Widow in her Avengers: Endgame outfit, equipped with her signature batons, ready to take on any challenge¹⁹.
• Black Widow (Assemble) US Exclusive Pop! Deluxe: This deluxe figure showcases Black Widow in a dynamic pose, highlighting her agility and combat skills¹⁸.

Chase Figures and Variants

In addition to the common figures, Funko also releases chase figures and other variants, which are rarer and more sought after by collectors. Chase figures are variations of common figures with a different design or finish. For example, the Hawkeye Funko Pop figure from Avengers: Endgame has a chase variant where he is unmasked ²⁰. Other variants include metallic versions, black and white versions, and flocked versions. These chase figures and variants add an element of excitement and exclusivity to collecting Funko Pops.

EE Exclusive Trading Cards

For the Avengers: Endgame Funko Pop figures, Funko introduced a new way to make exclusives even more desirable: trading cards! Each EE Exclusive Funko Pop Avengers Endgame figure comes with a unique trading card ²¹. There are 16 different cards in the set, and collectors can complete the set by purchasing all the figures in this exclusive wave.

Where to Buy Funko Pop Avengers Endgame Captain America & Black Widow Vinyl Figures

Funko Pop figures are widely available, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the most popular places to find them:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a vast selection of Funko Pops, including common and exclusive figures²².
• Walmart: Walmart is a great option for finding common Funko Pops at affordable prices²³.
• Specialty Retailers: Online retailers like Entertainment Earth ²⁴ and ToyNK ²⁵ specialize in collectibles and offer a wide variety of Funko Pops, including exclusives and hard-to-find figures.
• eBay: eBay can be a treasure trove for Funko Pop collectors, offering both common and rare figures. However, it’s essential to be cautious of counterfeit figures when buying from eBay²⁶.
• Ozzie Collectibles: This Australian retailer offers a wide variety of Funko Pops, including some exclusive figures¹⁸.

The Future of Captain America, Black Widow, and Marvel Studios

The future of Captain America and Black Widow in the MCU is full of possibilities. Both characters have left an indelible mark on the franchise, and their legacies are likely to continue in various ways.

Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, will take center stage in Captain America: Brave New World, scheduled for release in February 2025 ²⁷. The film will see Wilson confronting the Leader, a villain with a history in the MCU, and navigating the complexities of his new role ²⁸.

Yelena Belova is set to step into the shoes of Black Widow, and she will be a key player in the upcoming Thunderbolts film, scheduled for release in May 2025 ²⁹. The film will also feature other familiar faces from the Black Widow film, including Red Guardian and Taskmaster, promising an action-packed and intriguing storyline.

The MCU is constantly evolving, with new characters, storylines, and multiversal adventures on the horizon. Marvel Studios is also expanding its storytelling approaches, with animated series like What If…? and Spider-Man: Freshman Year exploring alternate realities and untold stories ³⁰. With upcoming projects like Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars, the possibilities for Captain America, Black Widow, and the entire MCU are limitless.

Conclusion

Captain America and Black Widow have captivated audiences for decades with their compelling stories, heroic deeds, and complex personalities. From their origins in the comics to their enduring presence in the MCU, they have become iconic symbols of courage, resilience, and the fight for justice.

Their Funko Pop vinyl figures offer a unique way for fans to celebrate these beloved characters. With various versions and exclusives to collect, these figures capture the essence of Captain America and Black Widow, adding a touch of superhero charm to any collection.

As the MCU continues to expand, the legacies of Captain America and Black Widow are sure to endure, inspiring new generations of fans and collectors. Whether it’s through upcoming films, TV shows, or collectible figures, these characters will remain an integral part of the ever-evolving Marvel Universe.

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