These two issues complete the tale of the mysterious new Super-Patriot posing as Captain America to ruin his reputation—alongside another person, Dead Ringer, who duplicates the appearance and abilities of dead villains—as well as the opening story in the longer “Fighting Chance” arc about Cap’s deteriorating physical condition as the super-soldier serum in his system breaks down.
In issue #426, we see Diamondback testing out Cap’s new workout equipment—and I can’t be the only person who reads her first comment in reference to the pose she’s striking (ouch).
After they remind us about Cap’s condition and Rachel reiterates his refusal (in the last issue) to seek help for it, she serves as his physical therapist, keeping his old muscles limber. (Ouch again!)
Enter Fabian Stankiewicz, the Avengers’ tech guru who’s helping Cap set up his new headquarters… and monitoring his hotline, much to Fabian’s chagrin.
Once again, ouch—that’s how you break your action figures! However, she does not break his resolve in advising her not to look into whether Snapdragon actually died at her hands (in issue #413).
As we will soon see, she seeks other counsel (literally) on the matter.
Below we see Super-Patriot, disguised as Cap, and Dead Ringer, who chooses to impersonate Kite Man—sorry, I meant the Night Flyer, a deep cut excavated by writer and Marvel historian Mark Gruenwald (and originally due to the King himself, Jack Kirby).
While those two find themselves battling several members of the Mutant Liberation Front, Steve touches base with Sam Wilson to mend some fences after they disagreed about Steve becoming involved with Diamondback in issue #418…
…after which Steve assures his old friend that it ain’t him doing all the crazy stuff you hear about on TV. (“And frankly, Sam, I’m hurt that you doubted that,” says anyone who isn’t Steve Rogers.)
Speaking of Rachel, she receives a fortuitous visitor (although she only comes to see her that way after realizing how useful a lawyer would be).
We’ll return to them later… for now, the dynamic duo of Captain America and the Falcon is back, investigating a new sighting of Fake-Cap (who defeated his own purpose by helping to bring in the Mutant Liberation Front members, confusing Cap no end).
In issue #427, Cap, Rachel, Fabian, and pilot Zackary Moonhunter discuss Super-Patriot’s latest press appearance, with our hero admitting his frustration and asking his friends for ideas.
Well, it was nice of him to ask!
After Rachel saves Zach’s “idea” by suggesting reaching out to Quicksilver (who can definitely “get there faster”), she suddenly leaves for an appointment with her new legal advisor, who apparently didn’t read issue #413 (not #412). Bernie asks Rachel about her state of mind at the time of the killing that may constitute a legal excuse, which could absolve her from responsibility for her actions (though wrongful).
Bernie suggests that a plea of temporary insanity may be available and promises to look into the criminal law of the Caribbean island where Rachel killed Snapdragon, when they are interrupted by Bernie’s ex-husband Sammy, who first appeared in issue #275 as a violent counter-protestor at a neo-Nazi rally. Sammy uses equally forceful conviction to express his desire to get back together with Bernie, which gives Rachel an opportunity to return a favor. (It is also strongly implied later that Sammy is the new Super-Patriot, but he is actually the Red Herring.) Meanwhile, Cap reaches out to Quicksilver, which he resents silently.
Pietro quickly senses that something is not right with Cap.
(“Quickly,” get it?)
That night, Rachel checks in on Bernie, and they both get captured by Dead Ringer impersonating Blackout, but Rachel breaks free while Super-Patriot is summoning Cap, at which point he realizes his plan is going south.
Quicksilver shows up first and gets tangled up with “Blue Streak,” another dead villain. After Super-Patriot takes Rachel out with his shield and Bernie recognizes his voice (wink wink), Cap finally shows up to expend a little energy as possible in taking out his foe.
But before Cap can go all Scooby gang on him, Super-Patriot fires a bullet past Cap’s ear, stunning him…
…after which Super-Patriot tries to get away (while focused on Bernie, wink wink), while Ms. Rosenthal herself shows her own heroic side (almost like “Bernie America” from issue #289).
When one of Super-Patriot’s bullets brings down a wooden beam, Cap hesitates for a moment, thinking of how much rescuing his foe would tax his already depleted system, before realizing he has no choice when a life is at stake.
Nonetheless, while his will is as strong as ever, his body is not…
…and Quicksilver gets him out just time. (Is he making the whoooo sound himself? “Look, Cap, I’m a fire truck!”)
Cap fears Super-Patriot might be dead, Rachel resents being saved by Bernie, and Bernie wonders if she should tell the others her suspicions about who Super-Patriot is (or was). What an episode of Three’s Company this would have made!
(I know you’re concerned, so I will let you know that Super-Patriot did survive, and is confronted and unmasked by Bernie in issue #439.)
ISSUE DETAILS
Captain America (vol. 1) #426, April 1994: Mark Gruenwald (writer), Dave Hoover (pencils), Danny Bulanadi (inks), George Roussos (colors), Joe Rosen (letters). (More details at Marvel Database.)
Captain America (vol. 1) #427, May 1994: Mark Gruenwald (writer), Dave Hoover (pencils), Danny Bulanadi (inks), George Roussos (colors), Joe Rosen (letters). (More details at Marvel Database.)
Collected in: Captain America Epic Collection: Fighting Chance.
PREVIOUS ISSUE: Captain America #425 (March 1994)
ALSO THESE MONTHS: Avengers #373-374, War Machine #1, and Warlock and the Infinity Watch #27-28 (April-May 1994), Iron Man #303-304 (April-May 1994), Daredevil #327-328 (April-May 1994), Punisher War Journal #65-66 (April-May 1994), and The Incredible Hulk #417 (May 1994)
NEXT ISSUE: Captain America #428 (June 1994)
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