Ms. America: 5 Awesome Facts About America Chavez
Ms. America Chavez is a queer Latina superhero created by Joe Casey and Nick Dragotta who gained popularity after appearing in Kieron Gillean and Jamie McKelvie’s “Young Avengers” book. America Chavez’s first ongoing solo series will be published in 2017. The project, titled “America,” will be created by Gabby Rivera, a lesbian Latina writer, and Joe Quesada, an illustrator.
America Chavez initially appeared as a member of the Teen Brigade in the 2011 limited series “Vengeance.” America Chavez has gone on to become a member of “A-Force” and a member of “The Ultimates”‘ most current line-up, in addition to being a Young Avenger. Here are 5 things you should know about America Chavez if you’re unfamiliar with her past exploits.
5. SHE CAN’T BE TRICKED
America has brawn, but she also has intelligence. Her background as a superhero and an interdimensional traveler has given her the ability to see right through those who appear to be suspect. The trickster god Loki attempted to exploit her for his own schemes in the most notorious case. America didn’t buy it, and from then on, they kept a careful eye on Loki, threatening to kill him if he went off the rails.
As a result, America Chavez terrified Loki, and he did everything he could to avoid being on her bad side again. Through the employment of her powers, America’s resourcefulness has also helped her out of tight situations. Carol ordered Monica Rambeau to assassinate America after she refused to take Carol Danvers’ side during “Civil War II.” Monica Rambeau turned into her light form and attempted to knock America out by flying into her eyes, but America produced a little portal in her eyes, sending Monica to another dimension. It’s a clever move.
4. HER BANTER IS WITTY
Every superhero, including America, has mastered the art of heroic banter. America has offered many lines that demonstrate her demanding attitude and hard-earned expertise. She is foul-mouthed, intelligent, and brash. “Your passport to the universe Princess,” she told Kate Bishop when she was asked who she was. Prodigy, a fellow Young Avengers team-mate, sought to warn her not to cross their continuity streams while fighting opponents in another dimension. “The rules of physics can kiss my ass,” she said as she took them out deftly.
America Chavez, in addition to making amazing jokes, has moments when she knows just what to say to save herself and others from breaking down. Lady Katherine of Bishop was involved in one such incident as the Shield of Battleworld was about to crumble. “Take it down a gear,” America advised Lady Katherine when she pretended she wasn’t worried. There’s nothing wrong with being terrified. It’s not the same thing to be brave as it is to be afraid.” These are the words of a true hero.
3. SHE ISN’T THE FIRST MISS AMERICA
Many other female comic book superheroes share the title of Miss America with America Chavez. Joan Dale, the first Miss America, was developed by the Quality Comics firm in the early 1940s. Then, in 1943, Timely Comics, which would later become Marvel, released an issue of “Marvel Mystery Comics” that featured Madeline Joyce, the future Miss America. After being purchased by DC Comics in the 1950s, Quality Comics gave their Miss America to them.
Other modern-day Miss Americas exist alongside the Golden Age comic incarnations of Miss America and America Chavez. One of them is Wonder Woman, who appeared in the comic “Wonder Woman Vol. 2” (particularly issues #184-185) as Miss America for a brief while. Shortly before the announcement of America Chavez’s solo comic, her authors stated that a similar character named America Vasquez will be getting her own Image Comics solo book in 2017.
2. SHE IS DESTINED TO BE CAPTAIN AMERICA
We get a glimpse at America’s future 30 years from now in “Hawkeye Volume 2.” Not only does she appear to be the next Captain America, but she is also a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. As a result of certain occurrences, she enlists the help of the Hawkeyes, who are elder versions of Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. Given America’s ambition to be a hero, it’s probable she’ll take up the shield at some point.
If she does become Captain America, she will be one of only two women to do so in the future. The other is Roberta Mendez, a Latina who not only took up the shield but also rose to become the head of a future Avengers team. It’s unclear whether America Chavez would head her own team as Captain America, but her previous leadership and field expertise make her a strong candidate.
1. SHE IS A HERALD OF GALACTUS
America Chavez has punched malevolent alien tyrants, established portals for the team’s inter-dimensional adventures, and gone against her colleagues in a civil war as a current member of The Ultimates. Galactus, the former world-eater turned Lifebringer, has chosen America and her allies to be his heralds in the search for the cosmic entity Eternity’s captor. Furthermore, America Chavez has assumed command of The Ultimates and will lead the team into battle in order to complete Galactus’ task.
Given how the squad split off and then grudgingly reunited, America has her work cut out for her. The crew has been strained by the aftermath of “Civil War II,” particularly those who sided against their teammate Captain Marvel. Because America Chavez is one of those people, it will take all of her strength, intelligence, and experience for her and the rest of the team to overcome their differences and join together for the good of the multiverse.