Captain America: Steve Rogers #2

Captain America: Steve Rogers #2I do have to wonder if this is the second issue Marvel Comics and writer Nick Spencer had planned. I have no doubt the story existed, but given the backlash of the first issue I am curious as to whether this story was fast-tracked as it gives away pretty much every secret of the new series in only its second issue.

After last month’s reveal that Captain America has been a Hydra agent all along, Captain America: Steve Rogers #2 explains how that is possible by reintroducing both the audience and the Red Skull to his former Cosmic Cube now in the form of a young girl known as Kobik.

It seems the entity is under the mistaken impression that Hydra is the preferred world leader. Allowing the Red Skull to achieve a level of revenge over his arch-nemesis before thought impossible, Kobik rewrites Steve Rogers mind and memories making Captain America believe he is a card-carrying member of the terrorist organization.

While the issue itself is interesting, laying out events to explain Rogers’ behavior and the Red Skull’s plan, the revelation does deflate the series. After such a huge shock I’d expect Marvel to keep its secrets a little closer to the vest. Now that all the cards are on the table, I’ll admit my interest in the new series has already begun to wane. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]