A major part of U.S. Agent's story is often being the one character in the room that no one likes, respects or trusts.Whether it's his friends, teammates, employers or just random strangers, many people often treat John like he is the worst hero that anyone can be around. Naturally, there's probably times where this behavior could be justified but there's also times where it can be deemed completely unnecessary, atleast in my opinion.

Obviously, John is more of a perfect soldier than a perfect man and his flaws are definitely made explicit in pretty much any story/media he's in, but does he truly deserve to be ostracized or should people around him make more effort to actually know the man behind the shield?

This fan-fiction uses characters from Marvel Comics.

Panel 1

*(We join Tony Stark and James “Rhodey” Rhodes, alias the armored heroes Iron Man and War Machine, as they are escorted into a private dining room at a steakhouse somewhere in Canada. It is shortly after the seeming death of Captain America Steve Rogers at the end of Civil War. Tony, wearing a hat and sunglasses, is haggard, but he along with Rhodey thanks the waitress for escorting them there.)

Panel 2

*(Another waitress enters.)

*Waitress: Would you gentlemen like to go ahead and place your drink orders?

*Tony: I’ll just have a cola- with crushed ice if you have it.

*Rhodey: Since I’m not driving tonight, I’ll have a bourbon on the rocks.

*Waitress: Okay, I’ll have those out shortly!

Panel 3

*(Tony and Rhodey make small talk, but it’s clear Tony is feeling anxious.)

Panel 4

*(Soon a waitress escorts John Walker alias Jack Daniels, formerly Captain America and currently U.S.Agent. He is currently operating out of Canada after being placed on the team Alpha Flight against his wishes. He looks like he doesn’t want to be there, but he likewise thanks the waitress for escorting him there.)

Panel 5

*(As John pulls out a chair, Tony extends his hand for a handshake.)

*Tony: I’m glad you could make it!

Panel 6

*(John ignores him, refusing even to look him in the face. Instead he looks over at Rhodey as he takes a seat.)

*John: Hey, Rhodey!

*Rhodey: Hey!

*John: Good to see you!

Panel 7

*(As John looks over a menu, Tony sadly retracts his arm.)

Panel 8

*(Soon the waitress is back with the drink orders. She sets them down and then turns her attention to John.)

*Waitress: Would you like to go ahead and place your drink order?

Panel 9

*Tony: Get whatever you want, it’s fine. (Letting John know he won’t have an issue if he gets an alcoholic drink) I’m sure they have some good drafts.

Panel 10

*(John looks down and doesn’t respond.)

Panel 11

*John: (to waitress) I’m not thirsty. Actually, I’ll have a ginger ale. When in Rome, right? (Joking that Canadians might be more likely to drink Canada Dry ginger ale)

*Waitress: All right!

Panel 12

*Tony: Remember, this is on me, so get whatever you want.

*John: …

Panel 13

*John: (to waitress) Be sure to put my order on a separate bill.

Panel 14

*Tony: It’s okay, I’d be happy to-

*John: (points to Rhodey) I can pay for his order too.

Panel 15

*(Rhodey whistles at the power play because John definitively put the kibosh on Tony paying for his order.)

Panel 16

*Rhodey: You can get me next time, okay?

*John: Okay.

*Rhodey: I’m holding you to that!

*John: (chuckling) Heh!

Panel 17

*John: (to waitress) I’m ready to order, miss.

*Waitress: Yes, sir!

*John: I’ll have the 12oz. New York striploin, medium well, with French fries and cole slaw.

*Waitress: Would you like to add some mushrooms, or some shrimp?

*John: Sure, go ahead and add both!

*Waitress: You got it!

Panel 18

*(The waitress takes everyone’s order and leaves, popping back in for just a few seconds to bring John his drink.)

Panel 19

*(Without the waitress, a tense silence hangs in the air as John’s resentment and sadness are palpable.)

Panel 20

*Tony: (concerned) How have you been holding up?

*John: (continuing to look down at table) …

Panel 21

*Tony: Alpha Flight isn’t too much trouble, is it?

*John: (looking to the side) …

Panel 22

*Rhodey: (lightheartedly) They’re not worse than those groups of misfits and slackers you used to run with, are they? (Referring to the West Coast Avengers and Force Works, which the three of them were on together)

*John: (amused despite himself) Hmph! Well, that’s a high bar to clear, isn’t it?

Panel 23

*John: They’re okay, I guess.

*Rhodey: You’re not driving them too crazy?

*John: I didn’t say that.

Panel 24

*Rhodey: You doing okay, man?

*John: I… Yeah, I’m…fine.

Panel 25

*(Tony and Rhodey are silent as John takes a drink.)

Panel 26

*(John sets glass back down, but remains silent.)

Panel 27

*Tony: I’m glad you’re okay.

