GUEST: Author Peter Meineck, on Marvel Comics & Greek Mythology

Link to Peter’s book, “Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel” 

The submarine slips beneath the dark waters of the East River, its engines churning. Steve Rogers, his newly enhanced body surging with power, dives in after it, slicing through the current with furious kicks. He catches up to the sub, his fist shattering the window with a single punch. Gripping the canopy, he rips it off, water rushing in, and yanks Heinz Kruger out, hauling him to the surface. With a heave, Steve tosses the spy onto the dock, where he lands with a wet thud.

Steve looms over him, chest heaving, voice sharp. “Who the hell are you?”

Kruger, battered but defiant, sneers. “The first of many. Cut off one head,” he says, biting down on a hidden cyanide capsule in his mouth, “two more shall take its place! Hail Hydra!” His body convulses, then goes still, lifeless eyes staring skyward.

Steve, catching his breath, stares down at Kruger, confusion swirling in his mind at the cryptic words and sudden death. His gaze shifts to his own muscular arms, the reality of his transformation sinking in, a mix of awe and uncertainty flickering across his face.