The Strange Death of Captain America

A news crew has arrived at the shore of the Hudson River as the police continue to dredge the remains of Captain America. They are shocked to report that not only was Captain America seemingly slain but the discovery of a life-like mask has led them to believe that Steve Rogers was a fake identity.[1] As the rest of the world mourns the living legend of World War II, the terrorist organization known as Hydra celebrates the elimination of their greatest foe. Their leader, Madame Hydra, then asks for Captain America’s file that she lights on fire as part of a personal ritual.

The flames causes Madame Hydra to reflect back on her life. She recalls how she was born in Europe and that her parents were killed during a revolution. Orphaned and her face horribly scared, the young girl who would grow up to become Madame Hydra became a homeless urchin until she was recruited into Hydra.[2] Following the death of Baron Strucker, this ambitious woman eliminated all the superiors and took over this branch as Madame Hydra.[3] Having returned to her quarters, Madame Hydra looks in the mirror and remarks that she cannot escape the tyranny when it reflects her scarred face back at her. Deeply upset at seeing her own naked face, Madame Hydra then smashes the mirror.

Meanwhile, Rick Jones — who just took over the role of Bucky — finds it hard to process the fact that Captain America is dead. Pouring over the newspaper reports, Rick remembers that he has a meeting with the Avengers and joins them. The team offers their condolences, but Rick still finds it difficult to talk about his feelings. They soon pass the news on to Nick Fury and a funeral in Captain America’s honor is held. The funeral is attended by Captain America’s allies in both the Avengers and SHIELD. As Fury gives the eulogy, Sharon Carter sheds tears for the loss of her lover. The only person not in attendance is Rick Jones, who is still struggling with his loss.

This proves to be fortuitous as the staff of the funeral home are Hydra agents who gas everyone in attendance. Madam Hydra then has her minions pack up the Avengers and SHIELD agents in coffins and transport them to Drearcliff Cemetery. They are unaware that Rick Jones decided to go to the funeral after all and spied them carrying the coffins out. Following them to the cemetery, Rick waits for the right moment to strike when suddenly, much to his surprise, Captain America comes charging in on a motorcycle. Spotting Rick on the sidelines, Cap orders his sidekick to join the fight.[4]

Captain America and Bucky make quick work, taking down all of the Hydra agents. When they start freeing their allies from their coffins, Madame Hydra attempts to blast them with hunter missiles. Dodging the projectiles, Cap and Bucky see them blow up and seemingly slay Madame Hydra.[5] With the battle over, Captain America reveals that he faked his death in order to convince people that Steve Rogers wasn’t a real person so his identity can be secret again. As he changes out of his costume, Steve tells Rick that nobody will know his identity ever again and walks away into the night.[6]

Recurring Characters

Captain America, Bucky, Hydra (Madame Hydra), Space Phantom (unidentified), Avengers (Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Vision), SHIELD (Nick Fury, Dum Dum Dugan, Gabriel Jones, Sharon Carter, Jasper Sitwell)

Continuity Notes

1. Captain America seemingly perished under a hail of gunfire in Captain America #111, we learn that this was not the case in this same issue. This of course is all a ruse to make Steve’s identity a secret. However, this flimsy idea was helped by a little light mind-wiping by the Space Phantom, as seen in Avengers #107. I’ll explain more below.

2. Although her origins are revealed here, Madame Hydra’s real name is not mentioned. She is identified as Ophelia Sarkissian.

3. Baron Strucker was the founder of Hydra. As revealed in Wolverine: Origins #18, Hydra’s activities can be traced as far back as 1941. At the time of this story, everyone believed that Baron Strucker was killed by a death spore bomb in Strange Tales #158. Strucker will eventually be resurrected by the Red Skull in Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD (vol. 3) #20-23.

4. Per Avengers #107, it is as this point that Madame Hydra was replaced with a Space Phantom. Avengers Forever #8 reveals that the Space Phantom’s interference here is part of a grander scheme by Immortus to alter the destiny of the Avengers.

5. Again, this is the Space Phantom. With his defeat here, Sarkissian was returned from Limbo. She will resurface again as the Viper in Captain America #180-181.

6. Although Captain America manages to make his identity a secret again here, he will later publicly unmask again in Captain America (vol. 4) #3.

Topical References

• The newsroom depicted at the beginning of this story is using a camera and equipment that was common in the 1960s and recordings are depicted in black and white.