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WARNING! Spoilers for The Ultimates #10
Captain America may be one of the greatest heroes in comics, but he isn’t perfect, though it seems Marvel is trying to hide that fact with a shocking retcon. In the Ultimate Universe, Steve Rogers is guilty of killing thousands, even though that hadn’t been his actual intention. However, this mistake is now being brushed aside rather than properly acknowledged, thus erasing Captain America’s darkest moment to date.
In The Ultimates #10 by Deniz Camp, Juan Frigeri, Federico Blee, and Travis Lanham, Captain America leads the charge as the Ultimates raid a Red Skull base in search of Namor. As explained by the Human Torch, they’re taking a stealthy approach to the mission because they don’t want to kill any children present at the base.
The Human Torch claims that “the Ultimates aren’t baby killers”, but Captain America has proven that wrong before. He recently caused thousands of deaths – including infants. The Ultimates may be in denial, but they are indeed baby killers, and it’s Captain America’s fault.
Captain America Refuses to Kill Children Now, But He Has Caused Their Deaths Before
It’s True: The Ultimates Already Killed Thousands of Innocent People
Captain America’s primary goal within the Ultimates has been to restore his country after the Maker’s changes to history caused it to fall into villainous hands. With his teammates by his side, he infiltrated the White House in The Ultimates #2 in hopes of righting the Maker’s wrongs. There, he learned that Midas had captured America Chavez and was siphoning her power in order to sustain his capitalist society. Steve elected to set the girl free so that she wouldn’t be harmed anymore, but Midas warned him that taking her away would have deadly consequences.
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According to Midas, America’s abilities were being used to sustain energy systems, which powered hospitals and transportation alike. Furthermore, her blood could cure cancer and save lives on a massive scale. Midas planned to exploit this for his own material gain, of course, but the fact remains that cutting her off would endanger many. Midas told Captain America, “Take her…and you’ll kill thousands.” By ignoring him and freeing America, Steve not only let all of those innocent people die, but he also prevented them from accessing cures to illnesses. Despite Marvel glossing over this controversial choice, Captain America has knowingly allowed countless children to perish.
Sorry, Captain America: The Ultimates Have Taken More Lives Than You Think
Despite Their Noble Cause, Captain America’s Teammates Aren’t Infallible
The Ultimates have been doing what they can to make the world a better place, with Iron Lad’s plan being to restore superheroes and recruit them to his cause so that they can aid the fight. Unfortunately, even this has gone awry, resulting in tragic deaths that further sour the team’s reputation. Tony has succeeded in transforming certain iconic characters back into the superheroes they were meant to be, such as when he gave Spider-Man access to the radioactive spider that restored his rightful powers. Others, on the other hand, haven’t been quite as fortunate after being approached by the Ultimates.
Similarly to Captain America’s actions in the White House, Iron Lad’s intentions were undeniably heroic, but that doesn’t eliminate the death he caused in his pursuit of that noble goal.
While Spider-Man took to his abilities as naturally as he has in most continuities, he was one of the few lucky characters who didn’t face a fatal side effect. Iron Lad has admitted that multiple candidates were afflicted with “accidental suicide by super-power”. By giving them access to their powers, he overloaded them and inadvertently killed them, which has left more blood on the Ultimates’ hands as a result. Similarly to Captain America’s actions in the White House, Iron Lad’s intentions were undeniably heroic, but that doesn’t eliminate the death he caused in his pursuit of that noble goal.
The Ultimates Will Need to Do Better to Repair Their Terrorist Reputation
Captain America’s Refusal to Kill Children Is a Step in the Right Direction
Since their arrival in Earth-6160’s dark timeline, the Ultimates have been branded as terrorists due to their actions against the Maker’s Council and the established governments. It’s difficult to admit, but that terrorist branding isn’t entirely inaccurate, since Captain American and his teammates have left numerous bodies in their wake. If Steve wants to mend his reputation in the public eye, he will need to follow through on his stance against killing innocent infants. So far, Captain America has had no qualms about collateral damage, and that must change so that he can properly atone instead of sweeping his murders under the rug.
The Ultimates #10 is available now from Marvel Comics!
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