Saturday Showcase: Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau)

    February is Black History Month, so I thought it would be best to let the Saturday Showcases for the month of February feature African-American heroes.  We shall start with my favorite version of Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau.  For those of you who know me, Monica shouldn't be a surprise pick.  I mean, she has been a fan favorite of mine since her first appearance in the Amazing Spider-Man annual #16 back in '82.

    Monica was the first hero that I knew of that was from my home state of Louisiana, so that was a plus, but the fact that she could do so many things and kick so much ass was what sealed the deal.  Oh, and the fact that she could fly in space didn't hurt either.

   Monica Rambeau was created by Roger Stern and John Romita, JR. and first appeared in the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16.  It was here when we knew she was the latest hero to be known as Captain Marvel, sorry Carol.  Since then, we have seen Monica become a part of the Avengers as well as the renamed Might Avengers.  The last team she was a member of was known as the Ultimates where she went by the name Spectrum.  

    That reminds me, Monica has had a lot of names since her introduction to the world.  She was known as Captain Marvel first, then came Photon, followed by Pulsar, and finally Spectrum.  Besides being a member of the Avengers, she was team leader for a good bit until a battle with Leviathan left her without any powers and clinging to life.  (Of course in the world of comics, you can come back better than ever, powers and all. )

   As a member of the Avengers, she has fought in Secret Wars as well as Civil Wars.  She has fought against Magento and won, not many can say that. She has also had to fight to be a voice that is herd in the world.  Remember, the world did not always believe in equal rights for all.  

    Monica is and will always be my favorite Captain Marvel.  I hope you read this post and pick up your old comics and look for stories that star this beautiful and powerful woman.  If you don't own any, their is always the comic store around the corner, eBay, or even digital downloads.  I hope you enjoyed this week's Saturday Showcase because this one is close to my heart.

Until next time, get your READ on!

 First Appearance:

the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16

1982