After the events of the last issue, we finally meet the real Red Skull. That’s right—it’s revealed that the Red Skull we previously encountered was merely an underling posing as the infamous villain. This story begins with both Captain America and Bucky captured, though Bucky is absent from the narrative, as he’s being held elsewhere. The focus remains on Captain America, who reveals how he deduced the imposter’s identity, makes a few valiant but brief attempts to escape, and ultimately the focus for us is brought to the story’s main attraction: “The Fantastic Origin of the Red Skull”

Without spoiling the full origin just yet, I will say that the issue ends on a dramatic setup for the next chapter: the story thus far has merely been a prelude, a delay while Captain America succumbs to a drug designed to erase his memories and render him susceptible to the Red Skull’s commands.

Originality & Continuity

This is the first original work in these World War II-set Captain America tales. Previous installments rehashed and reimagined Golden Age stories. While this narrative might not fit the continuity of some Golden Age adventures, I generally hold that unless a comic is explicitly referenced, retconned, or revisited after Fantastic Four #1, it doesn’t quite count in the Silver Age canon.

As enjoyable as those retooled Golden Age stories were (changes and all), it’s refreshing to get a new classic with a modern twist—especially one that redefines the Red Skull’s identity for the Silver Age.

Characters & Development

I can go no further without talking about the origin of our foe so:

The Red Skull – An, Origin and a legend

Here, we learn that the Red Skull began life as an unimportant figure—a criminal with a bleak childhood who eventually became a lowly bellboy at a hotel. Fate (or misfortune) placed him in Adolf Hitler’s path. The Führer, recognizing a reflection of his own hatred in the young man, took him under his wing, had him trained, and finally unleashed him upon the world with a fearsome red skull mask to embody his new identity.

One of the most striking moments occurs when Hitler orders the fledgling villain to punish his former instructor. The Red Skull, surprisingly (to Hitler at least), spares the man but takes measures and ensures his fear and obedience through sheer terror.

This retelling establishes the Red Skull as a formidable and symbolic figure—an ideal foil to Captain America. While he possesses no superhuman powers, his presence and ideology elevate him to a larger-than-life adversary. As far as reinventions go, this one is impeccable.

Story & Art

Though this is only part one of a two-part story, it serves as a strong origin and Silver Age reinvention for the Red Skull. In fact, this revelation retroactively enhances the impact of the earlier tale featuring the impostor Skull. As the first wholly original Silver Age Captain America adventure, it sets a promising precedent for future stories.