Media Release -- The stage is set! Everything has been leading to this moment! The Secret Empire is upon us! But before the heroes of the Marvel Universe stand united against Hydra, prepare yourself for three senses-shattering lead-in issues coming to comic shops this April! As the Marvel Universe speeds headlong toward the blockbuster comic event of the year, no fan should miss SECRET EMPIRE: OPENING SALVO – three key issues prepping fans for the epic event to come, shipping one week before SECRET EMPIRE #0 hits stores!

First, in CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #16 – Captain America prepares to step out of the shadows and into the light, but is the Marvel Universe ready? Plus, this oversized issue clocks in at 30 pages at no additional cost! Then, A.I.M is about to get serious in U.S.AVENGERS #5 as Captain America shows up on the scene. But where does that leave Roberto Da Costa? Finally, betrayal & destruction abound in THUNDERBOLTS #12! With Baron Zemo back in the picture, what will be the final fate of the T-Bolts and Kobik?

Seeds sown here bear bitter fruit in the pages of Secret Empire this May! Don't miss the Opening Salvo when CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #16, THUNDERBOLTS #12 and U.S.AVENGERS #5 come to local comic shops on April 19th!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #16 (FEB170832)
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by KEVIN LIBRADA, YILDRAY CINAR & JON MALIN
Cover by DANIEL ACUNA
FOC – 03/27/17, On-Sale 04/19/17

THUNDERBOLTS #12 (FEB170902)
Written by JIM ZUB
Art & Cover by JON MALIN
FOC – 03/27/17, On-Sale 04/19/17

U.S.AVENGERS #5 (FEB170835)
Written by AL EWING
Art by PACO DIAZ
Cover by PACO MEDINA
FOC – 03/27/17, On-Sale 04/19/17
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About Marvel: Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.

For more information visit www.marvel.com