Examining Inconsistencies in Marvel Cinematic Universe: Speed and Shield

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a veritable treasure trove of inconsistencies, from the ridiculous speeds of missiles to Captain America's indestructible shield. While these quirks may not detract from the overall enjoyment of the films, they do pique the curiosity of fans who seek logical explanations.

Iron Man's Speed: The Great Chase

Iron Man has a plethora of legendary feats, but his ability to catch up to and intercept a missile traveling at Mach 4 in Avengers remains one of the most striking. According to Google, long-range missiles, especially nuclear ones, can travel at speeds around Mach 4 - 3069mph. Given the missile's travel time and Iron Man's initial directions, the chase and catch-up sequence seem almost impossible.

The scenario described in Captain America: Civil War raises even more questions. Despite being upgraded, Iron Man struggles to catch a free-falling War Machine. Assuming War Machine has a mass of 600 pounds and assuming Vision disabled his suit at an altitude of 3000 meters, his terminal velocity would be around 250 meters per second. Sound travels at 340 meters per second, and missiles can travel at 4x that speed.

The crux of the issue is that Iron Man seemingly has the acceleration and speed to catch the missile but struggles to catch a falling object that is slower than sound. This raises profound questions about the physics of the MCU.

Captain America's Shield: The Mythical Beast

Captain America's shield is another object of attention in the MCU. In Avengers, it takes a protective stance against Thor's attacks, while in Winter Soldier, it's powerless against a grenade launcher. This dichotomy is bewildering and has led many fans to ponder the true capabilities of the shield.

Some argue that the shield's effectiveness is situational, possibly determined by the energy or intent of the attack. However, the stark contrast between its defensive capabilities in different scenarios is hard to reconcile. The shield's symbolic value and its ability to deflect god-like attacks require a deeper understanding of its mechanisms.

A Time Travel Dilemma: Captain America and Peggy

One of the most intriguing aspects of the MCU revolves around its handling of time travel and its effects. At the end of Avengers: Endgame, Captain America travels back in time and chooses to live a life with Peggy Carter instead of saving Tony. This decision presents several speculative scenarios.

One theory is that the TVA (Timelinevaraitions Administration) intervenes, ensuring that the timeline remains intact. However, this would mean that Captain America would lose his place in the timeline, potentially making him merely a nostalgic figure in the future timeline.

A more intriguing question arises: What if the sequence where Captain America lives with Peggy is set in a parallel dimension where Tony Stark also meets a tragic end? This dimension might be a separate universe where events unfold differently, but the insertion of Captain America into this timeline could have unpredictable consequences.

Future Speculations: The Alternate Reality

With the blending of dimensions and alternate realities in the MCU, the idea of multiple Captain Americas in different timelines adds a layer of complexity. If such a crossover scenario is feasible, it opens up a vast array of possibilities, from parallel disasters to new alliances.

For instance, Tony Stark's death in this separate dimension could be a pivotal event that ripples through the multiverse, altering the course of history in ways not yet fully explored in the MCU.

Conclusion: While the MCU is celebrated for its vast storytelling and imaginative worlds, the quirks and inconsistencies do not diminish its appeal. Fans continue to debate and theorize, contributing to the rich lore of the cinematic universe.

What do you think? Share your theories and questions in the comments below.