After the 6-issue sojourn to China, we catch up with everyone's favourite Manchurian candidate, Sharon Carter, and her retconned-aunt (used-to-be-sister) Peggy. They have a lot in common, starting with both having fucked Steve.
Now, when Sharon first showed up in the mid-1960s, she was said to be the younger sister of Margaret Carter, a love interest Steve had in World War II; now, this was perhaps on the outer limits of what fertility would have allowed, but not impossible (my father has twelve siblings, born between 1940 and 1961; if Sharon was born around 1940, that would fit).
Obviously, this was not a backstory that could easily withstand much of the 'ol sliding timeline. Peggy appeared a few times in the 60s and 70s, but afterwards the comics started to ignore her because of the problem she presented.
Anyway, Ed Brubaker finally pushed her off the sliding timeline in Captain America (v.5) #25:
This essentially invalidated all of her appearances in the "present-day" period, while preserving her place in World War II and in Sharon's family history (which, really, was the more important thing). Though even "aunt" is kind of stretching it; I imagine they'll be calling her "great-aunt" in another twenty years. I've never been quite sure what I think about the idea that Steve's present-day girlfriend is related to his World War II girlfriend (and, particularly, that the latter grew up hearing all about him from her sister/aunt). It's a bit "small world", and it can be a bit creepy ("Farewell, sweet Margaret. Make sure your brother marries well!").
Anyway, the preview for #49 contains her first post-retcon appearance. And this is apparently going to be the most talked-about issue since #25.
I'm glad we're getting back to Sharon's story; I've missed her in the book since #42 (same with Falcon); also, little defensive about the 'as a friend' thing, Sharon?