Why Do Marvel Fans Struggle with Captain Marvel?

In recent years, Marvel Comics has faced significant criticism from fans for mishandling one of their most beloved and iconic characters: Carol Danvers, known as Ms. Marvel, and later, Captain Marvel. This issue is not limited to the comic books but has permeated into the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) as well. For those who have followed Carol Danvers since the 1970s, these changes have been particularly jarring and disappointing.

Carol Danvers, A Fan-Favorite since the 1970s

I have been a dedicated fan of Carol Danvers since the 1970s when I started reading Avengers comics. Ms. Marvel was one of my favorite characters second only to Captain America. I was particularly enthusiastic about the solo series of Ms. Marvel and followed it religiously until Marvel decided to change the character's direction, which I found disappointing and irreparable.

Quality and Writing: A Decade of Turmoil

Historically, Carol Danvers had been portrayed with great depth and a history of mistakes, along with triumphs. However, over the last decade, Marvel has struggled with quality and writing for many of its titles, not just Carol Danvers. As Marvel evolved into a movie studio, the comic books became promotional materials for the films, sacrificing narrative quality. With Captain Marvel, in particular, the writing has been criticized as falling short of the earlier Ms. Marvel comics.

Ret-Cons and Inconsistencies

One of the major issues with Carol Danvers is the numerous ret-cons (retroactive continuity changes) Marvel has implemented without regard for consistency. Originally, Carol Danvers was depicted as an Air Force officer who handled security at a top secret base. Later, she was retconned to be a fighter pilot, though this revision was illogical. Characters like military officers don't usually enlist and become fighter pilots; they go through a sequence of rigorous training and background checks.

The Story Arc: From Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel

While Ms. Marvel was engaging and human during the period between Civil War and Secret Invasion, the change to Captain Marvel was a major step backward in character development. The transition from Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel was more about enhancing Carol Danvers’ powers and turning her into a near-perfect goddess.

The Casting Controversy

The casting of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel was also met with criticism. While Larson is a talented actress, the role required gravitas and a range that might have been better suited to a more serious performance. Casting her as Carol Danvers was seen as a misstep, given that she lacked the gravitas that a character as powerful and intellectually complex as Captain Marvel would need.

The Message of the Film

Another issue with the Captain Marvel film is its messaging. The film suggests that giving into emotions empowers you, which goes against the general understanding that emotional control and discipline are crucial in professions like soldiering, piloting, and athletics. This message is particularly problematic when it comes to superheroes who operate in high-stress environments.

The Conclusion

While Marvel Comics and the MCU have produced many memorable and beloved characters, Carol Danvers' transition from Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel has been met with mixed reviews, primarily due to changes in character depth, writing quality, and the film's messaging. For fans who have followed Carol Danvers for decades, the evolution of the character represents a significant departure from the beloved hero they once knew.

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