Fan-favorite character Josiah X is making his long-awaited return to Marvel Comics, returning with a dynamic new look and a new purpose in Captain America tradition. Appearing next Sam Wilson, Captain America series, the deep hero received a new design courtesy of superstar Marvel artist Taurin Clarke.
As first announced by Marvel Comics, Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 – written by Evan Narcisse and Greg Pak, with art by Eder Messias and Valentine De Landro – will feature Josiah X in a prominent role, nearly two decades after his last appearance.
With this last appearance, Marvel seeks to revive Josiah X and reintroduce him to a new generation of comic book readers. in what could become the character's defining era. According to the creative team behind the series, Josiah is a natural fit and will hopefully connect with fans, ensuring he stays in this moment.
Captain America character Josiah X returns to Marvel continuity, twenty years after his last appearance
Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 – Written by Evan Narcisse and Greg Pak; Art by Eder Messias and Valentine De Landro; Available March 2025 from Marvel Comics
Josiah X's return to Marvel Comics will be more than just a cameo; instead, it's being positioned as a turning point for the character, where the goal will apparently be to put his full potential as a hero on full display. Comments from Sam Wilson, Captain America The creative team makes it clear that they invested significant energy into making Josiah's return worthwhile, a result of the way the character resonated with them as readers, something they now hope to replicate.
As co-author Evan Narcisse explained:
When we meet him as the Shadow Soldier in SAM WILSON, CAPTAIN AMERICA, he is a hero in the next stage of his evolution, someone who has answered these existential questions with a new codename, new uniform, and specific perspective. He's a great foil to Sam as they are trying to do the right thing with very different attitudes. We're so excited to bring it back in a way that honors the past and, hopefully, opens up a promising future.
Far from being disposable, all about Josiah X's inclusion in Sam Wilson, Captain America was deliberately created to maximize its appeal for Marvel fans. Leading the character's revival is artist Taurin Clarke, in a collaborative effort with Narcisse, Greg Pak and the Marvel editorial team. While readers will have to wait for more information about how he will fit into the miniseries' plot, the creative team offered some interesting details about his redesign.
Josiah X's updated look reflects the passage of time since the character was last used by Marvel
Josiah X redesign by Taurin Clarke; Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 Clarke Cover
Asked about his contributions to the next Sam Wilson, Captain America series, Taurin Clarke noted that Marvel readers were quick to ask about Josiah's return when the series was announced. Clarke also stated that he and the series' authors consulted with writer Christopher Priest, who created Josiah . According to Clarke:
When I was asked to do the covers for SAM WILSON, CAPTAIN AMERICA, I saw a chance to update some characters. After receiving approval from our amazing editors to update Patriot's hair, fans on social media immediately started asking about Josiah! I knew we had a huge task ahead of us, so I started with notes from our co-writer Evan Narcisse, who also provided great ideas from the legendary Christopher Priest, and began creating a design that reflected where Josiah is. mentally now, staying true to your story.
Again, it's noteworthy, and exciting in its own right, how much care went into bringing Josiah X back into continuity.
Like a classic character from Captain America As the story embarks on a glorious new future in the Marvel canon, many fans will also want to develop a greater appreciation for its story.
Describing his vision for the character, Clarke also noted:
He's currently operating in the shadows, but he's still a byproduct of his time as America's forgotten super soldier, so there are elements of his old costume from The Crew integrated into what is essentially a covert ops suit. Pieces of his old chain mail are under his vest as additional bulletproof armor, and his old bandana is under his Kevlar mask as a reminder of who he is.
Evan noted that Josiah should also wear the colors Red, Gold, Black, and Green as proudly as he wore Red, White, and Blue, so we made sure to integrate that into his costume as well. I really hope that what we did resonates with the fans.
Both Clarke and Evan Narcisse cited Marvel The crewwhich ran for seven editions as of 2003, as an influence on Josiah's appearance in Sam Wilson, Captain Americasuggesting it's an underrated, short-lived series that readers should return to in anticipation of Josiah X's long-awaited return to Marvel Comics. Like a classic character from Captain America As the story embarks on a glorious new future in the Marvel canon, many fans will also want to develop a greater appreciation for its story.
Sam Wilson, Captain America #3 will be available March 19, 2025 from Marvel Comics.