A Founding Member of the Young Avengers Just Returned in Marvel's Sam Wilson: Captain America Comic
Marvel Comics released Sam Wilson: Captain America #4, marking the triumphant return of Elijah “Eli” Bradley, better known as Patriot, to the Marvel Universe. Written by Evan Narcisse and Greg Pak with art by Christopher Campana and Valentine De Landro, this issue sees the Young Avenger suit up alongside Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Joaquin Torres’ Falcon, and Josiah X to take on the shadowy Eaglestar corporation. Patriot’s reappearance, teased in preview pages shared on social media, has undoubtedly sparked excitement among fans, because we’ll generally take any Young Avengers content we can get.
Sam Wilson: Captain America #4 (2025) | Marvel Comics
In the issue, Eli Bradley is teleported to Eaglestar’s high-tech floating city, Skydream, where he joins Sam, Joaquin, and Josiah in a high-stakes battle against bioengineered War Angels. Eaglestar, a corporation posing as a champion for the disenfranchised, is exposed as exploiting vulnerable communities, prompting Sam to vow its downfall. Patriot’s role is pivotal, showcasing his agility, combat skills, and signature vibranium shield, which echoes Captain America’s iconic weapon. His return is not just a nostalgic nod but a strategic move, highlighting his ties to the Captain America legacy through his grandfather, Isaiah Bradley, a super-soldier whose history looms large in Sam Wilson’s narrative.
Eli Bradley’s Patriot first debuted in 2005’s Young Avengers #1 by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung, emerging as a teen hero claiming powers from a super-soldier serum transfusion. Later revealed to have initially faked his abilities using Mutant Growth Hormone, Eli’s journey to authentic heroism—eventually gaining powers via a blood transfusion from Isaiah—made him a compelling figure of resilience and redemption. His absence from recent Young Avengers-centric storylines had left fans waiting for his return, and Sam Wilson: Captain America #4 delivers.
Patriot’s return also fuels speculation about the Young Avengers’ future. With the team’s last major appearance in 2020’s Empyre and sparse cameos since, fans have awaited a proper reunion. Eli’s role here, alongside hints of other Young Avengers like Kate Bishop in recent Hawkeye comics, suggests Marvel may be laying groundwork for a new team-up. Or, maybe we’re just reaching here. Either way, Patriots’ return is a win.
