Captain Marvel Comes Out as LGBTQ+: Marvel’s New Hero Embraces Their Queer Identity

Recently, Marvel introduced a new Captain Marvel who stands as one of the publisher’s most formidable queer superheroes. This character not only embraces a romantic history with the lesbian hero, America Chavez, but also emerges as the leader of an evolved iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Originating from the 61st century, this futuristic team embarks on a journey through time to secure the establishment of a “post-scarcity, post-imperialist paradise,”which defines their homeland.

In The Ultimates #8, a captivating issue by Deniz Camp, Juan Frigeri, Federico Blee, and Travis Lanham, the storyline unfolds as the Ultimates face off against the newly formed Guardians of the Galaxy. This new team features revamped versions of beloved characters, including Star-Lord, Cosmo, and the reimagined Captain Marvel. Their mission centers on rescuing America Chavez, who was formerly part of their crew and shared a significant bond with the new Captain Marvel.

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Tragically, America’s memories of her past connection with Captain Marvel have been suppressed by the malevolent Maker, who had exploited her as a source of power until the Ultimates intervened in a dramatic rescue. Although America is reluctant to rekindle feelings she no longer recalls, the Ultimates and the Guardians part on friendly terms, with a promise of mutual support against the Maker. As Captain Marvel poignantly states, “You’ve broken my heart, but my purpose remains intact.”

The new Guardians of the Galaxy possess formidable power, far surpassing that of the Ultimates, with members dispersed through time and across Earth.

Who Is the New Captain Marvel?

The Tragic Hero Leads a New Guardians of the Galaxy Roster

The revival of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe began with the 2023 series Ultimate Invasion, crafted by Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch. The narrative follows the Maker, a time-traveling intellect, as he subjugates an entire reality (Earth-6160), manipulating its history to fit his motives. This ambitious endeavor disrupted the legacies of iconic heroes, many of whom lost their powers or were turned to the Maker’s cause. In Ultimates #8, it is revealed that the Maker’s interference obliterated the future of the 61st century, where capable heroes sought to escape this planned demise.

Within this new Ultimate Universe, well-known characters such as Captain Britain, Hulk, and Colossus are shown to be on the Maker’s side, ruling distinctive territories. So far, the Ultimates have encountered formidable foes like Captain Britain and the Hulk, leaving the previous team leader, Tony Stark, in critical condition.

Though the future timeline has been shattered, many Guardians have survived, including America Chavez, captured by the Maker’s oppressive regime. The Guardians depicted in this current issue embody the champions of a highly evolved society, possessing abilities that render the Ultimates—this reality’s Avengers—lesser in comparison. Their ultimate goal is to undo the timeline manipulation enacted by the Maker and restore their future, which hinges on locating their remaining team members.

The leading figure of the new Ultimate Guardians of the Galaxy, the new Captain Marvel’s civilian identity remains undisclosed. Importantly, this Captain Marvel is distinct from Carol Danvers, the well-known Captain Marvel featured in Marvel’s main continuity and portrayed by Brie Larson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The original Carol Danvers has already appeared in Ultimate continuity and met a tragic fate when her powers were sought to be restored by Tony Stark.

Marvel’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes within the Guardians of the Galaxy series has faced scrutiny, presenting the Ultimate Universe as an opportunity for redemption.

Tony Stark’s efforts to return the powers of several key heroes have seen some success, with characters like Ant-Man, Wasp, and Peter Parker emerging in their respective series within the Ultimate Universe. Unfortunately, these intentions have met with mixed outcomes, including the heartbreaking death of Carol Danvers.

The new Captain Marvel could potentially be a version of Phyla-Vell, a character who has previously adopted the ‘Captain Marvel’ title. Alternatively, the character may be entirely original, paralleling the scenario with the current iteration of Star-Lord, who some speculate might be the offspring of the original Peter Quill. Given the extensive history of the Captain Marvel mantle spanning several iterations—from Mar-Vell to Monica Rambeau, Genis-Vell, and Noh-Varr—it wouldn’t be unprecedented to introduce yet another hero bearing the title.

Additionally, the MCU presented a younger Phyla-Vell in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, portrayed by Kai Zen, while a young America Chavez was introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, played by Xochitl Gomez.

Marvel Fans Have Been Waiting for a Queer Captain Marvel

But Many Will Be Disappointed This Isn’t Carol Danvers

The introduction of a queer Captain Marvel has sparked excitement among fans, particularly given the speculation surrounding Brie Larson’s character being intentionally queer-coded in the MCU. Both Larson and Tessa Thompson, who plays Valkyrie, have previously supported fans who ‘ship’ their characters. Nonetheless, this revelation is still a smaller step toward representation compared to if it aligned with Carol Danvers’ canonical journey, a character who not only leads her own series but also takes charge of the Avengers in Marvel’s mainstream comics.

Guardians’ Queer Heroes Have Fared Badly in the Past

Hopefully, the Ultimate Universe Represents a Second Chance

Al Ewing and Juann Cabal’s Guardians of the Galaxy volume 6 garnered attention in 2020 when it confirmed Peter Quill’s Star-Lord as bisexual, showcasing a significant polyamorous relationship involving alien characters Aradia and Mors. Furthermore, the series highlighted romantic connections between Marvel Boy and Hercules, alongside long-standing partners Moondragon and Phyla-Vell. Regrettably, this series faced cancellation shortly after Star-Lord’s coming out, leading to a new volume that omitted its predecessors’ queer elements.

The hope is that the Ultimate Guardians of the Galaxy will provide a favorable setting for the introduction of queer characters and narratives, especially considering the poignant start of Captain Marvel and America Chavez’s relationship. Thus far, the new Ultimate Universe has successfully revived classic Marvel themes, placing enhanced representation at the forefront. Fans of comics remain optimistic this positive trend will continue.

The Ultimates #8 is currently available from Marvel Comics.

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