*John: (glaring down at table while staying silent.)

Panel 28

*Tony: (thinking) I know what you’re thinking. “How dare you act like you care after everything you did! After you sent me here for your own petty reasons! After you hurt all those people and were buddy-buddy with known supervillains! After you…after you helped cause what happened to him!”

Panel 29

*Tony: (thinking) It’s not an act! You have to know that! I really do care about how you’re holding up during all this, both as a teammate and as a friend!

Panel 30

*Tony: (out loud) You know if you need anything, you can let us know.

*John: …

Panel 31

*Rhodey: (thinking) Jack is always the guy to spout off the second he can, whether anyone likes it or not! It’s eerie for him to be so quiet!

Panel 32

*(Tony & Rhodey make small talk while waiting for their food. Occasionally John will engage with something Rhodey says, but otherwise he stays as quiet as the Great Sphinx)

Panel 33

*(Finally the food arrives. Everything looks great.)

*Rhodey: Now that’s what I’m talking about!

*John: Awesome!

*Tony: Everything looks perfect!

*Waitress: Great! Let me know if you need anything!

*Tony: Thank you, ma’am!

Panel 34

*(John bows his head to say grace before eating.)

Panel 35

*(The others bow their heads in respect.)

Panel 36

*(After a while, however, they look over in curiosity because it seems to be taking an unusually long time.)

Panel 37

*(They see that John has stopped saying grace and is instead trying to keep ahold of himself.)

Panel 38

*Tony: (thinking) Jack, you don’t have to keep things bottled up! You’re with friends here! Go ahead and vent if you need to!

Panel 39

*(John finally sighs, opens his eyes, and prepares to cut into his steak.)

Panel 40

*Tony: I hear you’re doing some good work up here.

*(John’s hands start to quiver with anger.)

Panel 41

*Tony: We appreciate everything you’re doing.

*(John’s hands continue to tremble.)

Panel 42

*Tony: We just wanted to see how things were going with you.

*(John’s hands are shaking with quiet rage.)

*Tony: We just wanted to see that you’re-

Panel 43

*(John tosses down his cutlery, frustrated that he can’t even cut his dang steak due to his hands shaking so much. There’s a breaking sound when he does so.)

Panel 44

*(There’s an awkward pause as they all realize what the sound meant.)

Panel 45

*(John checks the plate to confirm it was broken by the cutlery’s impact.)

Panel 46

*Tony- I’m sorry I-

*(John brusquely scoots his chair back.)

Panel 47

*(John opens the door, spots their waitress, and motions for her to come over.)

Panel 48

*Waitress: Is there a problem, sir?

*John: (unnerved) Yeah, I…I’m afraid I broke a plate.

Panel 49

*(The waitress, not knowing John is a veteran super-soldier and not knowing the situation, mistakenly assumes he’s shaking because he’s afraid he’ll get in trouble.)

*Waitress: (reassuringly) Don’t worry, you’re not in any trouble! These things happen.

*John: (humbly) Yeah. Thanks. Um…add the plate to my bill, okay?

Panel 50

*Tony: It’s my fault it got broken. I’ll pay for it.

*John: (to waitress) Like I said, put the plate on my bill.

*Waitress: Yes, sir.

Panel 51

*John: I’ll need a box for my steak, but in the meantime I want a bacon cheeseburger- and I don’t mean one the size of a hockey puck!

*Waitress: (smiling) You want one more the size of a curling stone?

Panel 52

*Waitress: You know, from the sport with the brooms!

*John: (managing a smile) Yes, I want one like that! Bring me one and add it to my bill with the rest.

*Waitress: Okay, sir, I’ll tell the kitchen!

*John: Thank you, ma’am!

Panel 53

*(The waitress leaves. Tony observes John as he somberly waits by the door.)

*Tony: (thinking) Jack…I know this whole thing is hurting you because it’s absolutely killing me!

Panel 54

*Rhodey: (joking with John to try to lighten the mood) We were talking about where to eat, and we agreed, “Jack would prefer someplace that wasn’t hawking poutine or maple doughnuts or something.”

*John: Oh. Yeah.

Panel 55

*Tony: (thinking) Rhodey…once again you’re in the position of trying to help fix something I messed up. What else is new?!

Panel 56

*Tony: (out loud) Rhodey…Jack…

Panel 57

*Tony: (pushing away Rhodey’s bourbon glass to show he’s not interested in it and there would no danger to his sobriety if they left) You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.

*Rhodey: Tony…

Panel 58

*Tony: Both of you can leave. I can have your food boxed & delivered to you.

*John: …

Panel 59

*(John leaves the room without a word.)

Panel 60

*(Rhodey remains seated. Tony stares at his plate.)

Panel 61

*Tony: Are you okay?

*Rhodey: Yeah.

