The Misconception of Captain Marvel as the 'First Avenger'

Many fans and movie-goers are often confused about who the 'First Avenger' is in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The title is frequently attributed to the iconic character, Captain Marvel (formerly known as Carol Danvers), but is this accurate? Let's delve into the history to clarify this misconception.

Origins and Early Days

Carol Danvers, the former Air Force pilot and current Captain Marvel, has a storied history within the MCU. While her call sign "Avenger" aligns with Fury's vision for the Avengers Initiative, it is important to note that she was never officially part of the Avengers until after the formation of the team. In fact, her introduction to superheroism predates the Avengers.

The True First Avenger: Captain America

Who then, is the true 'First Avenger'? The unambiguous answer is Captain America (Steve Rogers). He is the first hero to be officially designated as an Avenger, albeit in a broader context. Captain America was the first to don the mantle of a superhero, fighting for freedom and justice before the Avengers Initiative ever came into existence.

The Avengers Initiative and the Start of the Team

Nick Fury, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., was indeed inspired by Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) to create the Avengers Initiative. However, this inspiration came after the incident with Ronan the Accuser, when Captain America was frozen in ice. Carol Danvers, who was working undercover for S.H.I.E.L.D., fought Ronan and proved her mettle as a superhero.

Fury's Vision and the Formation

It's essential to understand that the title 'First Avenger' was not officially used in the MCU until the formation of the Avengers team. Before this, Captain America was referred to as the 'First Avenger' in a broader sense, as he was the first to don the title of a superhero within the Marvel Universe. During this time, Carol Danvers was still operating under the guise of an undercover agent, not as a superhero.

Iron Man’s Involvement

The Avengers Initiative became real when Tony Stark (Iron Man) revealed himself to the world as Iron Man. This pivotal moment was what sparked the formation of the Avengers team, initially consisting of Iron Man, Captain America, and other heroes like the Hulk, Thor, and Black Widow. It was not Carol Danvers who officially joined the ranks of the Avengers until after they were established.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) played a significant role in inspiring the concept of the Avengers Initiative, she was not the first avenger in the strict sense. Captain America holds that title as the first among equals who stood against evil and injustice. The term 'First Avenger' was never explicitly used in the MCU regarding Carol Danvers, making it a misnomer to consider her as such.