The United States is dead -- long live the Secret Empire!

After months of build-up, the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, sees his traitorous plans for Hydra come to fruition in April, with the debut of Marvel Comics' "Secret Empire." The event kicks off with a special zero issue, then continues in one of the company's Free Comics Book Day releases on May 6 before spilling out across the Marvel Universe with a nine-issue series, a number of one-shots, and tie-in chapters throughout the publisher's monthly series.

Featuring art by Steve McNiven, Andrea Sorrentino, Leinil Yu and Daniel Acuña, the miniseries is characterized as the culmination of writer Nick Spencer’s work on such titles as “Captain America: Sam Wilson” and “Captain America: Steve Rogers.” The event picks up the threads from “Civil War II,” with Steve Rogers, now a covert Hydra operative due to the Red Skull using a Cosmic Cube to manipulate his origin, assuming leadership of S.H.I.E.L.D.

RELATED: Marvel Debuts First Look at Secret Empire, Defenders, Spectacular & More

But before we get there, CBR has the exclusive first look at the cover art and solicitation text for three of May's biggest "Secret Empire" tie-ins. Be warned: the cover art alone may be a bit spoilery, so proceed with caution.

In "Captain America: Steve Rogers" #17, we see the former Sentinel of Liberty fully discard his traditional red, white and blue garb for something in a shade of emerald, standing under the Hydra logo-emblazoned flag of his United States. Meanwhile, "Captain America: Sam Wilson" appears to be leading the resistance, while the cover for "U.S.Avengers" #6 teases that perhaps one longstanding Marvel Universe hero may not survive Rogers' new world order.

EXCLUSIVE: Captain America Exposed on Secret Empire #0 Cover

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CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #17

  • NICK SPENCER (W) • Andres Guinaldo (A)
  • Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
  • SECRET EMPIRE TIE-IN!
  • IN CAP WE TRUST!
  • 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
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U.S.AVENGERS #6

  • AL EWING (W) • PACO MEDINA (A/C)
  • SECRET EMPIRE TIE-IN!
  • Steve Rogers shoots to kill — and A.I.M. is the target!
  • As Roberto Da Costa’s dreams come crashing down, can the U.S.Avengers stay in one piece?
  • Plus: Are we actually going to kill Cannonball?
  • 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
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CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #22

  • NICK SPENCER (W) • Sean Izaakse (A)
  • Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
  • SECRET EMPIRE TIE-IN!
  • In a world that’s undergone dramatic changes, Sam Wilson takes to the skies again!
  • What is the mission that brings Sam back out from the shadows?
  • 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99