This continues the epic that started last issue, with Captain America having been turned into a Nazi agent via a mind wipe. It also includes Captain America meeting Hitler himself. Meanwhile, Bucky stages a daring escape for the captured men and takes the place of one of the Nazi soldiers accompanying Captain America on the mission. But does Steve Rogers complete the mission? Does he actually shoot the Allied general? Even by the issue’s end, we don’t know.

Story & Art

This issue keeps the story moving, featuring a brainwashed Captain America, now an agent of the Red Skull and the Nazis, being trained and prepared for his sinister mission. What we have here is what’s become the norm for these solo adventures: part two of a multi-part arc. We’ll have to wait until next time to see if our hero remains under their control or somehow breaks free.

The art captures the tension of Steve’s transformation well, but the pacing feels like it’s building up to a climax we won’t get until the next issue. Typical serialized storytelling, but it works for the suspense.

Originality & Continuity

A lot rides on how this arc resolves, but so far, it feels interesting and different. Using a drug and a mind wipe to turn Steve isn’t the usual hypnosis trope, and there’s no indication that he’s faking it. It feels original for now and ties well into the story from the previous issue.

That said, I have some gripes with Bucky’s escape. From the “blanks” being fired to the freed prisoners somehow acquiring loaded weapons, the sequence feels a bit too convenient. And considering they’re behind enemy lines, how exactly do the other prisoners escape after Bucky dons a Nazi uniform to infiltrate Captain America’s mission? Some plot holes here make the escape less believable.

Characters & Development

The standout development here is for the Red Skull. We see more of how he operates, somewhat independently from the general Nazi forces, and how he has direct access to Hitler through secret tunnels. There’s also tension as the Führer begins to suspect the Red Skull might be getting too powerful and planning to use Captain America as a pawn to seize control for himself. This adds an intriguing layer to the villain dynamics, making the Red Skull feel even more menacing.