Unveiling the Truth Behind Captain Marvel's Name: Beyond Marvel Cinematic Universe
In the vast and intricate world of Marvel, there's a tale that intertwines with the name of one of its most beloved characters: Captain Marvel. Many assume that Captain Marvel's name is directly related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, delving into the rich history of the character reveals a much more complex story.
Origins of the Name and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Yes, it is true that Captain Marvel's name is tied to the Marvel part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Carol Danvers, the character that became known as Captain Marvel, first appeared in comic books published by Marvel Comics in the 1960s. In the MCU films, her name is prominently mentioned, and the character is indeed called Captain Marvel.
However, as the character and her name predate Marvel Comics by more than two decades—as well as the MCU—this raises an interesting question. Why does Nick Fury and other characters use the term 'Marvel' instead of 'Mar-vell'?
In a scene from the MCU movie where Nick Fury is washing dishes, he makes a similar joke about making the name easier to say by using 'Marvel' instead of 'Mar-vell'. This could imply that Carol Danvers might not be formally called 'Captain Marvel' in the movies, but rather 'Marvel' or 'Captain Marvel', depending on the context. This ambiguity adds an extra layer of intrigue to the character's identity within the MCU.
The History of Captain Marvel's Name
The name 'Captain Marvel' has a much longer and more complex history than just the relationship with Marvel. It has been held by at least seven Marvel characters, and even before that, there were other characters with the name "Captain Marvel." In fact, the first Captain Marvel, created by Fawcett Publications, appeared in Whiz Comics 2 on February 1940, a cover date that predates Marvel Comics itself by many years.
The introduction of the character by Fawcett Publications led to a legal battle with DC Comics, who claimed that the character was a copy of Superman. This lawsuit and subsequent copyright issues led to Fawcett Publications shutting down their comics division in 1953. Following this, the name 'Captain Marvel' became available, and Marvel acquired it for their own character.
Interestingly, while Marvel now holds the trademark for the name 'Captain Marvel,' they cannot use it on the cover of their comics because it would violate the trademark held by DC. This is the irony of the situation, as the name 'Captain Marvel' has had a tumultuous history involving multiple publishers and even a trademark battle between Marvel and DC.
The New 52 and the Magic Word: SHAZAM!
In the New 52 comic series, DC reintroduced the original Captain Marvel with a name change to reflect the trademark issue. Instead of using 'Captain Marvel,' the character is referred to as 'Captain Marvel, Inc.' and uses the magic word 'SHAZAM!' to transform. This change underscores the importance of trademarks and their impact on character naming in the comic industry.
So, while there is a strong connection between Captain Marvel and the Marvel universe, the name has a richer, more nuanced history that extends far beyond the MCU. It is a story that weaves through the annals of comic book history, reflecting the complex and often tumultuous nature of the publishing industry.