What to Know About Vic, Captain America’s New Sidekick
- Vic’s identity: Vic is a child clone of Doctor Doom who joins Steve Rogers in an upcoming Captain America story.
- Story setting: Captain America #17 sends Steve and Vic into a dystopian future after Armageddon.
- Vic’s armor: Cover art shows Vic wearing a hooded jacket with an Iron Man-style mask and gauntlet.
- Release date: Captain America #17 is scheduled for November 11.
Captain America introduces Vic, a new sidekick for Steve Rogers, in a story set in a dystopian future. This article explains who Vic is, what the comics reveal about his armor and how his relationship with Steve echoes an earlier chapter in Captain America’s history.
Upcoming issues of Captain America take Steve Rogers beyond the usual Earth-616 continuity after one of his villains, whose identity remains unknown, warps reality. The change leaves Steve trapped in a dystopian future where his name is mud.
Steve’s unlikely companion is Vic, joining the ranks of his notable sidekicks, including Bucky Barnes, Rick Jones and Lemar Hoskins.
Who Is Captain America’s New Sidekick, Vic?
Vic is a child clone of Doctor Doom, introduced in Captain America #10. The character is set to return alongside Steve in the series’ far-future story.
Vic is a child clone of Doctor Doom without the original’s memories.
Vic, the new Captain America sidekick, is a child clone of Doctor Doom. First introduced in April’s Captain America #10, Vic was created by Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti. The original Doom designed Vic as a secret contingency plan who could eventually become his heir. Vic was activated early, however, and does not have Doctor Doom’s memories.
Marvel has confirmed that Vic will return for Steve’s far-future adventure. The summary for Captain America #17 reads:
ON THE RUN! In the aftermath of ARMAGEDDON, Captain America goes on the run with VIC, the child clone of DOCTOR DOOM. The U.N.-backed S.H.I.E.L.D. has demanded Vic be turned over, pitting Cap against NICK FURY. Meanwhile, one of Cap’s oldest enemies returns!
Vic also appears on the covers of Captain America #18 and #19. The summary for #19 confirms that Steve will still have the “child clone of Doctor Doom” with him.
Vic was raised in Latveria amid Doctor Doom’s propaganda, but trusts Steve Rogers as his protector. After Avengers: Armageddon, international sentiment turns against superpowered beings, and Nick Fury’s reconstructed S.H.I.E.L.D. demands that Steve hand Vic over.
What Does Vic’s Iron Man-Style Armor Look Like?
Captain America #19 cover art depicts Vic in a hooded jacket with an Iron Man-style mask and gauntlet. The artwork also places Vic and Steve beside a silver-armored Iron Man.
The cover shows Vic wearing an Iron Man-style mask and gauntlet.
Captain America #17 establishes that Vic travels with Steve, while the cover art for #19 presents the pair together as partners. Valerio Schiti’s artwork shows Vic in a hooded jacket with an Iron Man-style mask and gauntlet. A silver-armored Iron Man stands beside them; the character is likely new because the story takes place in the future.
The cover also hints at villainous versions of Spider-Man and possibly Falcon. The imagery suggests a future where the Avengers legacy has been corrupted.
How Does Vic’s Story Echo Steve Rogers’ Past?
Steve Rogers previously raised Ian Rogers, the genetically engineered son of Arnim Zola, in the 2012 “Castaway in Dimension Z” storyline. Vic’s story revisits the idea of Steve protecting a villain’s child, but in a different period of Steve’s life.
Steve once raised Arnim Zola’s son, Ian Rogers, before Ian became the new Nomad.
The 2012 “Castaway in Dimension Z” arc saw Captain America adopt and raise Ian Rogers, the genetically engineered son of Arnim Zola. Steve and Ian spent years together in the brutal dimension. Ian later arrived on Earth-616 as the new Nomad, a role he still holds.
Steve’s situation with Vic differs from his earlier experience with Ian. Avengers: Armageddon saw Bucky Barnes killed by the Red Hulk while Steve was in a coma. The story frames Steve’s role as protecting Vic rather than training him.
Will Captain America Raise the Next Doctor Doom?
Whether Vic will become another Doctor Doom remains unresolved. His origin and potential for evil raise a question for Steve: whether the world would be safer without another Victor von Doom.
The comics establish Vic’s origin but do not confirm what he will become.
One World Under Doom also saw Doctor Doom trick Captain America into helping him take over Hell. That history may leave Steve wondering whether the world would be better off without another Victor von Doom.
Captain America’s next arc sends Steve Rogers into a dystopian future with Vic, a child clone of Doctor Doom who lacks the supervillain’s memories and powers but retains the potential for evil.
Captain America #17 is scheduled for November 11.
What should readers know about Vic and Captain America?
Vic is a child clone of Doctor Doom who becomes Steve Rogers’ companion in the upcoming story.
Does Vic have Doctor Doom’s memories?
No. The story establishes that Vic was activated early and does not have Doctor Doom’s memories.
What does Vic wear in the comic cover art?
The cover art for Captain America #19 shows Vic in a hooded jacket with an Iron Man-style mask and gauntlet.
When is Captain America #17 coming out?
Captain America #17 is scheduled for November 11.