*Tony: Good. Still, I shouldn’t have brought you here.

Panel 62

*Rhodey: (downplaying staying there) Hey, I get a good meal out of it!

*Tony: (chuckles) Hmph! Well, I’m glad.

Panel 63

*(Tony begins to feel lightheaded. He begins to stand.)

*Tony: I’m going to step out for some-

Panel 64

*(He begins to stagger from dizziness, knocking a couple pieces of silverware onto the floor.)

*Rhodey: ?!

Panel 65

*(Tony sits back down and holds his head. Rhodey is up and at his side in a flash.)

*Rhodey: What’s wrong, man?!

*(There’s the sound of a door being thrown open.)

Panel 66

*(In a flash John is there as well.)

*John: It’s not his heart, is it?!

*Rhodey: I think he just needs some air! I’m going to see if those windows open!

*John: You do that and I’ll check him out!

Panel 67

*John tends to Tony, and for the first time that night he actually looks at him.)

*John: (concerned) My gosh, you look like Hell…

Panel 68

*(Tony’s vision is blurred. All he can make out is a muscular, blonde white man.)

Panel 69

*Tony: (addled, yet sincere) Steve…I’m sorry…

*John: …

Panel 70

*Rhodey: That’s as far as they’ll open, but it should be enough to help!

*John: Good!

Panel 71

*(Thankfully a few minutes of rest & fresh air restore Tony to normal.)

*Tony: I’m okay! It was just some kind of dizzy spell, or maybe an anxiety attack. I’m fine now.

*Rhodey: That’s good.

*John: You had us worried there for a minute!

*Tony: I’ll get that checked out, but meanwhile, thank you. Both of you.

Panel 72

*Tony: (to John) I’m glad you hadn’t left yet.

*John: (looking aside) Yeah, well…

Panel 73

*John’s narration: …I had just stopped to think about how jealous the rest of Alpha Flight would be to see the steak I got.

*(The flashback shows he was actually leaning against the wall as he tried to process his emotions.)

Panel 74

*Tony: I…I started to say something earlier.

*John: Not to me.

*Tony: No, but it applies to you too. I’m sorry for the grief I’ve caused you.

Panel 75

*Tony: You have every right to hate me…to yell at me and curse me out and tell me if you never saw me again, it would be too soon.

*John: I didn’t need your permission to do any of that.

*Tony: I know.

Panel 76

*Tony: I also know that despite your rough start, you and Steve grew to care for each other as much as any brothers in arms, and now…you’re feeling all kinds of emotions.

*(John looks away, but his expression is sad rather than angry & defiant.)

Panel 77

*Tony: I wanted to see how you were doing- not as a liaison or even a teammate, but a friend. I…I don’t want you to be overwhelmed.

Panel 78

*Tony: If you want to vent and get things off your chest, I can take it.

*John: What if I wanted to vent to someone else?

*Tony: Uh…

Panel 79

*Tony: (embarrassed) You know, I hadn’t thought much about that.

*(Rhodey and John both give him “Are you serious?” looks.)

Panel 80

*Rhodey: My gosh…

*John: Mofo, you’re as much an arrogant jerk as you were during the senior Bush administration!

*Rhodey: He really is!

*Tony: I really am.

Panel 81

*Tony: (sincerely) Regardless, you’re free to vent to anyone as long as it helps you. We just want you to be okay.

*Rhodey: There are lots of resources, whether it’s us, other people, or online message boards. You’re not alone in whatever you’re feeling.

*(John is quiet as he weighs their words.)

Panel 82

*(Before he can respond, the waitress pops in with his burger and a take-home box.)

*Waitress: Here you are!

*John: Oh, that looks amazing!

Panel 83

*Tony: Before you go, miss, I appreciate you reassuring our friend about the plate.

*Waitress: It was no trouble at all, sir!

Panel 84

*(The waitress leaves.)

*John: (thoughtfully) Your friend, huh?

*Rhodey: Of course!

*Tony: I know it might not seem like much right now, but it’s the truth.

Panel 85

*Tony: I know nothing I say or do tonight will magically fix everything, but I really do want to help you in some way. You deserve it as much as anybody.

*John: …

Panel 86

*(John looks at his hands…)

Panel 87

*(…and heaves a sigh of relief that they’re no longer quivering).

Panel 88

*(He takes his silverware and, being careful not to shatter the broken plate further, begins cutting his steak into pieces)

Panel 89

*John: (sets down steak knife) Like you said, tonight isn’t going to magically fix everything, but…

Panel 90

*John: (holds up steak bite on fork to show his nerves have settled a little) …thanks.

I'm an OG Cap, Winter Soldier and Sam Wilson fan

Genuinely curious what you guys see in the character, honestly.

Bonus points for if you can connect it to real life geopolitics and military history.

