Avengers forever

• Writer - Judd Winick
• Penciler - James Calafiore
• Inker - Mark McKenna
• Colorist - Transparency Digital
• Lettering - Dave Sharpe
• Ass't Editor - Annie Thornton
• Editor - Mike Marts
• Editor - Mike Raicht
• Editor in Chief - Joe Quesada

Summary

  Wasp scouts ahead as the Avengers infiltrate a restricted area. SHIELD confronts them; they smile and then attack. One holds up a crucifix; Cap uses his shield to knock it away and then lunges, fangs bared. The Avengers are vampires.

  At an internet café in San Francisco, Kevin learns this on fan sites on the web and informs the rest of the incredulous team. This world diverged when Cap fought Baron Blood, a very old vampire. Cap fought him during World War II as an Invader and later (Capt. America 254) with the help of Union Jack. That time, Cap got bit, but then he killed the Baron and took over as Vampire King. All the Tallus says they are "To stop the Vampire King from releasing the enchantment that will enslave a city," whatever that means. Mariko gets Morph to see if Union Jack is still around.

  Illyana is eager to start the killing; Calvin wants more restraint and says she's been vicious and lazy on past missions. He orders her to stop; she cozies up to him, but he rejects her clumsy attempt at seduction. So she makes a pass at Mariko, who says she'll let her know.

  Morph finds that Union Jack here is Kenneth Crichton, retired since Cap defeated him.

  Calvin calls him at Falsworth Estate, and he explains the Avengers stole a totem from a SHIELD base, which has the Macodibe Enchantment which can turn the city into zombies. The ritual will need to be done under the full moon at one of six deconsecrated locations, two of which are in San Francisco. Calvin asks for his help, but he is scarred, literally.

  The team packs stakes, crosses, and holy water and find the Avengers on the roof of a building where once was a temple to Kolock. Polaris drops dead with a stake through the heart: Illyana has jumped the gun. Melee ensues, during with Hawkeye is able to bite Mariko. Cap tells Calvin he's killed many and turned others, and smart heroes stay away from him. Calvin, seeing there's no other way, pops claws and beheads him.

  Cap's hands reach out and put his own head back.

  Notes: Baron Blood was the first Union Jack's brother, whose children were Union Jack and Spitfire; Kenneth Crichton is Spitfire's son.