THE Marvel Comics takeover of the universe continues apace with the second Captain America adventure on screen and the Avengers (Assemble) sequel about to go into production.

How long before a superhero arrives to rid the world of this growing menace of comic book characters? Already the mother of all superhero battles is looming as Captain America 3 is scheduled to open in cinemas the very same day as the Superman Vs Batman movie. Fight night is May 6, 2016.

Meanwhile let’s console ourselves with Scarlett Johansson in a tight leather catsuit as the Black Widow alongside the bland, chiselled features of Chris Evans (no, not the ginger one but the US actor) as Captain America as they battle… well, that’s the story. What or rather who are they battling?

There is skulduggery afoot in the corridors of power (no change there) as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, adjusts to life in present day Washington DC and at sea in a rescue mission alongside Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow and SHIELD’s counter-terrorism unit.

That’s the simple bit. Boss Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson with an eye-patch) tells Rogers all about the agency’s new heli-carriers capable of keeping global peace by wiping out threats before they have a chance to strike. Plus, what are we to make of Robert Redford as a senior member of SHIELD who’s far too silky smooth for his (and our) own good.

The Russo brothers Anthony and Joe keep the action moving along at a fair old lick until the inevitable climax in which Captain America gets maximum use of his shield (a sort of lethal frisbee) as he battles The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) who reminds him of someone from his past.

The finale is, of course, one big bang as the special effects team blow up everything in sight. Then you must sit still until the end of the credits for not one but two extra scenes containing hints of things to come.