Captain America just got a major transformation in the Marvel’s Avengers line, giving the iconic hero a surprising new role. The beloved superhero takes a new identity in Avengers: Armageddon #4, gaining new powers as the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face a major crisis.

The new comic issue reveals David Colton, the 21st-century Captain America, has officially claimed the Miracleman mantle now. Colton’s godlike powers came from the Origin Box, which is revealed to be directly connected to the character.

The change gives Colton access to the immense power associated with one of comics’ most influential superheroes. Avengers editor Wil Moss also teased in the press release that a larger role for Colton is coming following the transformation.

“Chip [comic writer – Chip Zdarsky] has BIG plans for him [Colton] that will affect not just the Avengers, but the entire Marvel Universe. This is the beginning of something really special,” Moss said.

The Alan Moore history that kept Marvel’s hero out of the universe for decades

The superhero experienced a complicated past that kept him separate from the Marvel Universe until now. Alan Moore transformed the 1950s Marvelman character into a dark, psychological Miracleman in the 1980s.

But the character soon found itself tangled in legal disputes over ownership. These legal battles locked Miracleman away from new stories for roughly three decades. Marvel eventually acquired the rights, but the publisher kept him isolated from its main continuity, similar to how DC has largely kept Watchmen separate from its universe.

Now that changes as Colton’s transformation brings Miracleman into ongoing Marvel continuity for the first time.

As for the new comic book, its description reads: A Key Moment in Marvel History as a New character takes the stage. The Marvel Universe changes forever right here and right now! The Avengers are torn apart as a shocking character makes their debut, setting the stage for November’s AVENGERS #1!

Written by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar, the comic is now available to purchase in stores.

Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.com.