Captain America's Forgotten Ally Reshapes Eternals' Legacy
Rachel Hill
Published May 17, 2026
By Published Apr 3, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.
Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
latest anniversary celebration is doing more than honoring decades of cosmic storytelling, it is quietly rewriting part of Captain America’s past. In Eternals 50th Anniversary Special #1, a new look at Steve Rogers introduces a previously unseen connection to the immortal Eternals, adding unexpected depth to his long-standing belief in humanity.
What makes this revelation especially compelling is how naturally it fits into Captain America’s history. Rather than feeling like a forced retcon, the story suggests that Steve’s optimism and resilience may have been shaped, in part, by his encounters with beings who have observed humanity across thousands of years. At the center of this hidden chapter is Ikaris, whose relationship with Steve reveals a bond forged in war and tested across time.
Captain America's World War II Bond That Changed Everything
The issue’s most interesting reveal comes from a flashback to World War II, where Captain America crosses paths with Ikaris during a mission involving Hydra. In the chaos of battle, , establishing a connection that goes beyond a typical superhero team-up.
This moment reframes Captain America’s wartime experiences. While Steve has always been portrayed as a symbol of hope, fighting alongside an immortal being adds a new layer to his perspective. He wasn’t just defending freedom, he was unknowingly stepping into a much larger cosmic narrative that extended far beyond the battlefield.
[SITEURL] | Ultimate Files Interactive Quiz ScreenRant/ Marvel/ Ultimate Universe/ Trivia Earth-1610 · Multiverse Edition How Well Do You Know
Marvel’s Ultimate Universe? 🌏OriginsEarth-1610 ⚡HeroesUltimates 💥EventsUltimatum ☠VillainsThe Maker 💫LegacyReborn ENTER THE ULTIMATES! → QUESTION 1 / 8ORIGINS 01 The Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610) was launched in 2000 with a reimagined version of Marvel’s most popular teenage superhero. Which comic series kicked off the Ultimate line? AThe Ultimates BUltimate X-Men CUltimate Spider-Man DUltimate Fantastic Four ✓ Correct! Ultimate Spider-Man #1, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Mark Bagley, launched in October 2000 and retold Peter Parker’s origin for a modern audience. It became the flagship title of the Ultimate line and ran for 160 issues. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is Ultimate Spider-Man. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, it was the first Ultimate title, debuting in 2000. The Ultimates and Ultimate X-Men followed in 2001, while Ultimate Fantastic Four didn’t launch until 2004. NEXT → QUESTION 2 / 8HEROES 02 In the Ultimate Universe, Peter Parker’s Spider-Man eventually died heroically. A new character then took up the Spider-Man mantle and later crossed over into the main Marvel universe. Who is this character? ABen Reilly BMiguel O’Hara CMiles Morales DGwen Stacy ✓ Correct! Miles Morales debuted in Ultimate Fallout #4 (2011) after Peter Parker’s death in the “Death of Spider-Man” storyline. Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli, Miles became one of Marvel’s most beloved characters and later migrated to Earth-616 after Secret Wars (2015). ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is Miles Morales. Ben Reilly is the Scarlet Spider clone from Earth-616, Miguel O’Hara is Spider-Man 2099, and while Gwen Stacy existed in the Ultimate Universe, she didn’t become Spider-Woman there — that’s Earth-65’s Spider-Gwen. NEXT → QUESTION 3 / 8HEROES 03 The Ultimates was the Ultimate Universe’s version of the Avengers. This series reimagined the team as a government-sponsored superhero squad. Who wrote the influential first two volumes of The Ultimates? ABrian Michael Bendis BMark Millar CJeph Loeb DJonathan Hickman ✓ Correct! Mark Millar, alongside artist Bryan Hitch, created The Ultimates (2002) and The Ultimates 2 (2004). Their cinematic, widescreen approach to superhero storytelling heavily influenced the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly the first Avengers film. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is Mark Millar. Bendis wrote Ultimate Spider-Man and Ultimate X-Men, Jeph Loeb took over the Ultimates later with volume 3, and Jonathan Hickman wrote the 2026 Ultimate Universe relaunch. Millar and Bryan Hitch defined The Ultimates. NEXT → QUESTION 4 / 8VILLAINS 04 In the Ultimate Universe, many characters were dramatically different from their main universe counterparts. Ultimate Reed Richards underwent a shocking transformation, becoming a major villain. What villain name did Ultimate Reed Richards adopt? AThe Thinker BThe Maker CDoctor Doom DMolecule Man ✓ Correct! The Maker is one of the most terrifying villains to come out of the Ultimate Universe. After being rejected by Sue Storm and experiencing a mental breakdown, Ultimate Reed Richards turned evil, stretching his brain to enhance his already genius-level intellect and becoming a multiversal threat. