This morning, Marvel put out the first installment of Captain America: First Vengeance, the comic tie-in to their upcoming Captain America movie. It follows on the heels of the movie’s trailer, broadcast during last night’s Super Bowl. (Thanks to Big Shiny Robot for pointing me to both.)

I find myself less than impressed. Some of it has to do with Marvel’s ultimate American patriot. Not all of us are American, so the prospect of another American-focussed WWII movie doesn’t make me want to rush to the theatres. But the thing I really didn’t like is Marvel’s white-washing of history. Instead of having Cap fight against Hitler’s Nazis—like he did in the comic book—Marvel decides the conquering of Europe was led by their go-to mysterious terrorist organization, Hydra.

Why Hydra? What was wrong with Nazis? The only excuse I can think of is Marvel wanting to release this movie in Germany and thinking that by changing the antagonists, German sensibilities will no longer be offended. Except, as can be seen in the comic, Hydra soldiers are still speaking German.

All that aside, there are also problems with how Marvel is handling the movie tie-in. I’m heartened by their decision to not just write a straight adaptation of the film, but eight mini-issues? Seven of which must be purchased through their iPad app? The free comic was only 12 pages long. I just wonder how many fans are going to want to pay $14 for what amounts to movie advertising. I suppose we’ll see what happens.

Captain America: The First Avenger comes out 22 July, 2011.