Story
Featuring
Captain America
"And now, we bring you a special program--"
Storyline
The news reports Cap's death and explains that "Steve Rogers" was a fake identity while Madame Hydra has Cap's HYDRA file burned. A flashback reveals how she replaced Baron Strucker as head of the organization. The Avengers, Nick Fury, Sharon Carter and several SHIELD agents hold a wake but are suddenly gassed by HYDRA. Rick follows to the cemetery and is almost caught, but Cap unexpectedly appears on a motorcycle, very much alive! A battle follows, ending when a set of missiles miss their target and kill Madame Hydra. Cap reveals he faked his death in order to retain his secret identity.
Story Notes
Steranko plotted this story, with Stan Lee writing the dialogue as the artist confirmed in Fantastic Fanzine # 10, 1970. According to Steranko he lettered and inked the centerspread. Part 3 of 3.
The climax of this story in part pays tribute to "Spy Ambush" from Captain America Comics #10 (January 1942). Nick Fury presumably appears between issues #11-12 of SHIELD. HYDRA returned to battle SHIELD this month in Nick Fury #12 (May 1969). Rick Jones would not remain the new Bucky for long. Roy Thomas & Gil Kane soon had Rick join with Captain Mar-Vell in Captain Marvel #17 (October 1969). Following the cancellation of Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD the characters appeared frequently in Captain America. In the wake of Baron Strucker's demise most HYDRA stories involved regional factions rather than one centralized organization. Although she was apparently killed at the end of this episode Madame Hydra reappeared in Captain America #180 (December 1974) under the new name the Viper.