Captain America Lays Down His Shield

04/20/2017 02:54 pm EDT

Things haven't been easy for Sam Wilson since inheriting the shield from Steve Rogers, but they became especially difficult when Rogers started meddling for Hydra's benefit in the background. Paired with what happened to Rage on his watch thanks to a setup by the AmeriCops, Wilson has finally come to a conclusion, and it's one that will require giving up the shield.

In Captain America: Sam Wilson #21, Wilson pens a letter to Misty Knight about his decision and the events that led to it, many of which she was there for. Wilson doesn't just relate the message to Misty though, as he's always shared a more personal bond with the people he fights for than other heroes, so he records a video laying out the whys of his decision.

He says "The reality is if you're going to wear this flag you have to believe in it. Fully and completely. You have to believe that what you're standing up for is right and good. Now, I love my country, but I can't endorse what I'm seeing right now. When a young black hero lies in a hospital bed, gravely injured because of a system that never practices the fairness it claims. When people are targeted and harassed and attacked by these AmeriCops. When people are dying in our streets."

"I know change has to happen. Problem is, I don't believe I can make that change in this role any longer. So I plan to step aside as Captain America and give the shield back to the man it belongs to: Steve Rogers."

That act takes on a whole new meaning when you consider that Rogers is now leading a takeover of the United States on behalf of Hydra, and is partly responsible for the issues that Wilson has faced. With a few more words, he leaves the costume on the floor, taking flight to whereabouts unknown. He seems to be the Falcon once more, but it's unknown how he'll take the news of Cap's betrayal when it finally breaks.

You can view the spoiler images in the gallery, and the descriptions of both Captain America: Sam Wilson #21 and Secret Empire #0 can be found below.

THE END OF THE LINE reaches its climax as Sam Wilson hits his breaking point!

The Marvel Universe is under siege from within! Captain America, secretly a true believer in the cause of Hydra, has turned his back on the Super Hero community. Using the trust and respect he has gained over the years he has ascended to a position where he can enacts Hydra's ideals. The death of Jack Flag, the trial of Maria Hill, the second Civil War, the alien Chitauri Queen. All of the dominos of Captain America's plan have been laid out – and it will take only the slightest push to set them into action! Now, the Avengers, the Champions, the Defenders, the Guardians of the Galaxy, the X-Men and more will be tested. As Hydra's grip tightens around the Marvel Universe, the heroes stand at the precipice of an unprecedented challenge. How will they Marvel Universe cope with this shattering betrayal by the most trusted among them?

Both Captain America: Sam Wilson #21 and Secret Empire #0 are in stores now. You can read the full review for Secret Empire #0 here.

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