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is The Maker. The Thinker is a different FF villain, Doctor Doom is a separate character entirely (though Ultimate Doom was Victor Van Damme), and Molecule Man is an Earth-616 entity. The Maker survived Secret Wars and became a major threat across the multiverse. NEXT → QUESTION 5 / 8EVENTS 05 The Ultimate Universe suffered a catastrophic event that killed off many major characters and dramatically changed the line’s direction. What was this controversial crossover event called? AUltimatum BCataclysm CSecret Wars DUltimate Fallout ✓ Correct! Ultimatum (2008–2009), written by Jeph Loeb, saw Magneto use Thor’s hammer to reverse Earth’s magnetic poles, causing massive global devastation. Characters like Wolverine, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and many others were killed, making it one of the most controversial Marvel events ever. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is, ironically, Ultimatum itself. Cataclysm was a later event involving Galactus attacking the Ultimate Universe, Secret Wars (2015) ended the Ultimate Universe entirely, and Ultimate Fallout dealt with the aftermath of Peter Parker’s death. NEXT → QUESTION 6 / 8HEROES 06 Ultimate Nick Fury was redesigned to look very different from his main universe counterpart. His new appearance was so popular that it influenced a major casting decision in the MCU. Who was Ultimate Nick Fury visually modeled after? ADenzel Washington BWesley Snipes CSamuel L. Jackson DLaurence Fishburne ✓ Correct! Artist Bryan Hitch, with Mark Millar’s approval, deliberately modeled Ultimate Nick Fury after Samuel L. Jackson in The Ultimates. Jackson himself gave permission for his likeness to be used, and was later cast as Nick Fury in the MCU — one of the most perfect comics-to-film casting decisions ever. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is Samuel L. Jackson. Bryan Hitch specifically used Jackson’s likeness when redesigning Nick Fury for The Ultimates. Jackson actually gave his blessing, reportedly in exchange for first refusal on any film role — which led to his iconic MCU casting. NEXT → QUESTION 7 / 8ORIGINS 07 The Ultimate Universe was eventually destroyed during Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars (2015) event, with some characters migrating to the main Marvel universe (Earth-616). Which of these characters did NOT originate in the Ultimate Universe? AMiles Morales BThe Maker (Reed Richards) CKamala Khan DJimmy Hudson ✓ Correct! Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) was created for the main Earth-616 universe, debuting in Captain Marvel #14 (2013) and getting her own series in 2014. Miles Morales, The Maker, and Jimmy Hudson (Wolverine’s son) all originated in the Ultimate Universe before crossing over. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is Kamala Khan. She was created by G. Willow Wilson and Sana Amanat for the main Marvel universe (Earth-616), not the Ultimate Universe. Miles Morales, The Maker, and Jimmy Hudson (Ultimate Wolverine’s son) all came from Earth-1610. NEXT → QUESTION 8 / 8LEGACY 08 In 2026, Marvel relaunched the Ultimate Universe with a new line of comics set on a reimagined Earth-6160. This new Ultimate Universe features a world where who has secretly controlled everything from behind the scenes? AThanos BThe Maker (Reed Richards) CDoctor Doom DMagneto ✓ Correct! In Jonathan Hickman’s 2026 Ultimate Universe relaunch, The Maker (Ultimate Reed Richards) has secretly reshaped Earth-6160 from behind the scenes, preventing many heroes from ever gaining their powers and manipulating global events. The new Ultimate line follows heroes discovering and resisting his hidden influence. ✗ That answer didn’t survive Ultimatum! The answer is The Maker (Reed Richards). In the 2026 Ultimate Universe relaunch by Jonathan Hickman, The Maker has been secretly pulling strings on Earth-6160, suppressing the emergence of superheroes and reshaping the world to his design. He is the central antagonist of the new Ultimate line. REVEAL MY SCORE → Briefing Complete Your Ultimate Clearance / 8 Are you an Ultimate expert — or still reading Earth-616? ↻ TRY AGAIN
Equally important is how this encounter influences Steve’s worldview. Ikaris, often depicted as distant due to his eternal nature, represents a being struggling to stay connected to humanity. Steve, in contrast, embodies that connection. Their interaction becomes more than a rescue, it was the beginning of a philosophical exchange about what it means to believe in people.
