Publisher Marvel Comics Leader(s) Doctor Faustus | Type of organization Subversive | |
First appearance Captain America #231 (Mar 1979) Created by Roger McKenzie
Sal Buscema Agent(s) 88
Sharon Carter
Grand Director | ||
The National Force is a fictional organization appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Fictional history
The National Force was a neo-fascist organization masterminded by Doctor Faustus.
Faustus had recently gained custody of the fourth Captain America (William Burnside, although he legally changed his name to Steven Rogers) and his partner Bucky, heroes from the 1950s who had been kept in suspended animation. Faustus took control of the mind of Burnside in an attempt to use him against Steve Rogers, the original Captain America. Faustus brainwashed him into returning as "The Grand Director", the leader of National Force.
While working as a S.H.I.E.L.D. liaison with the NYPD, Sharon Carter investigated and infiltrated the National Force. During one of the National Force's battles with street criminals in Harlem, the National Guard was sent in to put an end to it. Under the effects of a mind-altering gas, however, Sharon apparently activated a self-destruct device in her National Force uniform and apparently committed suicide. Rogers was shown the event on videotape.
After being defeated in battle by the original Captain America and Daredevil, the Grand Director apparently committed suicide. He has since reappeared, having survived the suicide attempt. He was later shot by Captain America (Barnes) and fell off the Hoover Dam. No body was recovered.