I: Feature Story: "The Fantastic Origin of the Red Skull"

Pages: 10

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: Jack Kirby
Inks: Chic Stone
Letters: Artie Simek

First Appearance: Shultz

Villain: Red Skull, Adolf Hitler, Shultz, Nazis

Origin: Red Skull

Setting: Germany

Synopsis: The Red Skull has taken Captain America as his captive after catching him trying to enter Germany, right as Cap had begun to search for the evil Nazi villain after finding out that the man posing as Maxon was NOT the real Red Skull (see LAST ISSUE). While Cap is tied up securely, the Skull shares his life story with his hostage:

As a weakling boy, he was selected by Hitler to become the "perfect Nazi", after the Fuerher recognized in his eyes the "sheer, blazing hatred" that he himself knew too well. After intense personal training under the guidance of Hitler, the boy was given the costume of the Red Skull...

Meanwhile, Cap interrupts the Skull's tale, but is once again beaten down. The Skull continues....

His campaign of violence spreads across Europe, as does his reputation, until through behind the scenes treachery he became the second most powerful Nazi behind Hitler.

Cap again tries to resist, but soon after he stands up, he faints and collapses in a heap. The Skull hails his top scientist, Schultz, who declares that the chemical applied to Cap has taken effect: his brain is now wiped and the Skull can begin to brainwash him into being his slave. The Skull's first mission for Cap: assassinate the Supreme Commander of the Allied Armies.

(Continued in TOS #67)

--synopsis by Gormuu

Issues Reprinted
Captain America from
Tales of Suspense #59-81

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