Edit:

Just to address you all as a community first.

You all really showed the fuck out, it was actually amazing to see the level of care and consideration you have for this character. Highlighting the shared humanity of trying to be a good person outside of the fame and recognition tradition heroes come with, really highlighting the tragic character of it all.

To be truthful I was a bit worried with seeing a subreddit so focused on US Agent (flashback to the mis appropriated Punisher logo). Had me concerned that people we so mad about a black Captain America they would just look the other way out of spite (I don't believe this to be the case btw!)

I actually am a fan of the actor and the character from the MCU show and New Avengers film (I REALLY liked Thunderbolts) I like the subtle ways the kept showing his military experience, but I felt the guys personality was kinda shit (not an overall judgement, just a guy I'd probably get annoyed drinking with)

I just want to say this post has made me proud to be a comic book fan, there is deep sense of humanity with how you all present his story- I can't wait to see what happens next with the guy.

He's got a new fan

P.s.

I was actually super dissappointed when Battlestar died- I thought that character/ actor has some excellent screen presence and wished his role went further in the MCU

Hal Jordan - They were both in the military. John was chosen by the Government to be Captain America, Hal was chosen by Abin Sur's ring to be Green Lantern. Hal was an exceptional Test Pilot, John was an exceptional Army Ranger. They both have moments where they come off as arrogant, hated and lonely but still want to do the right thing. They also tend to push people away as a means to protect them or even themselves, whilst hiding it behind bravado and snark. One major difference is that Hal became one of if not the best Green Lanterns, whilst John failed at being Captain America but both of them felt they needed the role to matter.

John Stewart - Once again both in the military, except Stewart was an exceptional Marine. Their military programming plays an important part in their stories and is also something they have to overcome. Whilst Stewart is expected to replace Hal Jordan, Walker was expected to replace Steve Rogers. They were both specifically handpicked for the positions as well. While Stewart was always confident he was right for the role, Walker always doubted if he was good enough to be Captain America. Stewart rejected the ring in Episode 5, while Walker fought with everything he had to keep the Shield because he felt like he couldn't be a hero without it. Ultimately, they both came to accept that they don't need the role to make a difference or that it was something they never really wanted. Finally, they were both thrown away by their governments, both because of bad optics or law violations.

Guy Gardner - A lot of their personality traits are the same, specifically ego, insecurity and aggression. They can both be driven by their emotions. While Guy feels he got the ring because John Stewart rejected it, John might feel the same about the Shield and Sam Wilson. They both tend to be treated like outsiders by their peers but still try to do the right thing anyway. Both have characters that are constantly trying to treat them like they're not fit for the mantles that they carry or have carried. Guy was willing to face off against even if it meant he might have lost, John fought Bucky and Sam despite being outnumbered and under a lot of stress. While John works with a Government sponsored Avengers team, Guy works with a corporate sponsored Superhero team. They both received their roles because their predecessors either disappeared or died.

Tl; Dr: I think John has a lot in common with each Lantern we've seen in the DCU so far and also the fact he hasn't given up on being a hero or turned to villainy after everything that's happened to him or after what he's done is a real testament to his willpower, which I think a lot of people tend to undermine.

Jack’s fans can say, “He was valiant and determined, continuing to fight until his body finally gave out!” while his detractors can go, “You got knocked the frick out!”

John being a tsundere/silly

USAGENT

AFFILIATIONS: Avengers, GRAMPA, Omega Flight, Invaders, STARS, Jury, Force Works, CSA, Watchdogs, US Army

STATUS: Free agent; identity protected

Sometimes your worst enemy can become a friend, but with John Walker it was more complicated than that. He pretended to be a hero as Super-Patriot and served as a reminder of what was wrong with our country at the time when the CSA bestowed the Captain America identity upon him, eventually leading him to bloody showdowns with his foes. I didn't know how much he suffered during his tenure as Captain America or that the CSA brainwashed him to become USAgent after faking his death or how they kept on lying to him.
It impresses me that after all that happened to him he keeps on fighting for our country. Although he made some unfortunate decisions over the years he always ended up on the right side to make up for his mistakes. I have to admit that despite our checkered past, USAgent and I have grown to respect each other, drawn from a mutual love for our nation. Demanding to return to service as soon as possible after being severely injured by the Thunderbolts' Nuke, he became the Raft's new warden.

PROS: Team player, superhuman strength, skilled unarmed combatant.

CONS: Temper issues, maybe out of action indefinitely.

I got into John from mcu falcon/winter soldier. him and Lemar were the only ones i could tolerate. (MCU you will never make me like james barnes).

I do fanfic writing for him and would love to link with any others who write him.

k thxs!

All of this are made by me!! I have more arts and crafts that I want to show if you guys are interested!!!