Who Was the First Avenger: Black Widow or Captain America?

The debate over who can be considered the first real Avenger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a classic discussion among fans. In this article, we will explore the perspectives and reasons behind why both Black Widow and Captain America could be seen as the first Avenger based on various factors such as historical time, narrative roles, and the MCU's broader context.

Black Widow as the First Avenger

From a narrative standpoint, Black Widow, or Natasha Romanoff, played a crucial role in assembling the Avengers. As one of the earliest characters introduced in the modern MCU, her involvement in the formation of the Avengers cannot be overlooked. She was first called to assemble the Avengers by SHIELD, and her pivotal role in recruiting other characters like Bruce Banner (Hulk) and the subsequent defeat of Loki solidifies her importance as a founding member.

However, even the title 'First Avenger' for Black Widow isn’t straightforward. She was still a SHIELD agent at the time and employed to recruit for the Avengers initiative. After her successful mission to bring Banner on board, she joined the team to stop Loki. Although she wasn’t the first, she was part of the founding team and performed critical missions as an Avenger.

Captain America as the First Avenger

On the other hand, Captain America, or Steve Rogers, holds the title of the first Avenger when considering the time context. By the time Black Widow joined SHIELD for the Avengers initiative, Steve Rogers had already been a Super-Soldier for over a decade and had to undergo rigorous training and missions for SHIELD. In terms of historical timeline, Steve was the first "super hero" for SHIELD, and therefore, in many respects, he is the true 'First Avenger'.

Furthermore, the naming of Captain America suggests a higher rank and historical precedence, which is also supported by the film's title. Captain America: The First Avenger emphasizes Steve Rogers as the first Avenger, highlighting his unique position and history within the MCU.

Other Considerations

Another perspective to consider is Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel. She was the first person to be given the title of 'Avenger' by Nick Fury after she was introduced in the film B Hit Squad. Carol's power and her role in several high-profile missions make her a strong contender for the title of 'First Avenger,' especially considering that Fury specifically recruited her to join the Avengers initiative.

The story of Agent Carter also adds to the complexity of the 'First Avenger' debate as it introduces Melinda May, who was called by Fury to assist in critical missions. While Steve Rogers can be seen as the first "super hero" for SHIELD due to his long history and the influence of his role, Melinda May could be considered crucial as well for her contributions to the MCU during the lead-up to the Avengers' formation.

Conclusion

The identity of the first Avenger is a subjective topic, and different factors can lead to varying conclusions. While Black Widow played a vital role in assembling the Avengers and was indeed one of the first characters introduced in the context of the Avengers initiative, Captain America holds a significant title due to his long history as a Super-Soldier and his historical precedence as the first superhero for SHIELD. Carol Danvers and Melinda May also have valid claims based on their roles in critical missions and recruitment.

Ultimately, the 'First Avenger' debate highlights the rich and complex history of the MCU and the importance of the foundational characters in shaping the broader narrative. Whether it's Black Widow, Captain America, Carol Danvers, or Melinda May, each character played a crucial role in the creation and success of the Avengers as we know them today.