Summary
Vampires are currently running amok in the Marvel Universe thanks to theBlood Huntcrossover event, but one use of his super soldier serum basically madeCaptain Americaa vampire before all of that. In the “Heroes Reborn” continuity established in the 1990s, Sam Wilson gains the same abilities as Steve Rogers thanks to sharing the latter’s super soldier serum. However, the way he gets them is rather gross.
Released in 1997,Captain America(1996) #5 sees Cap taking on Red Skull and Master Man as they establish a new branch of Neo-Nazis and attempt to blow up Los Angeles. In the previous issue, Sam Wilson attempts to help Cap foil the plot, only to end up grievously wounded in the process.
Out of options, Cap takes rather drastic actions to help his friend. He takes off his glove andslices open his palm to feed his own blood to Sam.His hope is that the super soldier serum coursing through his bloodstream will be enough to keep his comrade alive.
Captain America(1996) #5 comes from the creative team of Jeph Loeb, Rob Liefeld, Jon Sibal, Larry Stucker, Richard Starkings/Comicraft and Andy Troy.
Captain America Feeds Sam Wilson His Own Blood
Although extremely unhygienic, Cap’s ploy works: the serum is strong enough to heal Sam of his wounds. In a rather narratively convenient bit ofdeus ex machina,it’s also enough to make Sam a super soldier himself. He helps Cap defeat the Red Skull and Master Man, showing off his new super-strength with a double-punch shared with Captain America that wipes out Master Man. Sam would later don his own costume in future issues, becoming the Falcon and working alongside Cap just as he does in the 616 universe. Eventually, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four are transported to a pocket universeduring theOnslaughtevent.
The “Heroes Reborn” initiativewas one of the most controversial storylines of the ’90s.Captain America,The Avengers,Iron ManandFantastic Fourwere canceled and relauched with new #1 issues, handled by returning Marvel superstars Jim Lee and Rob Liefeld.The storyline saw the characters in all four books written out of the mainline Marvel continuity, with the new creative teams establishing a more modern approach to their powers and origins. While initially a sales success, the overall mixed response from fans led to all four books being relaunched again in 1998, with all the characters returning to the 616 universe.
Sam Wilson Gets Captain America’s Powers After Drinking His Blood
The controversial reputation of “Heroes Reborn” today means that Cap’s almost vampiric display of his super soldier serum has been lost to the ages.WhileSam Wilson is currently operating as Captain Americaon the Avengers team, he doesn’t have any super soldier serum running through his veins. Given the rather gross way he got those powers in the “Heroes Reborn” continuity, it’s probably a good thing - otherwise,Captain Americamight be labeled a vampire.
Captain America
Initially debuting in 1940, Captain America is the patriotically themed superhero who has shared the title with only a few individuals. Beginning with Steve Rogers, Captain America’s birth resulted from a frail man taking part in an experimental U.S. Army super-soldier trial, which imbued him with super-human abilities. The character is often depicted wielding a nigh unbreakable and aerodynamic shield made of vibranium that they use to defend and attack their foes.
