By Nielle McCammon
For big Avengers fans, you know that “Captain Marvel” is about to become significantly important in the 4th installment of the Franchise. And in case you missed the post-credit scene, it was Captain Marvel that Nick Fury messaged before he disappeared into dust. She is arguably the most powerful hero in the Marvel Universe, yet her story is largely unknown.
As a huge fan of the character myself, I rely on official sources for “Captain Marvel” news. However, the “official” account was lacking content for a long time, so like many, I turned to Rafael Pinto Rodrigues’ account on Twitter @CaptMarvelNews. He is sure to only post accurate info, educate with joy, is always respectful, and excellent at uniting the fans in their excitement of the movie. Maybe that’s why stars of the movie follow him on Twitter!
Recently Brasil’s Comic-Con welcomed the cast of “Captain Marvel,” and Rafael got to meet his HERo. He was not disappointed!
Brie Larson, star of Captain Marvel & Rafael Rodrigues.
I chatted with Rafael to find out why a big, personal trainer likes “Captain Marvel” best out of all the superheroes, and why he is so inspired by her character.
Nielle McCammon: How did you become such a big “Captain Marvel” fan? What about her character stood out from the rest of the heroes in the Marvel Universe for you?
Rafael Rodrigues: Back in the mid-’90s. There was a very famous “X-Men” TV cartoon and she appeared during an episode when we’re told Rogue’s origins. It was love at first sight. I thought she looked cool (though today I think swimsuits were super unnecessary!). She had that sassy, confident personality and she had the powers I’d love to have if I were a superhero.
What made Carol stand out for me were her flaws, how she overcomes her fears and turning them into determination and focus. She never let anyone or anything stop her from being the best she can be. She doesn’t want to be perfect, she just wants to follow her noble heart. She isn’t just a heroine who beats foes. She represents equality, and has fought for equality and diversity for years!
NM: I love that a man like yourself is such an advocate for an important heroine like Captain Marvel. What would you say women can learn from her?
RR: I always believed that female characters were more complex, fun and relatable. Just for the fact that a woman going through a LOT to prove herself in a man’s world is unique. I really think women can learn that you have to pursue your dreams, not let anyone say NO to you. Even if the people you love the most, don’t believe in you. GO FOR IT! You can be the best! You have to learn from mistakes but never let anyone prevent you from doing something.. especially if it’s because you’re a woman. That must empower and make you go even further! She is what I call REAL HERO. A real hero to me inspires anyone, regardless of their gender-race-religion, etc.
NM: I’ve come to rely on your Twitter feed for CM news! How many hours a day do you search for the newest info?
RR: Thank You! I think that’s one of the things I’m really proud of. People come to me to say I’m a really trustful resource of “Captain Marvel” News and info and also that I bond the Carol Corps together! That melts my heart because that was one of the main reasons I started out years ago. To share the love for my hero and try to make people feel as inspired as I’ve been for the last 20 years! I randomly pick topics to tweet, or I if read wrong info about her, I just tweet the correct info. Sometimes stories just pop into my mind!
NM: What are your top sources of information for the latest “Captain Marvel” News?
RR: Wow! On my @CaptMarvelNews profile, I try to follow official sources and the biggest geek accounts. Not into tweeting unofficial information is why people from Marvel, the movie team, Brie Larson and the movie directors, the comic book team also follow me. I appreciate that so much!
NM: Have you read all the comics that detail her various personas? There’s Binary, WarBird, more commonly known Ms. Marvel, etc. before she became Captain Marvel.
RR: Of course I did! Once I started as a fan in the mid ’90s, she was a very active Avengers member and I got to read all of her past issues and luckily her biggest moments were still to come during House Of M early ’00s, and her solo “Ms. Marvel” series (2006-2010) all led to her taking the “Captain Marvel” mantle in 2012.
NM: I personally like to read the more recent comics in the 2000s when Carol Danvers has achieved more equality with the other Avengers. Do you think it’s important to read the older comics to see all the struggles she had with inequality?
RR: Absolutely! It’s so valuable to go back in time and read her early 70’s books and her 80s 90s Avengers – Binary -Avengers days! You can really feel and actually see how much she fought and struggled to be here where she is now. That NOTHING came easy for Carol Danvers, nothing happened overnight and how much of a Strong character she is.
NM: Do you think that Captain Marvel is the strongest Avenger? Take a guess, where do you think she’s been while all the chaos has been happening?
RR: I MADE A “TWITTER MOMENT” proving that she IS one of the most powerful Marvel heroes ever! People love to “forget” or ignore most of her feats in comics. She’s ALWAYS been a cosmic powerhouse, that’s why she’s gonna be portrayed so in the MCU! That came out of nowhere, it’s all very much tied with her long 50 years of history. We gotta educate those who like to diminish such a woman of power, right? That’s why I’m here, too! Educate!
NM: If you were trying to convince someone to see her movie, what would you say?
RR: Relatable. Very human and real. Immensely powerful and deeply complex and human. Noble and flawed. Unique.
Thank you, Rafael! For everything you do. I sure hope I get a pic with Brie someday!
Don’t get left behind. Get your Captain Marvel tickets now!
