“Embiggen.”
This is the way Kamala Khan describes her enlarged, shape-shifting powers. Yet it also applies to the MCU’s Captain Marvel sequel.
Because one titular hero wasn’t enough. Marvel is doubling (and tripling) down on its most iconic, relatable female leads. The aptly-named film, The Marvels, will feature Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan. Each has adopted some version of the “Marvel” moniker at one point in the comics. The movie, which is scheduled to be released on February 17, 2023, will unite these cosmic heroines for the first time on the big screen.
Before then, fans will have a lot of catching up to do. The Marvels comics’ history is rich and compelling. Although there’s a long backstory that dates back to the Silver Age, recent entries have added depth and relevance to the Marvels comics catalog. Written by women, these newer stories have been increasingly popular and have resonated with audiences.
Luckily, you don’t have to “embiggen” your fists like Ms. Marvel to get your hands on one of these nine Marvels comics stories.
Captain Marvel #1 -7 (2012)
No writer has had more influence on Carol Danvers than Kelly Sue Deconnick. The author’s writing has become the definitive voice for Carol Danvers across multiple volumes, truly taking the character to new heights. And it began here with this relaunch. The entire series is 17 issues long, but “In Pursuit of Flight” revisits, retells, and revitalizes our heroine’s origin. By this time in the history of the Marvels comics, Carol Danvers had fought using multiple aliases. Ms. Marvel. Binary. Warbird. Here, she emerges with a new identity and new powers. Kelly Sue Deconnick transforms the character from a one-dimensional love interest to an unstoppable force. The MCU version of Captain Marvel drew heavy inspiration from the woman and Air Force pilot depicted in this arc.
Captain Marvel #7-12 (2012)
There are just some superhero tropes that never seem to fade away. Two heroes meet and fight over a misunderstanding. Kelly Sue Deconnick continues her run with this tried-and-true plot device. Yet she infuses both style and humor. Monica Rambeau, who was previously Captain Marvel herself, enters the picture as an adversary before an inevitable (and predictable) team-up. This same storyline could be used in the upcoming movie. Despite knowing Carol Danvers has a child, the MCU version of Monica Rambeau seems to harbor some resentment during the WandaVision series. Now that Monica Rambeau is powered up with her own abilities, trouble could lie ahead.
Ms. Marvel #1 (2014)
In the original solicitations, Marvel downplayed Kamala Khan, describing her simply as an “ordinary girl.” However, the critical acclaim and fanfare for this new solo series were anything but ordinary. Readers instantly rallied behind this Pakistani-American teenager from Jersey City. Kamala Khan, as Ms. Marvel, became the first Muslim character to headline her own book. After discovering her latent powers derived from Inhuman genes, Kamala Khan assumes the mantle of Ms. Marvel because of her admiration for Carol Danvers. G. Willow Wilson pens a coming-of-age story that is quirky and real. Beneath all the superheroics, Ms. Marvel is about growing up, finding acceptance, and navigating obstacles determined to pull you down. The first arc, called “No Normal,” received multiple Eisner nominations and won a Hugo Award for the best graphic story in 2015. This interpretation will likely translate to the big screen too. Before The Marvels is released, Disney+ has already greenlit a series centered on Ms. Marvel also starring a Muslim-born, teenage actress.
Ms. Marvel #16-19 (2014)
Kamala Khan can embiggen. But the disaster she’s up against looms even larger. The new Ms. Marvel faces her first apocalyptic, world-threatening event. Ms. Marvel also comes face-to-face with her idol, Carol Danvers, for the first time. Yet it’s not your classic team-up. Also authored by G. Willow Wilson, this tale is all heart. Carol Danvers receives hope as she witnesses her previous nickname turned into a legacy title. Ms. Marvel, experiencing true adversity, is reminded of what’s most important. Instead of having her own group of Avengers to assemble, Kamala Khan calls on her friends and family to fight by her side. Entitled “Last Days,” these four issues are collected in trade paperback, along with Amazing Spider-Man #7-8.
Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (1968)
This isn’t Carol Danvers’ finest hour. Like many other Silver Age comics, portrayals of female protagonists don’t withstand the test of time. In this story, Carol Danvers is nothing more than a damsel in distress. At one point, she’s even referred to as a “whimpering female.” While it may be tough to read by today’s standards, Roy Thomas’ work introduces readers to Carol Danvers, setting her up to take a much bigger role later on. This comic book serves as a wonderful juxtaposition to her massive role in current continuity. The MCU has also worked to retroactively correct some of this bias. Mar-Vell, who was a Kree and the first iteration of Captain Marvel, was instead re-imagined as a woman in the first film.
Captain Marvel #1-6 (2014)
“Higher, Further, Faster, More.” The name of this six-issue arc says it all. Carol Danvers returns as Captain Marvel in this intergalactic romp. She must juggle being a pilot, hero, and Avenger. But, as she accepts a new mission and sets off across space, it’s her rekindled romantic life that’s giving her the most pause. This story has huge stakes and consequences. Collected in trade paperback, this arc is the perfect blend of attitude, action, and heart. Within its page, Kelly Sue Deconnick elevates Carol Danvers yet again, this time from Earth’s mightiest hero to one of the galaxy’s most menacing warriors.
Avengers #227 (1983)
Even though the MCU’s version of Monica Rambeau has superpowers, she has yet to be given a classic superhero nickname. Throughout the Marvels comics, she spent time as Photon and Pulsar and later became Spectrum, a name she currently uses. However, before all of that, she was briefly Captain Marvel too. She debuted in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16 (1982), gaining the ability to generate any electromagnetic energy as a result of exposure while on a mission. In this issue, she joins the Avengers. The story, told by Roger Stern, shows the Avengers running a series of tests on its newest member.
The Life of Captain Marvel (2018)
This is a definitive origin story repurposed with modern sensibilities. Best-selling author Margaret Stohl untangles Carol Danver’s previously-complicated origin leading up to the character’s debut MCU movie. The way this story unfolds is unique. This updated origin is told through flashback sequences, with one artist, Marguerite Sauvage, penciling these panels exclusively. Carlos Pacheco draws the art for the main timeline. When Carol Danvers suddenly suffers from debilitating anxiety, she is forced to examine suppressed memories that she thought she buried long ago. Reliving the pain of a less-than-idyllic childhood, Carol Danvers quickly learns she can’t outrun (or outfly) her past.
Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. (2006)
Although Monica Rambeau has served on several teams, this one is by far the kookiest. Legendary creator Warren Ellis attempts to deconstruct the entire superhero comic genre. This series features gratuitous violence presented through a comedic, satirical lens. Monica Rambeau and the team of “minor” characters routinely face odd scenarios where they react in seemingly out-of-character ways. It’s not your traditional superhero story, but it has a cult following. Fans looking for something “off the beaten path” might enjoy this title.