Captain America Plays "Where's Hydra?" On Secret Empire Launch Party Variant

02/20/2017 09:18 am EST

Marvel Comics has provided ComicBook.com with an exclusive first look at Todd Nauck's launch party variant cover for Secret Empire #1.

Nauck's variant takes the Where's Waldo? approach and applies to the many heroes of the Marvel Universe, creating a "Where's Hydra?" effect as the terrorist organization begins wrapping its tentacles around the Earth.

Nauck's variant cover will be available exclusive at Secret Empire launch parties held at comic shops nationwide when Secret Empire #1 releases in May.

Nauck bringing practically every major Marvel superhero and superhero team into his variant cover is appropriate since Marvel has billed Secret Empire as the event that will unite ever Marvel faction – Avengers, Inhumans, X-Men, Champions, Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool, Defenders, and others – against a common threat when Captain America finally reveals his true Hydra colors to those who believed him to be an ally, friend, and role model.

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Secret Empire will be written by Nick Spencer, who writes both Captain America: Steve Rogers and Captain America: Sam Wilson. The Secret Empire story begins before Secret Empire #1 launches. Secret Empire #0 arrives in April and will show the series of crises that lead to Captain America's play for power. That issue will be followed by a Secret Empire Free Comic Book Day issue leading up to the release of Secret Empire #1.

Secret Empire #1 goes on sale in May. Check with your local comic book store for launch party details.

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