With all the build up for Avengers: Endgame, I've elected to cover some of the MC2 incarnations of the films main cast. For this entry, we'll be taking a look at the star-spangled super soldier, the patriotic World War II veteran and Avengers team leader; Steve Rogers aka Captain America in the MC2.
We get our first glimpse of Captain America in the MC2 via a flashback to the last mission of the original Avengers in A-Next #7. It's Captain America who announces to the assemblage of Avengers the danger posed to all worlds by the alternate universe's Doom and his Universal Cube. It's here we learn that many of the Avengers died during their final mission, with Iron Man among the few to return declaring there were no other survivors.
However, when the new team of Avengers arrive in the alternate world, they discover the rumours of Captain America's demise were greatly exaggerated. Cap reveals he chose to stay behind and aid the rebel underground, allowing his teammates to add his name to the list of the dead to discourage any would-be rescuers (A-Next #10).
The rebel base is attacked by Doom's Thunder Guard, forcing Cap to order the rebels and Avengers to retreat before he destroys the jump portal to cover their escape. When Steve tries to send the new and inexperienced Avengers team home to save them, believing they are not prepared for the upcoming battle, the heroes refuse, declaring they are staying (A-Next #10).
In A-Next #11, Captain America leads the Avengers in a mission to stop Dr Doom's use of his new Universal Cube. The team separates into groups and combat the various members of the Thunder Guard, with Cap, Thunderstrike and American Dream's aiming to destroy the Cube itself. When American Dream is pinned, Cap throws her the shield of his deceased counterpart, allowing her to free herself. In the end, Doom is defeated when Crimson Curse sacrifices herself to banish him. Following this, Thunderstrike elects to stay behind to aid Captain America with his efforts and to bond with that world's version of his father.
It's some time before we see Captain America again, making his next appearance in Spider-Girl #58 when American Dream and Spider-Girl journey to the alternate world to recruit Thunderstrike, his father and Captain America in the fight against Seth.
After this, Captain America is seen working with the Avengers during the events of Last Hero Standing. Here we see just how much of a toll his many battles have taken on his body, and we learn that Steve's abilities are declining. When Loki kidnaps and places various heroes under his dark spell in a plot to bring about the end of the heroes, Captain America leads a team made up of Spider-Girl, Thunderstrike, Wild Thing and J2 to Asgard. There, they learn of Loki's plans and join with Thor to return to Earth to stop the evil god.
Having planned to retire after this last battle, Captain America is instead mortally wounded in combat with Loki when he breaks the Asgardian's spell, freeing the other heroes. As he lays dying, Thor intervenes, combining Asgardian life force with the spirit and power of Captain America's country channeled through Mjolnir to transform the heroes soul into a new star that will inspire generations to come.
As one of my favourite Avenger's, I enjoyed seeing Captain America fighting another war against Nazi's in another world almost as much as his moments of doubt and vulnerability during Last Hero Standing. I also think there was (and still is) room to explore more of this Captain America's past both in the MC2 universe and during his time on Doom's world. Despite that, I think Captain America's heroic death here is beautifully fitting.
Until I figure out how to get these posts out on time, I remain
frogoat