History
A neighborhood friend of a young pre-Captain America Steve Rogers. Arnie Roth normally stood up for the scrawny Steve Rogers when he was bullied by neighborhood toughs.[2] After Sarah Rogers' death, Steve and Arnie snuck into the cemetery with daisies. Arnie prayed the Kaddish for her at the graveside.[3]
During World War II, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater.[1] During his service, Arnie met Captain America, who he recognized as Steve Rogers despite having undergone a physical transformation courtesy of the Super-Soldier Serum. However, because Steve's identity was still secret, Arnie never revealed he that he knew.[2] While enlisted in the navy, Arnie met and fell in love with a fellow sailor, Michael Bech. After being discharged from the navy without veterans benefits due to his sexuality, Arnie and Michael settled in the Castro District of San Francisco where they built a life together.[1]
After the discovery that Captain America had survived his disappearance, Arnie met Steve again, telling him that he had guessed that he was, in fact, the costumed icon, Captain America. Captain America helped Arnie rescue Michael from kidnappers.[2] Michael was later kidnapped again, this time alongside Arnie and was killed during an attack by Helmut Zemo.[4] Arnie later assisted Captain America and his computer hotline for some time.[5]
Arnie eventually died from complications related to cancer.[6]
After his death, the Arnie Roth Community Center was founded in his honor to provide community aid for queer individuals in Manhattan.[7][1]Trivia
- Arnie Roth was one of the first openly gay characters of the Marvel Universe.
- Arnie was Jewish although he "wasn't exactly at temple every Saturday" (according to Steve Rogers).[3]
See Also
- 31 appearance(s) of Arnold Roth (Earth-616)
- 2 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Arnold Roth (Earth-616)
- 4 minor appearance(s) of Arnold Roth (Earth-616)
- 3 mention(s) of Arnold Roth (Earth-616)
- 1 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Arnold Roth (Earth-616)
- 9 image(s) of Arnold Roth (Earth-616)
- 1 quotation(s) by or about Arnold Roth (Earth-616)