On June 20, 2005, I e-mailed the message below to Mr. Avi Arad, then chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios, regarding their newly announced Captain America film project. In it, I gave my sincere thoughts about how I hoped the film project would evolve and solidify, based on my many years of following and enjoying the comic book version of the character.

There was no reply from Mr. Arad, so I don't know if he read or even saw the note. But that really didn't matter. It was simply something I had to get off my chest.

Now, six years have passed, and Mr. Arad has since left Marvel Studios and moved on to other things. But with the Captain America film opening in less than a week, I figured it might be a good idea to dust off my thoughts and share them again.

Based on what I've seen in the past few months, I think the filmmakers may have actaully jettisoned Captain America's post-Vietnam baggage, and nailed the true spirit of the character. If they did, even in the enormous shadow of the current Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 film frenzy, Marvel may very well have another big hit on their hands.

And now, the letter:

Dear Mr. Arad,

I am happy to hear that Marvel is moving forward with a Captain America film project. You have done a tremendous job bringing Marvel characters to film during your tenure with the company.

I remember well the dark decades, when it seemed Marvel would never be able to translate their stable of characters to successful Hollywood projects. You changed all that. Thank you.

Regarding Captain America, I would never presume to give you advice, but if you don't mind, I would like to share a few of my thoughts about this 65-year-old American icon.

I first discovered Captain America in the 1960s, before the pain of Vietnam drastically changed the way patriotic characters were viewed. Back then, Captain America exuded heroism. With the exception of his guilt over losing his sidekick, Bucky, he had no dark cloud over his head. He also had no dark side. He commanded leadership and respect when he entered a room, and his integrity was beyond reproach. He trained relentlessly, as any good soldier will do (especially those special forces personnel who, like Cap, had to be ready for anything). He was good-natured (though focused), intelligent, believed in what he was doing, and his athletic prowess was second to none.

That all began to change as the 1970s rolled around, and soon, Captain America had been saddled with so many personality flaws, he had been transformed into a weak, simpering shell of his former self. He agonized over everything, and instead of exuding leadership, he now doubted everything he was doing. He seemed more like a candidate for the psychiatrist's couch than someone one could be counted on to save the day.

In the years since, Captain America's personality has been all over the map, which is why I'm writing this letter. I have no idea which Captain America will eventually show up on the silver screen, but my vote is for Stan Lee's and Jack Kirby's heroic 1960s version.

Best of luck on all of your future projects,

Sincerely,

Russ Maheras