Marvel Comics is set to relaunch its Captain America ongoing series this summer, with legendary comic book author Chip Zdarsky taking over writing duties for the character, starting with an arc that explores "a rarely explored time period" in the character's history – and pits him against infamous Marvel villain Doctor Doom.

In a thrilling announcement from Marvel, it has been revealed that the publisher's Captain America series will be written by Zdarsky, with art by Valerio Schiti. The inaugural storyline will be set during Captain America's pre-Avengers era, and include his "previously untold first encounter with Doctor Doom."

Zdarsky is known for his groundbreaking work for both Marvel and DC Comics, and this Captain America series can be expected to continue his trend of recontextualizing and reinventing classic superheroes.

Captain America Vs. Doctor Doom: Marvel's New Cap Series Starts Off With A Major Confrontation

Captain America #1 – Written By Zdarsky; Art By Valerio Schiti; Color By Frank D'Armata; Available July 2, 2025 From Marvel Comics

In its advanced solicitation for the Captain America #1, Marvel wrote:

Declassifying Steve Rogers' first mission after re-enlisting in the U.S. Army, the story sees Captain America tasked with infiltrating Latveria, leading to his previously untold first encounter with Doctor Doom.

Steve Rogers is no stranger shared decades of Marvel Comics history. However, what is exciting about this storyline is that it will depict a formative encounter between two younger, less experienced versions of the characters. Author Chip Zdarsky's decision to start his run with this story suggests that Captain America will learn a valuable lesson from this battle – but in all liklihood, so will Doctor Doom.

With both his highly acclaimed Daredevil run for Marvel, and his instantly-iconic Batman run for DC Comics, which just concluded last year, Zdarsky has made a name for himself as an envelope-pushing comic book creator, one who is willing, and able, to redefine the most iconic superheroes each publisher has to offer in refreshing and engaging ways. It seems fair for readers to expect the same from his new Captain America book, and starting off with an early-career Steve Rogers seems like a creative choice designed to do exactly that.

Marvel Fans, Prepare For A New Era Of "Captain America" – Literally & Figuratively

Captain America Design By Valerio Schiti

Marvel further elaborated on the Captain America relaunch, confirming that the series will start in the past, but it won't stay there – and that the events of the debut arc will have implications in the "present-day" for its characters, heroes and villains alike. The series synopsis reads:

Packed with bold, relevant insights into Captain America's role and legacy as he learns just how much the world has changed in his absence, this top secret conflict will come back to haunt all involved when the series progresses into present-day storylines. In addition, fans can look forward to Cap suiting up in an all-new stealth uniform and leading an all-new group of Howling Commandos.

While Captain America slumbered in ice, the world changed—for better and for worse. He awakens to a reality where battles are fought in the shadows through secrets and subterfuge, and villains aren’t so easy to identify. When a fledgling dictator named Victor Von Doom conquers Latveria, Steve faces a critical decision: adapt to a new kind of warfare, or forge his own path? And what will the choice he makes in the past mean for his future?

In addition to being a great hook for the series, this also makes it clear that Marvel, and Chip Zdarsky, have a long-term plan for this volume of Captain America, meaning fans will absolutely want to jump on board at the beginning and stick with the series as it progresses.

Marvel's announcement of the series included teaser images of artist Valerio Schiti's vision for the series, and Marvel readers should be just as excited to discover what he brings to the page as his creative partner Chip Zdarsky.

More than just a chance to shed light on Captain America's past, this new Marvel series truly is a new era for the character; a relaunch is more than just a chance for fresh storytelling, but also new character designs. Marvel's announcement of the series included teaser images of artist Valerio Schiti's vision for the series, and Marvel readers should be just as excited to discover what he brings to the page as his creative partner Chip Zdarsky, as Captain America becomes a must-read book for Marvel Comics once more.

Source: Marvel.com