Captain America’s Hydra phase has been controversial for many fans, but Age of Apocalypse proves his bladed shield deserves a comeback.
As one of Marvel Comics’ oldest heroes, Captain America has had several fan-favorite looks over its eight-decade publishing history. And whether he’s fighting alongside the Avengers or flying solo, Steve Rogers almost always wields a version of his iconic star shield. A dynamic staple of Captain America’s identity that serves as both a symbol and a weapon, Steve’s shield is arguably even more iconic than him.
However, not all of Cap’s shields are created equal and Steve wielded more than one while wearing red, white, and blue. One of his newest tools – the death shield he wielded after being brainwashed as sleeper agent Hydra – is much more of an offensive weapon than Steve typically uses. And in another take on the Sentinel of Liberty’s timeline, his destructive abilities are more vital to Captain America’s look than ever.
by Paul Renaud age of apocalypse cover variant for 2016 Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 by Nick Spencer and Jesus Saiz paints the Star-Spangled Avenger in a dark and deadly new light. Reflecting the suitably dire nature of the Age of Apocalypse, this design smothers the more traditional color scheme of Steve’s read blue uniform with a stark black and gray palette. Underscoring the Age of Apocalypse’s utilitarian emphasis on survival of the fittest, the only true color comes in the form of the dangerous Photon Blade hidden within Steve’s Hydra Shield, which now pervades his entire costume.
Captain America goes apocalyptic
While the blade is still present in the standard Secret Empire suit design, it dominates the Age of Apocalypse design, with neon red accents on Captain America’s uniform reflecting the deadly nature of this reality’s super-soldier. The Age of Apocalypse is a timeline in which the evil mutant Apocalypse conquers Earth, turning it into a dystopian police state. The cover imagines modern Captain America immersed in this classic story and sees a corrupt Steve battling in a fiery America. If there was ever a world that warranted Captain America trading defense for deadly power, it’s the Age of Apocalypse.
Hydra Cap may have been a controversial character, but there’s no denying he fits into this twisted version of Marvel’s future. Hydra’s militaristic Captain America isn’t a hero, but he’s almost certain to oppose Apocalypse’s mutant supremacy, setting up an epic showdown of villains against villains that this cover would be epic to see. . Captain America’s evil shield vision made an impressive statement about what a corrupt Steve Rogers would truly embody. This awesome age of apocalypse The cover is a reminder of how intimidating the Photon Shield was and will likely get fans hoping that evil Captain America will return soon to do battle with the heroic Steve Rogers.
