Captain America: Steve Rogers #1, by Nick Spencer and artist Jesus Saiz, was already a hugely anticipated title for Marvel fans, with a rejuvinated Steve Rogers making a return to the mantle of Captain America. Fans were thrown for a loop, however, when the final page of the issue revealed Cap speaking the words "Hail Hydra". The story even implies that Cap may have been a Hydra plant throughout his entire career. Now, it's been revealed via ComicBook.com that the issue has sold out and has gone back to press for a second printing. “It was difficult to keep this big of a twist a secret until the very last minute,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Since it hit, it’s been exciting to watch it take the world by storm. Sales have skyrocketed and despite a massive overprint, we’ve completely sold out of the 1stissue and will rush it back to print with 3 different covers.”
Given that it's such a major change to Cap's character, it's not surprising that the issue sold as quickly as it did. Fan reaction to the twist was predictably sour, though once again showcases a knee-jerk reaction to changes without knowing the context of the whole story. Steve's youth was restored by a living version of the Cosmic Cube, which is well-known to alter reality. It's safe to say this will play into the story as the reason Cap is now with Hydra, as opposed to truly "assassinating" his character.
The issue will be re-relased with three variant covers. The first of these covers will be a reprint of Saiz’s original Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 cover with the addition of a “Hail Hydra” speech bubble. Another variant will be a remixed version of Jim Steranko’s first printing variant. The final variant will be a brand new, completely original Hip-Hop Variant by Jeffrey Veregge. All three variants for the second printing of Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 will go on sale July 6.
About The Author:
Matt is a graduate of the Ryerson University School of Journalism, and has been a fan of superheroes since he picked up his first comic book issue as a child. While he works as a professional musician, Matt has a massive passion for comic books, films and heroes, along with participating in discussion and debate with the CBM community.