Did Hydra in the Comics Turn on the Nazis Like in the MCU?

This question actually popped into my head while watching Wonder Woman. SPOILERS: In the movie, a rogue general wants to keep the First World War going… and that led me to a HYDRA/Captain America question. Surely, someone as controlling as Hitler would not let his commanders run amuck or do something without his permission.

So, how would things like Red Skull or any of those “baddie rogue Nazi generals” stories happen? In the MCU’s Captain America, Red Skull realizes he has been left to his own devices. However, in the comics, the reality is quite different.

Hydra's Origins and Nazi Connections in Comic Books

Hydra in the comics did not exist during World War II. It was founded by Baron Strucker, a former Nazi, but he had struck out on his own after the war.

The real-life story of Nazi generals during the Eastern Front, where Hitler declared war on the United States, highlights the situation these commanders were in. When faced with imminent defeat, they either sought to save themselves by aligning with new powers or played for their own internal agenda.

Hydra's resurgence in the comics took place after the war, when Strucker and his followers realized that the traditional structures of power and control were no longer effective. They sought to continue the Nazi legacy and reinforce their dominance in their own way.

The Red Skull and Ultimate Power

Red Skull, as an exemplar of a character who has deviated from the main goals of the Nazis, provides a poignant example. In the MCU, Red Skull comes to recognize that his ends must justify his means. But in the comics, the story is more complex.

In the comics, Red Skull often aligns with larger, more all-encompassing goals that are not necessarily aligned with Nazi ideology. He has been seduced by ultimate power from various sources, such as a Grail, a giant tentacle monster, or super soldier serums. These attractions offer him not just temporary strength, but a more enduring form of power that transcends the transient nature of Nazi-run states.

Moreover, Red Skull and other Nazi-inspired villains often pursue their goals with a different ethical framework. They may not adhere strictly to the goals of Hitler and the NSDAP party, but rather find their own values and objectives to achieve their ambitions.

Hydra in Contemporary Comics

Today, Hydra is frequently depicted as a separate entity from Nazi Germany. It often operates as a modern-day, powerful and secretive organization that sometimes aligns with or opposes different factions, depending on the story's needs.

Sometimes, Hydra becomes a vehicle for exploring themes of power, control, and corruption in modern society. Its legacy is one of continued power and influence, even after the fall of the Nazi regime.

Conclusion

The stories of Red Skull, Baron Strucker, and other Nazi-inspired characters in the comics provide a rich narrative space for exploring themes of power, control, and ideological conflict. While Red Skull and Hydra do not turn on the Nazis like in the MCU, their stories offer a compelling exploration of how power persists and evolves over time.

Whether in the context of a superhero story or a modern thriller, Hydra and its various iterations continue to be a fascinating and complex character.