A year ago after the World Trade Center tragedy, John Cassaday knew if he was going to be working on the newest version of Captain America, he would have to make the character relevant and meaningful to the readers. Much like Captain America was a beacon and symbol in the 1940s, he could be so again for a whole new audience. Cassaday's Captain America isn't perfect, but he is someone that we'd all want to know. In a time when we need real heroes, it's nice to have a character -- who inspired our grandparents and great-grandparents during a tough time --take on that role for the new millennium.

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DYNAMIC FORCES: What do you like the best about working on Captain America?
JOHN CASSADAY: He's my favorite character. Has been a long time.

DF: How do you regard this stoic character?
JC: After this past year, he means more than ever. He's the best in all of us. I looked up to him, especially as a kid. He was simply good. And I wanted that for myself.

DF: How are you hoping during your run to bring some new, fresh ideas to Cap?
JC: We've made Cap take responsibility for what he, as a man, does. Regardless of our station in life, we all need to take responsibility. Cap won't pass the buck. He can be wrong and will own up to it. Sometimes at a great cost.

DF: How hard is it to push the envelope on such an established character that almost everyone has different ideas/thoughts about? How do you make some changes without marring the ideal or established concept of the character?
JC: Personally, I don't think he's been allowed to be himself in many stories. Through the years of battling super-villain after super-villain, he's lost purpose. I'd say pushing the envelope is simply letting him be who he really is. That's something different.

DF: What are some of the other challenges to working on this comic?
JC: Walking the fine line between patriotism and propaganda. It's a delicate matter, but we've always made sure Cap wasn't preaching. He's more about making you think for yourself. He believes in people and has faith that they'll make the right decisions. It sure as hell isn't propaganda.

DF: Why's now the perfect time to check out Captain America?
JC: Because I think he's true again. He MEANS something. He can inspire.

DF: How do you like the new artist Trevor Hairsine? How well is he realizing your vision for the character?
JC: Artistically, he's obviously in that Alan Davis/Bryan Hitch school. He's getting better and better. I think he's going for a touch of realism, which is well suited for what John [Cap writer: John Nay Rieber] and I have started. I'm looking forward to reading the new issues.