Death is cheap in superhero comics. Indeed, it has been joked that the gates to Heaven in the Marvel Universe must be a revolving door, given how many heroes keep dying and being resurrected. However, one member of the Avengers just made history by dying twice in the same week.
Steve Rogers, the first Captain America. However, the two deaths took place in two different comics. Moreover, they also took place in two entirely different universes.
How Captain America dies on Earth-616
The first death came in Captain America #11, by Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti. The final chapter of the Doom’s Shadow storyline found Steve Rogers stuck in the middle of a civil war in Latveria. Further complicating matters was an invading American army led by the Red Hulk. With his own mission having gone FUBAR, the longtime Avengers member focused on the one thing he could do in that moment; save lives.
How Captain America dies in Ultimate Universe
The second death of Captain America came in Ultimate Endgame #4, by Deniz Camp, Jonas Scharf, Terry Dodson, and Rachel Dodson. This issue continued the final battle between the followers of The Maker and The Ultimates. It was here that Captain America led the team trying to take control of Boston. Unfortunately, the Avengers of the Ultimate Universe were outnumbered and outgunned.
Captain Britain. However, despite his inherent nobility and strategic mind, there was little Steve Rogers could do in a one-on-one duel with a nobleman with a magic sword. Before Hawkeye and Quicksilver could intervene, Steve Rogers lost his shield hand and then his head.
It seems likely this is the end of Captain America in the new Ultimate Universe. However, his adventures are just beginning in the main Marvel Universe. The end of Captain America #11 finds Steve Rogers waking up in another dimension. This storyline will continue as Marvel begins their big summer event – Avengers: Armageddon.
Captain America #11 and Ultimate Endgame #4 are now available at comic shops everywhere.
