Captain America #198
Captain America’s Love Story
With the help of a military unit under the command of General Argyle Fist, Captain America and the Falcon have secured the underground headquarters of the Loyalist Forces of America. Unfortunately, the high ranking members of its Elite have escaped capture. Worse, they are no closer to learning the location of the Madbomb that they intend on using against the entire country during the upcoming 4th of July celebrations. However, Argyle Fist has received word from Washington on a new lead in the case. SHIELD has been able to track down the location of Mason Harding, the man responsible for the creation of the Madbomb.
Days later, on the East Coast, Mason Harding is allowed to visit his ailing daughter, Carol. However, he is under strict supervision of bodyguards for the Loyalists to make sure that their lead scientist remains in their custody. When they leave, they are unaware that they are being observed by a SHIELD agent who reports his findings back to his superiors.
Later that evening, Carol Mason tosses and turns in bed as she contemplates her mortality, due to her serious medical condition. That’s when she is visited by Captain America who comes in through her bedroom window. Unable to clearly see Cap’s costume in the darkness, she is more interested than alarmed by the introducer and invites him to come in. Captain America then convinces her that her father is up to something evil and to trust him to help her out of her situation. Unable to go into further detail, and learning that Carol isn’t being confined to her room, Captain America asks her to meet him on the nearby beach in the morning. Leaving, Captain America meets up with the Falcon and tells him the plan, hoping that Carol will be able to direct them to the location of the Madbomb.
The following morning, Carol goes to the beach to meet Captain America. The hero arrives out of costume and on horseback. Even going so far as giving her his first name, Steve takes her on a horseback ride while they discuss her father’s work. As expected, a group of mercenaries have been following Carol Mason and, before they can take a shot at Steve, they are ambushed by the Falcon and a team of SHIELD agents who quickly subdue the assassins. They then launch an assault on Mason Hardin’s home in order to round up the rest of the the mercenaries stationed there.
Meanwhile, Steve and Carol have finished their ride and are warming up by a campfire. As Steve continues gaining Carol’s convenience he admits to her that his work is often lonely. That’s when they are interrupted by a gang of thugs who see Steve as an easy target to bully. Rogers proves them wrong and sends them packing. By this point, Carol has put two-and-two together and figured out that Steve is Captain America (she’s a bit slow on the uptake, I guess?) and decides to cooperate, reciting that the truth is always revealed to those who are about to die.[1]
Recurring Characters
Captain America, Falcon, Royalist Forces, SHIELD, Argyle Fist, Mason Harding, Carol Harding
Continuity Notes
Kirby’s intent here is forming a romantic bond between Cap and Carol Harding. Which completely ignores the fact that Steve is still in a relationship with Sharon Carter, all be it one in trouble. One could assume that Cap isn’t entirely sure of his feelings for Sharon after they had a falling out in Captain America #180 and haven’t really made up yet.
Topical References
This story states that it takes place prior to the American Bicentennial. This should be considered a topical reference. Modern readers should interpret the event as a 4th of July celebration, but not one tied to any specific milestone.
