Whosoever bears the mantle of Captain Marvel becomes one of the Marvel Universe's foremost cosmic protectors. Possessing the abilities of super strength, flight, energy projection, cosmic awareness, and more, the person wielding the powers of Captain Marvel is a supreme force to be reckoned with.
Over the years since Captain Marvel’s debut there have been many individuals who have taken the name and responsibilities of the Captain Marvel title. Beginning with the very first, here are the heroes who have wielded some of the most potent cosmic power in the Marvel Universe.
Mar-Vell, the First Captain Marvel
Originally a Kree soldier sent to observe Earth, the warrior known as Mar-Vell became an ally of the planet and was branded a traitor by his home world. Wielding the powerful Nega-Bands, Mar-Vell was able to displace his atoms with that of the Earth boy Rick Jones in order to operate as a superhero. Mar-Vell would later be dubbed “The Protector of the Universe” by Eon and became the sworn enemy of Thanos, the Mad Titan. Mar-Vell’s life came to an end when he succumbed to cancer, the result of his battle against the villain Nitro.
The MCU's Monica Rambeau was a Cosmic Captain Marvel
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Monica Rambeau was a lieutenant in the New Orleans harbor patrol when she was exposed to extra-dimensional energy. Imbued with the ability to transmute herself into pure energy, Monica became known as Captain Marvel. Monica later relinquished the title of Captain Marvel to Mar-Vell’s son Genis-Vell and then took the name Photon. Monica has since operated as an Avenger, a member of H.A.T.E., and even within the Thunderbolts and has assumed the names of Pulsar and Spectrum.
The Original Captain Marvel's Offspring, Genis-Vell
Genis-Vell was the genetically engineered son of Mar-Vell and his lover Elysius, created from Mar-Vell’s cells. Possessing the same powers as his father, Genis-Vell took the title of Captain Marvel and even wielded the Nega-Bands just as his father did. Unfortunately, Genis-Vell became mentally unstable and managed to kill and resurrect himself. He joined the Thunderbolts using the name of Photon. Due to his resurrection, Genis-Vell caused a degenerative effect on the universe, spurring Baron Zemo to kill him and spread his body across both the universe and the Darkforce Dimension.
Phyla-Vell, Captain Marvel's Daughter Who Never Was
When Genis-Vell recreated the universe he inadvertently created a number of universal anomalies including the rebirth of his mother Elysius and the existence of his sister, Phyla-Vell. Adopting the title of Captain Marvel after the death of her brother, Genis-Vell, Phyla-Vell aided Nova and Star-Lord against Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave. Phyla-Vell took back the Quantum Bands from Annihilus and dubbed herself the new Quasar. A series of events then transpired that resulted in Phyla-Vell becoming the avatar of Oblivion, naming herself Martyr. Phyla-Vell was last seen trapped within the Soul Gem alongside Adam Warlock, her fate a tumultuous mystery.
Khn’nr, the Skrull Captain Marvel
During the events of Secret Invasion, a Skrull was bound into the shape of Mar-Vell and equipped with Skrull manufactured Nega-Bands; however, due to an error in the Skrull mind-conditioning performed by the scientists that sent Khn’nr to invade Earth, most of Khn’nr’s original memories and personality were erased with only Mar-Vell’s to shape him. When Khn’nr learned the truth about himself and his original mission, he rebeled against the Skrull invasion and battled the Skrulls. A final battle against a Skrull armada left Khn’nr mortally wounded, his tenure as Captain Marvel coming to a close.
Noh-Varr, the Extra-Dimensional Kree Captain Marvel
While serving aboard the 18th Diplomatic Kree Gestalt Interstelllar schooner the Marvel, Noh-Varr’s ship was drawn towards the Marvel universe during its multi-dimensional journey. Shot down and stranded in the Marvel Universe, Noh-Varr eventually found himself face to face with Khn’nr, the Skrull imposter who acted as Captain Marvel for a time. Khn’nr passed the torch to Noh-Varr with his dying breath. Acting as Captain Marvel with the Dark Avengers, Noh-Varr was given a new suit and upgraded Nega-Bands by the Kree Supreme Intelligence, adopting the new name of Protector.
Carol Danvers, The MCU's First Captain Marvel
Originally an officer in the US Air Force, Carol Danvers was imbued with vast cosmic powers after barely surviving an explosion of a Kree device. Carol took the name Ms. Marvel for many years before changing her name to Warbird. An alternate reality created by Scarlet Witch during the House of M event showed Carol as Captain Marvel, the pinnacle of her potential. Carol would eventually take the name of Captain Marvel in her own true reality and has operated as such ever since.
The history of Captain Marvel is one of the most textured and in-depth within the Marvel Universe. Not relegated to any one person or even planet, the title of Captain Marvel is one that has been passed down from hero to hero, a responsibility bearing an incredible amount of weight. With it comes the duty to protect those that cannot protect themselves and to vanquish evil wherever it might thrive across the universe. While Carol Danvers has held the title for many years now, it’s been proven historically that it is not a title to be kept permanently. It is unknown who may bear the name Captain Marvel next, but whoever they may be, whenever they may take it, they will undoubtedly be worthy of it, like those before them.