In Captain America: Unforgiven #1, readers learn that Cap even inspires vampires, which would make the perfect twist for their MCU introduction.
Warning: Contains spoilers for Captain America: The Unforgiven #1Vampires are on the horizon for the MCU, and in a new twist, they could also be Captain America’s legacy. Captain America is known as an inspiration in the Marvel Universe, and as he works alongside a group of rogue vampires, called the Forgiven, in Captain America: Unforgiven #1, readers learn he inspires even certain members of the undead to fight the good fight.
The story, titled “A Few Good Monsters,” is written by Tim Seeley, drawn by Sid Koitan, colored by Edgar Delgado and lettered by Joe Caramagna. The Forgiven, a team of rogue vampires who resist their bloodlust, have just been betrayed by one of their own–the new vampire Redblood. The team has sworn to bring Redblood in–and after fighting alongside the X-Men, they travel to one of their old bases–which was given to them by Captain America. Redblood reveals that her vampire name was inspired by Captain America; she sees Cap as “strong-willed” and “spirited”—qualities she saw in herself. Later, Captain America corners Nighteyes, one of the Forgiven. As he attempts to de-escalate the situation, Captain America tells Nighteyes that the Forgiven’s now deceased leader, Raizo Kodo, was inspired by Cap to use his bloodlust to fight evil. Captain America tells Nighteyes that Kodo was trying to be a guide and not control them. Nighteyes stands down, and Redblood reveals that Cap went to other members of the Forgiven, trying to rally them to fight—and they all followed his example.
Captain America Inspires EVERYONE in the Marvel Universe
Vampires have been an integral part of the Marvel Universe since 1972’s Tomb of Dracula #1. They are largely depicted as mindless and evil, blindly following Dracula’s example. However, the Forgiven are bucking this trend. A group of vampires who have renounced their bloodlust, the Forgiven try to retain the humanity that was stolen from them. Once led by Raizo Kodo, the Forgiven fight not only vampires, but other evildoers as well–and it is all thanks to Captain America.
Captain America is one of the most inspiring figures in the Marvel Universe. Captain America has led the Avengers for many years, and even though he is not the current chair, many still view him as the de facto leader of the team. The Star-Spangled Avenger is respected throughout the universe, and his example has pointed the way for numerous heroes. Vampires may seem like the last group that Captain America would inspire, but the Forgiven’s leader took his cues from Steve Rogers. In Captain America, Raizo saw the best of humanity–and it inspired him to try and hold onto his. Over time, Raizo learned how to control his bloodlust and taught others to do the same. While some view vampires as “children of Dracula,” the Forgiven are taking their cues from Captain America.
Vampires will soon make their presence known in the MCU when Blade debuts in 2024. No villains, or other vampires, have been announced for the film, but what if, in a shocking twist, some of the MCU vampires claim Steve Rogers as an inspiration? The world believes Steve is dead, and a group of vampires inspired by the legacy of Captain America would make for compelling viewing.
