Steve Rogers is trading the battlefield for the underworld. Marvel’s new preview for Captain America #12 gives us a terrifying look at the next chapter of Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti’s run. If you thought the star-spangled Avenger had seen it all, you aren’t ready for what happens when his soul takes a trip down under to meet Victor Von Doom and Mephisto.
How Did Captain America End Up in Hell?
To understand how Steve Rogers ended up trading blows with demons, you have to look at the brutal ending of Captain America #11. Steve put his body on the line to save innocent civilians from a devastating rampage by the Red Hulk. While his physical shell lies in a coma back on Earth, his spirit wakes up in the infernal realm.
This isn’t just a random detour either. Writer Chip Zdarsky has been building toward this supernatural shift since the book launched in 2025.
“When I was laying out the larger story, Hell seemed like the logical next step. I think people will see the reasoning shortly and how it ties into the themes we’ve been developing for Steve,” says Zdarsky. “[It] feels very black and white, but it’s not necessarily the case here, especially through the eyes of a man who most definitely doesn’t belong there.”
Steve Rogers awakens in Hell in the CAPTAIN AMERICA #12 preview below!
CAPTAIN AMERICA #12
Why is Doctor Doom in Hell?
The biggest surprise waiting for Steve Rogers in the underworld is Victor Von Doom. After the cataclysmic events of the One World Under Doom crossover event, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes managed to strip the former Sorcerer Supreme of his iron grip on the world.
Instead of dying, Doom was cast down to Hell. He hasn’t been sitting idly by, either. Doom has spent his time down there building a resistance movement to overthrow the underworld’s supreme overlord, Mephisto. With Captain America dropping directly into his lap, Doom recognizes that he finally has the ultimate champion to help him win his unholy war.
The two historical rivals have to find a way to work together to survive.
“They’re both in deep, deep trouble. But the enemy of my enemy…” teases Zdarsky.
What is Happening on Earth While Steve Rogers is in a Coma?
Things are falling apart fast back in the land of the living. With Captain America out of commission, the Marvel Universe is sliding into chaos.
When asked how the world responds to Steve Rogers being in a coma, Zdarsky answered with a single word: “Armageddon.”
The fallout of Red Hulk’s rampage and Cap’s condition will lead directly into the major summer event Avengers: Armageddon #1. While Steve and Doom are busy fighting for their souls against Mephisto, Earth’s remaining heroes will have to assemble to deal with General Ross and his new Hulk squad before the entire planet tears itself apart.
Captain America #12 hits comic shops on June 24.
