Where did the U.S. military get the vibranium used to make Captain America’s original shield?
Vibranium is incredibly rare, and Wakanda spent generations keeping it hidden. So how did Howard Stark get enough of it during World War II?
In the MCU, Howard tells Steve that the metal used for his shield is the entire U.S. supply of vibranium, suggesting America had almost none.
But What If…? gives us an interesting clue. In that timeline, King T’Chaka secretly provides Howard Stark with vibranium, showing Wakanda could share small amounts with trusted allies.
The comics go even further, connecting Captain America with Wakanda during World War II.
So Steve’s shield may have had a secret Wakandan connection all along.