The Original Captain Marvel Shows How She’d Train Her MCU Self

Warning: contains spoilers for Captain Marvel #37!

Marvel’s Captain Marvel is one of the strongest heroes in the Marvel Universe, but there are some issues she can’t solve with a punch – like training a new version of herself which bears striking resemblance to the version seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 2019 Captain Marvel film was a smash hit at the box office but nevertheless acquired a fair share of criticism directed toward the writing of the titular hero. Captain Marvel #37 reveals exactly what would happen if the MCU version, with all her destructive power and no modern-day knowledge, arrived on Earth: destruction.

Imprisoned and near death during her fight with Vox Supreme, Carol Danvers discovered a new power: the ability to project a vast amount of energy which manifested itself into a humanoid form. This being had a will of her own and saved Carol’s life in the ensuing conflict – but when Vox Supreme was defeated, the being didn’t vanish. Calling herself Binary (after one of Carol’s many superhero names), the being traveled with Carol back to Earth to live among humans, with unexpected results.

After dealing with the latest monster to appear in New York City in the Marvel Universe, a passerby remarks that Carol would look better in a skirt; Binary subsequently punches the man in his face and Carol immediately calls for medical attention (a normal human can’t withstand a super-powered jab, even a weak one). Another fight reveals that Binary doesn’t even understand the concept of death (she fails to save an animal and wonders why it no longer moves). Carol must explain death to Binary, and why she can’t be reckless with her powers on Earth.

The Captain Marvel film, while positively received by much of the Marvel fanbase, was still criticized for Carol’s characterization; this wasn’t helped by the film failing to grant her a suitable enemy that is difficult to fight. If a hero is super-strong, for example, their ideal nemesis is a character who can’t be defeated through strength alone. The major problem facing Carol in this issue is how to educate Binary about the world. It’s a problem that can only be solved through empathy, communication and patience: three skills Carol historically lacks. This makes it all the more satisfying when she does solve the problem – because Carol grows as a person.

Captain Marvel in the comics is a much more nuanced figure than the variant in the MCU, though the comparison is not entirely fair. The character has only appeared in two films as of 2022, while the comic version has a history spanning over four decades. Captain Marvel’s best villains are not villains at all, but issues she can’t fix in a simple fistfight.