The Replacement" The Commission approaches Super-Patriot for the role of Captain America. John is bemused by the proposal considering his outspoken criticism of Cap up to that point, but feels obligated as a patriot to heed his country's call no matter what. While he's waiting for the Commission to do his background check, he fills his manager in on the decision. Ethan is upset that his client would make the deal without consulting him, but quickly gets to work writing up a list of demands that will allow them to profit from it. John, wondering why the original Cap resigned, attempts to get in touch with him through his hotline, but doesn't get a response. Super-Patriot's cohorts, the BUCkies, catch up with him and are supportive of the move, and John promises to get them all jobs with the government along with him. Two days later, John formally dons the Captain America costume and accepts the shield. He's immediately put through the ringer in a training session with Freedom Force meant to get him acclimated to the shield. He only gets to throw it once and doesn't recover it, leading to a quick defeat at the hands of the Blob and leaving John feeling like he has something to prove. Three days later, the Commission informs John that his list of demands has been mostly rejected; he'll have to drop Ethan as his manager and only one of the three BUCkies passed their background check. After only a moment of hesitation, John grimly accepts the deal.
