Now that we’re past the halfway point when it comes to Marvel’s currently unfolding major crossover event, Secret Empire, we fully expect Nick Spencer and company to kick things into high gear. And, for your own safety, it’s recommended that you not take a drink any time the word “secret” is used by either us or the publisher from here on out.
As you know by now, the limited series was granted an extension by one issue not long ago, forcing many readers to question how this book is being paced. Well, according to Marvel themselves, Steve Rogers’ secret – whatever it may be – will be revealed within the pages of Secret Empire #9 later this summer. Needless to say, that gives the creative team plenty of time to explore the fallout in the finale.
In fact, let’s read their teaser before proceeding any further:
When Steve Rogers was revealed to be an agent of Hydra due to the manipulations of Red Skull, the Marvel Universe was rocked to its core. Now, it’s the moment fans have been waiting for – and you’re not going to want to miss this reveal!
From that, we gather they’re talking about the villainous Rogers we’ve come to know of late, but we’re not ready to rule out this jazz having a dual meaning by offering more truth behind whatever’s going on with that mysterious bearded Steve that’s been running around.
Aside from that, we can only wonder who’s doing battle with Zemo on Mark Brooks’ cover. Is it one of the Steves? Or is it somebody else? And has Black Panther just suffered a painful blow, or has he chosen to do some push-ups at a very inopportune time?
If those questions aren’t answered at San Diego Comic-Con in a week and a half, expect to learn them in full when Secret Empire #9 arrives in comic shops on August 23.
