Did Marvel Confirm Captain America’s Fate in Hell? It Seems So

Warning! Spoilers for The Incredible Hulk #21!
Captain America, one of Marvel’s most virtuous heroes, has repeatedly proven his commitment to justice and the greater good while serving as a pivotal member of the Avengers. His heroic feats and endearing personality make the revelation of his potential damnation all the more striking: it seems that upon his demise, Captain America’s soul may find its way to hell.

In the latest issue of The Incredible Hulk #21, penned by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and illustrated by Danny Earls, the Hulk faces a formidable adversary he seldom encounters: Varcolac, a powerful Wolf Lord and the progenitor of werewolves.

Comic book page: Varcolac Remarks That All Werewolf Souls Belong To Them

Emerging from eons of entrapment beneath the Earth’s surface, Varcolac now seeks the Hulk’s gamma-rich blood. During their confrontation, he makes a shocking declaration that may effectively seal the fate of Steve Rogers; he asserts that all werewolves are destined to reside in hell. This statement is particularly disturbing given Captain America’s past transformation into a werewolf, despite how peculiar that may sound.

Varcolac’s Authority Over Werewolf Souls and Captain America

Inside The Incredible Hulk #21

Comic book art: Jack Russell becomes Werewolf By Night in Marvel Comics.

The Marvel universe is home to numerous werewolf characters, all of whom Varcolac claims dominion over. In this issue, he proclaims that he has absolute ownership of their souls, damning them to an unending torment in his personal hell. Even valiant figures, such as Werewolf By Night, are not exempt from this grim fate. Varcolac’s declaration illustrates the tragic reality that lycanthropy, despite any powers it may confer, is ultimately a dire curse.

While Captain America is typically depicted as the embodiment of American ideals and a beloved leader, his history is not without dark chapters. Varcolac’s assertion that he controls all werewolf souls raises concerns, especially for characters like Rogers who have directly experienced lycanthropy.

Historically, Steve Rogers, associated with a heroic image, once faced transformation into a werewolf — an event that could have eternally tarnished his soul. Varcolac ominously warns that anyone infected by a werewolf curse permanently belongs to him, leaving little hope for redemption for anyone, including Captain America.

The “Capwolf”Scenario: Implications for Captain America

A Grim Prospect for Captain America

Comic book page: Captain America transforms into a werewolf.

The first encounter where Captain America transitioned into a werewolf was chronicled in the 1992 storyline titled Man and Wolf, crafted by Mark Gruenwald and Rik Levins. In this narrative, he delves into the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Man-Wolf, only to become ensnared and transformed by the villain Nightshade. Although Captain America eventually found relief from his werewolf condition, the status of his soul remains ambiguous. The mere fact of undergoing the transformation might suffice to doom Cap’s soul to Varcolac’s realm.

Varcolac’s statements are unequivocal: any individual who becomes a werewolf has their soul marked by him. The possibility exists that even if Captain America was cured of his lycanthropy, his soul may still bear the curse’s marks. Consequently, it raises the unsettling idea that following his death, Captain America might not ascend, but instead return to Varcolac’s domain. This proposed fate is particularly harrowing for a hero who has dedicated his existence to protecting humanity.

The Potential Loss of Captain America’s Soul

Consequences of the “Capwolf”Transformation

Even presuming Captain America’s soul has been spared, myriad other characters, such as Man-Wolf and Werewolf By Night, face dire consequences. Varcolac, being a formidable Wolf Lord and the originator of werewolves, is unlikely to simply relinquish control over souls, even if individuals find a scientific remedy for their condition.

The overarching theme remains clear: despite their noble actions, heroes often grapple with unintended repercussions. This narrative resonates with many Marvel characters, and Captain America’s extensive list of battles against enemies from varied realms only underscores the bleak reality that even the most virtuous are not immune to tragedy. Despite his contributions to countless victories and the protection of countless lives, a villain’s strategy from years ago may have irrevocably consigned Captain America’s soul to a realm far from salvation.

The Incredible Hulk #21 is currently available from Marvel Comics!

Source & Images