Marvel Comics: The History of Hydra Captain America

“Hail HYDRA.” With these words, Captain America shook Marvel Comics to its core. You may be wondering, what was the big deal? Why did readers react so viscerally to two seemingly simple words uttered by Steve Rogers? Let’s look at the history of this character, the HYDRA organization, and both their significance and connections in Marvel history.

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What is HYDRA?

“Hail, HYDRA! Immortal HYDRA! We shall never be destroyed! Cut off one head, two more shall take its place!

We serve none but the Master — as the world shall soon serve us! Hail HYDRA!”

When we refer to HYDRA in this context, we don’t mean the mythological beast slain by Hercules. Although, the organization name, logo, and oath are inspired by the serpentine, multi-headed Greek monster. While HYDRA existed in ancient times, its most well-known iteration grew from the remnants of the Nazi party during WWII. Like the Nazis, HYDRA valued supremacy, elitism, and domination above all else. HYDRA members believed they were superior to all other beings and that they should control the world. Sometimes hidden in the shadows, and other times operating openly, HYDRA has been a longtime nemesis of anyone who seeks peace and freedom.

Of course, that meant Captain America wanted to stop HYDRA at all costs. When Steve Rogers was injected with the Super Soldier Serum and became a nearly invincible super hero ready to fight for his country, he vowed to take down all evil. Cue the infamous Red Skull, AKA one of HYDRA’s most fearsome leaders. Red Skull and Captain America were sworn enemies before Cap managed to defeat the villain. So how did Captain America, First Avenger — essentially the antithesis of everything HYDRA stands for — become an agent of HYDRA?

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Secret Empire: The Origin of HYDRA Captain America

In 2014, Steve Rogers lost his superpowers. The villain Iron Nail removed the serum from Steve’s body. In response, Captain America aged considerably and needed a change of pace. Steve Rogers became head of S.H.I.E.L.D., though he longed to return to his Avenging days. Flash forward to Steve encountering a sentient shard of a Cosmic Cube called Kobik. Kobik restored Steve to his youthful and fully powered self … or so everyone thought. Instead, unbeknownst to the other characters and readers alike, Kobik had simply created an alternate version of Steve Rogers.

Finally, HYDRA Cap reared his ugly head in Secret Empire. Evil and fiercely loyal to the dastardly organization his other self hated, Steve put plans into motion to bring about HYDRA’s world dominion. This evil Captain America even put the planet on lockdown, locking out any heroes from space. Then he destroyed Las Vegas and staged a power outage in New York in an attempt to isolate and murder the remaining Avengers. Fans could not believe what they were seeing. Ultimately, the Secret Empire event caused massive outrage as Cap lovers rioted against this plot. Steve Rogers, a secret and hidden agent of a Nazi empire? It was unfathomable.

Thankfully, Steve’s friends and family eventually figured out it wasn’t Steve at all! And that evil double was going down!

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What happened to HYDRA Captain America?

In the end, Winter Soldier traveled into the Cosmic Cube to rescue the real Steve Rogers. But that meant there were two Steve Rogers/Captain Americas in the world — one good, one evil. Obviously, they fought each other in an epic battle. HYDRA Cap was defeated and locked up. However, Steve Rogers’ reputation was completely destroyed. Thus began the long road to rebuilding trust with the nation he swore to defend. Thankfully, Steve’s allies joined him on this quest to remind the people what real heroes stand for.

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HYDRA Captain America remains a controversial character and chapter in Marvel Comics. What did you think of this sensational shift in Steve Roger’s story? How did you feel when the final twist was revealed?

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