Who is Captain Marvel?

By Nielle McCammon, Aug. 8th, 2018

Perhaps you have heard of A Captain Marvel, but are confused about this particular version, and how she fits in the narrative of The Avengers. The comics and movies have diverged greatly, and “who she is” gets complicated!

I’ve heard the following comments repeatedly on Twitter or Facebook:

1. Wasn’t Captain Marvel a man?
2. We don’t need a NEW Marvel character!
3. She was better as Ms. Marvel!
4. They should have used ____ character. No way CM can defeat Thanos!

Carol Danvers (who is the current Captain Marvel), has had a wild ride in the comics since her first appearance in 1967. She’s had many identities, and that hasn’t made it easy for some to decipher who she is. From Binary, Warbird, Ms. Marvel, and now Captain Marvel, she’s been affiliated with several teams: The Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, and S.H.I.E.L.D. just to name a few.

1. Wasn’t Captain Marvel a man?
   Carol Danvers first appeared in the comics, as an US Air Force colleague of the Kree superhero Mar-Vell (played by Jude Law in the upcoming Captain Marvel movie.
   Additionally, before having to change the name, the DC universe briefly used the name Captain Marvel for the character now known as Shazam.
2. We don’t need a new Marvel character!
   Captain Marvel isn’t a new character, just new to the big screen. And based on the outcome of Avengers Infinity War, I’d say…. Yeah, we need her! She has the ability to take on Thanos, and can most definitely with a team.
3. She was better as Ms. Marvel!
   Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have to wonder though, why are some men saying they prefer Ms. Marvel? Carol Danvers is a reflection of the times for women; moving forward through enormous adversity to be an equal with male peers. She’s not a sexualized side-kick plot device in a bathing suit now. Captain Marvel has evolved, as has Ms. Marvel who is now the young Kamala Khan.
4. They should have used ____ character. No way CM can defeat Thanos!
   Yes she can, actually. Thanos should be worried. (read more)

Who is Captain Marvel?

She’s strong, determined, terribly flawed at times, worried if she’s making the right choices often, and has been overcoming sexism since childhood. She’s a source of hope that even when we hit devastating lows, we can muster the strength to come back a stronger person with a new sense of self. Simply put, she’s a HERO. In both the human world, and around the galaxy, Carol Danvers has been through so many lives and incarnations throughout the comics, and is finally becoming known through the upcoming movie with Brie Larson. We will see her origin story, and how she rose to true equality, partnering alongside the rest of Marvel’s mightiest heroes!