Captain America # 1 January 2013 cover date, released in late 2012 marked the beginning of Volume 7 of the series, launching the "Dimension Z" storyline under the Marvel NOW! initiative. The issue thrusts Steve Rogers into a bizarre and hostile world far from home.
The issue is a science-fiction, pulp-fantasy adventure that starts a multi-part saga:
- The Abduction: Captain America is investigating a mysterious, newly appeared subway car on a disused track with Sharon Carter when he is captured and transported to another dimension.
- Dimension Z: He awakens restrained in a lab in Dimension Z, the new stronghold of the mad bio-fanatic Arnim Zola. Zola begins draining the Super-Soldier Serum from Steve's blood to use on a baby in a nearby tank.
- Escape and Discovery: Steve breaks free, battles Zola's mutant henchmen, and escapes the lab. During his escape, he takes the infant with him, whom Zola reveals is his bio-engineered son, created to be a companion for his daughter, Jet Black.
- A New Mission: After crash-landing an aircraft in a desolate area, Steve is stranded in this new dimension with the baby, vowing to protect him (this child grows up to be Ian Rogers, the new Nomad).
- Writer: Rick Remender.
- Artist: John Romita Jr..
- Notable First Appearances:
- Ian Rogers (as a baby).
- Jet Black (Jet Zola).
- Green Skull.
The issue redefined Captain America's status quo, moving him away from Earth and into a desperate, isolated battle for survival in an alien landscape.