October 11, 2007 - Last March, the world was stunned as Captain America, Steve Rogers, was gunned down on the steps of a court. Rogers was slated for a hearing regarding his criminal actions in the superhuman Civil War, one that saw dozens of heroes rebel against Tony Stark and his Registration Act. Since Captain America #25, the world has wondered if there would, or even could, be a new Captain America. Today we know the answer - this January, there will be.

Marvel Comics has just announced that Ed Brubaker will be introducing a new Captain America to the Marvel Universe with this January's Captain America #34. Brubaker will be teaming with his usual artistic partner Steve Epting, but joining them will be painter Alex Ross, who recently announced his return to the House of Ideas. Fans might remember that Marvel teased Ross's return with the return of Captain America only to swerve that into debuting the Avengers/Invaders project. If only they knew how close that teaser really was! Ross will be responsible for designing the new Captain America costume, and will provide a variant cover for the debut issue. Captain America #34 is currently scheduled to arrive in stores on January 16, 2007.

Brubake spoke to Marvel's news team regarding the debut. Was this just something he scrapped together at the last minute due to the public reaction to Cap's death? Not exactly. "This was always the plan, to have—with issue #34, halfway through the whole big, 'Death of Captain America' epic story—[a new Cap]," said Brubaker to Marvel.com. "So, you know, it's all very, very planned out, believe it or not. [Laughs] I have an extensive notebook that I sometimes lose. [Laughs] Which is kind of traumatic."



As far as who will take on this mantle? Marvel isn't saying. One thing is for sure: Steve Rogers won't be the person in the costume. Marvel's editors and Brubaker himself have said that Steve Rogers is dead and will stay that way. But the company has always maintained that the Marvel Universe does need a Captain America. Brubaker has been slowly tracing this journey in the Captain America series. Plenty of heroes seem likely candidates, and Tony Stark has even sought out specific heroes, like Clint Barton (better known as Hawkeye), to pick up the shield and identity. Though the former Hawkeye would of course be a wise choice, it seems fairly clear that Bucky Barnes (also known as the Winter Soldier) is first in line for the position. Since the death of Steve Rogers, the Captain America series has largely focused on the Soldier's quest to avenge Cap's death. That journey has taken him to the Red Skull's lair and will eventually bring him face to face with Iron Man. Perhaps that is where Stark convinces Rogers' best friend to become his successor? Time will tell.



When IGN spoke to Brubaker last month, we asked him about the possibility of Bucky becoming the new Captain America should the situation or possibility present itself. Here's what he had to say: "I don't think he would think he would be good enough to do it. Bucky's whole thing, I don't know if you saw the latest Punisher: War Journal, but his whole thing has been - I tossed this off a long time ago and Matt [Fraction] remembered it and decided to use it - that no one is good enough. If anyone tried to put on a Captain America costume or tried to use that shield… That's why he went and got the shield. No one is good enough to carry that thing. Notice that he hasn't carried it either. I think that's his thing though - if anyone puts on that costume, he's going to find them, beat the crap out of them and take the costume off. You don't wear Mickey Mantle's uniform! -laughs- You know? So I don't think that would be something he would want to do or he would think he was worthy of. But that's interesting."



Stay tuned to IGN for the latest details on this important moment in Marvel history. We'll be back with more details as we get them.