Is Marvel Teasing The Return Of An Avenger?

Secret Empire cost the Marvel Universe in many ways, but there might be some hope in regards to one specific loss.

During Hydra Captain America's rule in Secret Empire, he claimed the life of a longtime friend and fellow Avenger Black Widow. The death seemed rather final, as in Secret Empire Omega the heroes even have a funeral for her, which Hawkeye and other Avengers attend.

For Bucky though, things don't add up, and through him Marvel might be teasing the character's return. In Omega, Bucky skips the funeral, instead focusing on some events happening on the world stage. Bucky endsup at a diner in Madripoor. "I'm not here to remember, Nat, or to mourn," Bucky says in the comic. "I'm here to get the truth."

Bucky does find one answer, in particular, leading him to a military general who previously allied himself with Hydra. Now that Hydra is disposed of, he is trying to step in among the chaos and take his place as leader, but a swift sniper bullet through the chest makes sure that will never happen.

Bucky watches the act unfold, and that cements his suspicions. "I recognize everything. The shot, the placement, the time," Bucky says. "Nobody knows the Black Widow like I do, after all. I know it's you, Natasha."

The final panel shows Bucky in the crosshairs of an unknown sniper, but odds are it will be revealed to be Black Widow.

Widow fell defending Spider-Man from Hydra Cap during Secret Empire. Miles Morales sought out Cap on the battlefield, fulfilling the vision from Ulysses. Black Widow had planned to assassinate him from afar, but when Miles got involved she rushed to his aid. Cap brought down his shield's energy blade towards Miles, but Widow managed to push him out of the way in time to save him. Unfortunately, it gave the energy blade an unblocked route to the side of her skull, and the hit seemed to kill her on the spot.

The pool of blood further cemented that notion, but then again this is comics, so no death is 100 percentfor certain.

You can view the spoiler images in question in the gallery.

Secret Empire Omega is in stores now.