Why MCU Fans Struggled with Captain Marvel (2019): A Critical Analysis

Introduction

The release of Captain Marvel in 2019 sparked a considerable backlash from MCU fans. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this dissatisfaction, focusing on the character's mismanagement both in the comics and on the big screen. As a long-time fan of Carol Danvers, the author will provide a critical analysis of the issues that led to the film's failure to resonate with audiences.

Carol Danvers: A Loyal Fan's Perspective

I have been a long-time fan of Carol Danvers, affectionately known as Ms. Marvel, since the 1970s when I started reading Avengers Comics. Ms. Marvel was one of my favorite characters, second only to Captain America. My enthusiasm grew further when the solos series for Ms. Marvel was released, which I followed religiously. However, as time progressed, my love for the character waned due to poor writing and retcons.

The Identity Crisis: From Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel

The identity change from Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel is symptomatic of lousy comic book writing. Marvel continuously over-retconned Carol Danvers, disregarding basic military facts. Originally, Carol was an Air Force officer assigned to security at a top-secret base. Later, she was retconned to be a fighter pilot, but this change was made without considering the actual process of becoming a pilot. Carol Danvers was suddenly flying jets as an 18-year-old and then became a spy. This re-written timeline dramatically altered her character, essentially transforming her from a mature woman into a young girl.

Impact on the Character's Depth

The removal of Carol's depth and flawed humanity significantly impacted the portrayal of the character. She once embodied a complex and flawed hero, with a rich history of both successes and failures. However, her character was diminished through excessive power and near-perfection. This transformation from a flawed, relatable character to an overly powerful force made her less interesting and less relatable to fans.

The Casting and Performances

The casting of Brie Larson for the role of Carol Danvers also contributed to the film's failure. Despite her talented performance in other roles, Larson’s portrayal of Ms./Captain Marvel lacked the gravitas required for the character. A role that demanded a more nuanced and capable performance was given to a highly charismatic figure which was not fully aligned with the expectations of a credible hero. An actress with a more dramatic range, such as Cobie Smulders, would have been more appropriate for the character.

Emotional vs. Logical Strength

The film's message that giving into one's emotions empowers you is deeply flawed and counterintuitive. As someone who has studied martial arts for 30 years, the portrayal of strength as emotional rather than logical is paradoxical. In real life, strength and resilience come from discipline and control, not emotional recklessness. The narrative mistakenly equated emotional release with empowerment, whereas the reality is that giving in to emotions often results in vulnerability and harm. This misplaced message is detrimental to the film's portrayal of a powerful and capable character.

Conclusion: The Persistence of Fans' Love for Ms. Marvel

Despite the criticisms, it is clear that the transformation of Carol Danvers from Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel was a misstep. The character's mismanagement in both the comics and the film left fans feeling let down. However, the enduring popularity of the Ms. Marvel series and the community of fans who loved her from the 1970s demonstrate the depth of Carol Danvers' character and the importance of fidelity to source material in superhero storytelling.