Steve Rogers' and Ikaris' Friendship That Endures Beyond Time
The story does not just leave their relationship in the past. In the present day, Steve and Ikaris reunite in a quiet, almost mundane setting, highlighting the contrast between their extraordinary lives and simple human moments. This meeting emphasizes that their bond has endured, even if it remained largely unseen until now.
What stands out is Steve’s role as an emotional anchor. While Ikaris has spent centuries observing humanity from a distance, Steve offers a grounded perspective shaped by lived experience. He reminds Ikaris that humanity’s flaws don’t outweigh its capacity for good, which is .
This dynamic subtly reshapes how readers view Steve’s character. His unwavering faith in people isn’t just a personal trait; it’s something he actively shares and reinforces in others. In this case, he becomes a source of reassurance for someone who has witnessed humanity at its best and worst across millennia.
Expanding the Eternals’ Place in Marvel History
By weaving Captain America into the Eternals’ history, the anniversary issue accomplishes something significant: it bridges the gap between Earth’s mightiest heroes and its oldest protectors. The inclusion of Steve Rogers helps ground the Eternals’ cosmic scope, making their .
This connection also enhances Ikaris as a character. Often portrayed as stoic and duty-driven, his friendship with Steve reveals a more introspective side. It shows that even immortals need guidance and perspective, especially when grappling with their role in humanity’s ongoing story.
Related
Despite the failure of Marvel Cinematic Universe's 2026 Eternals film, the team is still going strong in the comics with this new character.
Posts By
Ultimately, this hidden history enriches both sides of the equation. Captain America gains a new dimension to his legacy, while the Eternals feel more integrated into Marvel’s main story. It is a reminder that even in a universe filled with gods and super-soldiers, the most meaningful connections are often the ones that shape how heroes see the world, and their place within it.
-
Initially debuting in 1940, Captain America is the patriotically themed superhero who has shared the title with only a few individuals. Beginning with Steve Rogers, Captain America's birth resulted from a frail man taking part in an experimental U.S. Army super-soldier trial, which imbued him with super-human abilities. The character is often depicted wielding a nigh unbreakable and aerodynamic shield made of vibranium that they use to defend and attack their foes.
Expand Collapse -
Your Rating
close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10Your comment has not been saved
Like Follow Followed PG-13 Superhero
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingEternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, follows a group of ancient aliens who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. The film explores their reunion in the face of an unexpected tragedy and the threat posed by their age-old adversaries, the Deviants. Released in 2026, the film expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Expand Collapse
Subscribe to the newsletter for hidden Marvel history
Get deeper context by subscribing to the newsletter — in-depth breakdowns of comic retcons, character roots, and how new issues reshape Marvel continuity. Perfect for readers who want clear, readable analysis of Captain America, the Eternals, and beyond. Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our and . You can unsubscribe anytime.
Follow Followed Like Share Close Trending Now
