Is MCU Steve Rogers as Nomad a Red Herring? Hydra & Secret Empire Comics Explained
- Gregory Thornberry
- Aug 1
- 6 min read
Since Marvel Studios announced their upcoming multiversal slate, the internet has been ablaze with rumors about legacy characters returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Specifically, fans have been dissecting how Chris Evans could return as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday, a topic we explored deeply in our guide on Chris Evans' Avengers: Doomsday Return as Steve Rogers Explained.
Recently, Anthony Mackie teased that Evans might return as Nomad, an alternate identity Steve Rogers adopted in the comics. Evans himself has previously admitted to Entertainment Weekly that Marvel executives pitched him on the Nomad concept as far back as 2018.
But what if the Nomad talk is a deliberate red herring as the MCU gears up for Avengers: Secret Wars and the arrival of Doctor Doom?
What if Marvel is actually gearing up to adapt one of the most controversial and shocking storylines in comic book history? Rumors have begun circulating, stoked by hints from legendary Marvel writer Chris Claremont, that Evans might actually be returning as an evil, alternate-reality version of his character: Captain Hydra. Some fan theories even suggest this multiversal Steve Rogers could be a sleeper agent secretly causing timeline incursions.
If the MCU is truly heading toward its own version of a Hydra Captain America, you need to know the comic history behind it. Here is everything you need to know about the infamous Secret Empire storyline, and why it broke the internet.
Did Steve Rogers Really Join Hydra in the Comics?
Few moments in Marvel Comics history have shocked readers more than seeing Captain America utter two simple words: "Hail Hydra."
When Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 was released in 2016, fans immediately questioned everything they thought they knew about Steve Rogers. As IGN highlighted at the time of the release, readers were left wondering: Had Marvel really turned one of comics' greatest heroes into a Hydra agent? Had Captain America secretly been evil all along?
The short answer is yes, he joined Hydra, but not in the way most people think. Marvel did not reveal that Steve Rogers had secretly been a Hydra operative throughout his entire publishing history. Instead, the company introduced an alternate version of Steve's past by rewriting reality itself. (This is a narrative trick Marvel loves to use; similar controversial memory-rewrites happened to Peter Parker, which you can read about in our list of The 20 Best Spider-Man Comics to Read Before Brand New Day).
Because his memories had been fundamentally altered, Steve genuinely believed Hydra had always shaped his life and ideals. He wasn't pretending to be a Hydra agent, nor was he acting as a double agent. From his perspective, everything he remembered was true. That distinction is what separates the Hydra Captain America storyline from simple mind control or brainwashing. Steve Rogers wasn't acting against his own beliefs; his beliefs had been entirely rewritten.
How Did Steve Rogers Become Hydra?
The story begins with Kobik, a sentient Cosmic Cube capable of reshaping reality. Before Captain America: Steve Rogers began, Kobik first appeared during the Avengers: Standoff! storyline. Although she possessed nearly limitless power, she had the mind of an innocent child and was easily manipulated by the Red Skull, who saw an opportunity to reshape the world's greatest hero.
Using Kobik's reality-warping abilities, the Red Skull altered Steve Rogers' personal history. Instead of remembering a childhood that led him to become Captain America, Steve now remembered growing up under Hydra's influence. Every important moment of his life was subtly changed until Hydra became the guiding force behind his identity, similar to the darker alternate origins seen in characters we discuss in Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider: 5 Essential Comics to Read Before the MCU.
This dynamic was made even more compelling because Sam Wilson was actively operating as Captain America in the public eye during this era, allowing Steve to quietly execute his plans in the background. To everyone else, Steve Rogers appeared unchanged, but to Steve, this new Hydra-centric history was the only life he had ever known.
What Is Secret Empire?
Everything built toward Secret Empire, Marvel's massive 2017 crossover event. With Steve Rogers now serving as Hydra Supreme, Hydra executed its most successful plan in history. Using Captain America's legendary reputation and unmatched tactical leadership, the organization seized control of the United States while many of Earth's greatest heroes were left divided, imprisoned, or scattered across the globe.
Rather than relying solely on overwhelming force, Hydra manipulated public perception, political influence, and fear to establish its new world order. Instead of stopping another alien invasion, the heroes were forced to confront the uncomfortable reality that one of their greatest symbols had become their greatest enemy. Throughout the event, Steve remained convinced that he was saving humanity, making him far more compelling than a traditional comic book villain.
Was Hydra Captain America the Real Steve Rogers?
This remains one of the most common questions among readers. The answer is both yes and no. Physically, as CBR's breakdown of the storyline explains, Hydra Captain America was absolutely Steve Rogers. He wasn't a clone, he wasn't a Skrull, and he wasn't an alternate-universe replacement.
However, his memories and understanding of history had been rewritten by Kobik. Because reality itself had been altered, Steve genuinely believed Hydra represented peace, order, and stability. That philosophical distinction is one of the main reasons Secret Empire continues to spark debate years after its release.
Why Was Secret Empire So Controversial?
Marvel knew readers would react strongly to seeing Captain America associated with Hydra. Captain America has always represented resistance against fascism and authoritarianism. Watching Steve Rogers apparently embrace Hydra created immediate backlash across social media, comic shops, and mainstream news outlets.
Some readers appreciated Marvel's willingness to tell an ambitious psychological story, while others believed the concept went too far. Nearly a decade later, Secret Empire remains one of the most polarizing Captain America stories ever published, but it also proved that massive, universe-altering crossover events can still shock audiences, a sentiment tabletop gamers know well, as we noted in 10 Universes Beyond Crossovers We'd Love to See in Magic: The Gathering.
The Best Comics to Read for the Steve Rogers Hydra Story
Disclosure: Thornberry Media is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Whether the MCU is building toward Nomad or springing a massive Hydra trap on audiences, reading the original source material is a must. If you want to experience the entire storyline from beginning to end, these are the essential books to add to your collection.
This is where everything begins. The volume introduces Steve's altered history, establishes Kobik's influence, and ends with the now-famous "Hail Hydra" reveal that shocked comic readers around the world.
Best for: Readers experiencing the story for the first time.
Steve continues strengthening Hydra's influence while carefully manipulating friends, allies, and world leaders. The tension steadily builds toward the events of the main crossover.
Best for: Understanding Hydra's long-term strategy and political maneuvering.
This is the centerpiece of the entire storyline. Hydra launches its takeover, Steve Rogers becomes Hydra Supreme, and Marvel's heroes organize a desperate resistance to reclaim the world. If you're only purchasing one book from this era, this should be your first choice.
Best for: The complete Hydra Captain America experience.
Every major Marvel event has consequences. Secret Empire Omega explores the aftermath of Hydra's defeat while bringing Steve Rogers' journey to its emotional conclusion.
Best for: Completing the main storyline and seeing the fallout.
5. Secret Empire Companion
Readers who enjoy seeing how major Marvel events affect the wider universe should also pick up the Secret Empire Companion. The collection expands the story through additional perspectives and tie-ins that enrich the overall event.
Best for: Die-hard fans wanting the full, expanded Secret Empire reading experience.
The Secret of The Secret Empire
The Hydra Captain America storyline wasn't simply about turning a hero into a villain. It explored identity, memory, manipulation, and the terrifying consequences of rewriting history itself. Whether you consider Secret Empire one of Marvel's boldest modern stories or one of its most controversial, it remains essential reading.
If you've only seen the memes or heard about the controversy, the complete story is well worth experiencing for yourself. And if the MCU truly is using the "Nomad" rumors to hide a multiversal Hydra Supreme, the Avengers are in for the fight of their lives.
Comments