Secret Empire # 0 2017 NM-

Secret Empire # 0 (2017) serves as the prelude to the main storyline, depicting how Captain America, whose memories were altered to make him a loyal Hydra agent, enacts his master plan to take over the United States. The issue details the initial phase of Hydra's global takeover, isolating Earth's heroes and seizing key locations. 

The issue showcases how Steve Rogers, who has become the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the most trusted hero on Earth, uses this position to orchestrate a massive, simultaneous assault on the world's defenses. 

• Three-Pronged Attack: Captain America coordinates three major crises at once to distract and neutralize the superhero community.
1. Chitauri Invasion: A massive Chitauri armada approaches Earth. Captain America sends the heavy-hitting heroes, including Captain Marvel and the Guardians of the Galaxy, into space to deal with the threat and then activates a Planetary Defense Shield, trapping them outside of Earth's atmosphere.
2. Manhattan Under Siege: The Army of Evil, a group of supervillains, attacks New York City. Baron Zemo uses the Darkhold to boost the villain Blackout's powers, enveloping half of Manhattan in the Darkforce Dimension, cutting it off from the outside world and trapping several heroes, including the Defenders.
3. Sokovia Incident: S.H.I.E.L.D. forces are dispatched to Sokovia, where Hydra has taken control of the country's nuclear arsenal. Captain America then reveals his true colors to Sharon Carter and orders Hydra Helicarriers to take over Washington, D.C.. 

• The Betrayal: The core of the issue is the shocking betrayal by Captain America, the symbol of American ideals and justice. This turn is the result of the sentient Cosmic Cube, Kobik, being manipulated into altering Steve's memories to make him believe he was a Hydra agent since childhood.
• The Rise of Hydra: With the heroes scattered, trapped, or compromised, Hydra quickly seizes control of the United States government and military apparatus.
• The Underground: The events of issue #0 lead to the formation of an underground resistance movement composed of the remaining free heroes, including Hawkeye, Iron Man (an AI version), and the Champions, who refuse to bow to the new fascist regime.