America Chavez
America Chavez Miss America | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Vengeance #1 (September 2011) |
Created by |
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In-story information | |
Alter ego | America Chavez (birth name) America Santana (adoptive name) |
Species | |
Team affiliations | West Coast Avengers Young Avengers Avengers World Teen Brigade Thunderbolts Champions Defenders Ultimates A-Force |
Partnerships | Kate Bishop / Hawkeye |
Notable aliases | Miss America Ms. America USA |
Abilities |
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America Chavez is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Joe Casey and artist Nick Dragotta, the character first appeared in Vengeance #1 (September 2011).[3] America Chavez ] of Latin-American origin.[4] She has assumed the mantle of Miss America from the superheroine Madeline Joyce.[5] She has also been a member of the A-Force, the Ultimates, and the Young Avengers at various points in her history.[6]
America Chavez has been described as one of Marvel's most notable and powerful female heroes, being labelled as the publisher's first
The
Development
Concept and creation
America Chavez creator Joe Casey asserted, "I wanted to create a character that connected with an audience the same way that certain characters connected with me when I was young. Way back in 2010, I wasn't exactly sure if that audience existed for a Latina superhero, but the times have thankfully caught up with her."[7] He later added, "When I wrote her, I gave her a fierce individuality and a healthy self-assuredness. She wasn't going to take shit from anyone, and she was powerful enough not to have to. Personally, I was fashioning her as the Muhammad Ali of the Marvel Universe, in so far as Ali was a heroic figure for reasons that went far beyond his boxing career."[8]
Publication history
2010s
America Chavez debuted in Vengeance #1 (September 2011), created by writer Joe Casey and artist Nick Dragotta.[9] She later appeared in the 2013 Young Avengers series, by writer Kieron Gillen and artist Jamie McKelvie,[10] the 2015 A-Force series by G. Willow Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, and Jorge Molina,[11] as part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel initiative in the 2015 Ultimates series, by Al Ewing and Kenneth Rocafort,[12] the 2015 All-New Hawkeye series, by Jeff Lemire and Ramón Pérez,[13] the 2015 Avengers one-shot,[14] and the 2017 America series, her first solo comic book series by Gabby Rivera.[15] Various critics praised the creation of a comic book series with America Chavez as the titular character when it was announced at the 2016 New York Comic Con.[16] She appeared in the 2017 Secret Empire series,[17] the 2018 West Coast Avengers series by Kelly Thompson and Stefano Caselli,[18] the 2018 Superior Spider-Man series,[19] and the 2019 Avengers No Road Home series.[20]
2020s
America Chavez appeared in the 2021 America Chavez: Made in the USA series, her second solo comic book series, by Kalinda Vazquez and Carlos Gomez.[21] She later appeared in the 2021 Marvel's Voices: Comunidades anthology series,[22] the 2022 Hawkeye: Kate Bishop series,[23] the Marvel Unlimited exclusive 2022 Who Is... America Chavez one-shot by Alex Segura and Carlos Gomez,[24] the Marvel Unlimited exclusive 2022 Strange Tales: Clea, Wong & America Infinity Comic one-shot,[25] the 2022 Marvel's Voices: Pride anthology series,[26] the 2022 Marvel's Voices Infinity Comic anthology series,[27] the 2022 Defenders: Beyond series, by Al Ewing,[28] the 2022 Thunderbolts series by Jim Zub and Sean Izaakse,[29] the 2022 Marvel's Voices: Comunidades anthology series,[30] the 2023 Women of Marvel anthology series,[31] and the 2023 Marvel's Voices: Pride anthology series.[32]
Fictional character biography
America Chavez believed she was raised by her mothers in the Utopian Parallel, a reality that is out of time and in the presence of the being known as the Demiurge, whose presence she credited with imbuing her with superpowers. In her memory, when Chavez was approximately six years old, the Utopian Parallel was threatened by destruction with black holes.[33] Chavez's mothers sacrificed themselves to seal the black holes, resulting in their particles being scattered across the Multiverse itself.[34] Wanting to prove herself as a hero and knowing Utopia didn't require salvation, Chavez ran away from her home and her responsibilities.[35][36] She traveled across different realities, eventually adopted the moniker of Miss America, and began covertly acting as a superhero.[37]
Chavez eventually joined the
After leaving the Teen Brigade, Chavez eventually traveled to Earth-212 and was later approached by the teenage trickster
During the 2015 Secret Wars storyline, Chavez appears as a member of the A-Force, an all-female team of Avengers. Her fans formed a gang called La Chiquitas and changed their hair to Chavez symbols, including fan Sydney Walker.[50] When the island nation of Arcadia is attacked by a megalodon, Chavez throws the shark across the Shield, the wall that separates Arcadia's borders, thus breaking the laws of King Doom. She is subsequently arrested and sentenced to spend the rest of her life protecting the Shield.[51][52]
After the events of Secret Wars, Chavez joined the newly formed
In the series America Chavez: Made in the USA, what Chavez knew about her background was called into question. Her previously unknown sister, Catalina, forced her to remember that her mothers were not aliens, but human doctors Amalia and Elena Chavez.
Powers and abilities
America Chavez acquired a range of
Cultural impact and legacy
Critical response
Nivea Serrao of
Reid Carter of
Rick Stevenson of
Nicole Chavez of CNN wrote, "Punch-throwing across dimensions wasn't enough for her. America Chavez is shattering barriers in the comics universe and beyond. She is the first lesbian Latina superhero with her own Marvel Comics series. [...] She isn't the typical heroine, and she isn't the Latina you usually see on screen."[114] May Rude of Out asserted, "Chavez rose to popularity as a part of the Young Avengers team of teen superheroes, before later starring in her own comic series by Gabby Rivera. She's long been a fan favorite, especially among queer people and Latin fans."[115] Brian Truitt of USA Today stated that America Chavez is one of the characters "who deserve their own movie", saying, "this Latin-American teen lesbian superheroine could be a more groundbreaking choice. She's bulletproof and super-strong, isn't big on old-school good guys, and takes no guff. Miss America just sounds like a great movie title — or maybe she takes over the star-spangled shield if Marvel needs a new Captain America one day."[116] Matt Kim of Inverse called America Chavez a "fan favorite", writing, "America has become an icon among socially progressive comic readers as a queer, Latinx character, but it's her attitude as a punch-first, questions-later kind of superhero that has enamored her to fans as the Marvel Universe's most gung-ho superhero."[117] Zack Krajnyak of Screen Rant referred to the potential inclusion of Chavez in the MCU as "incredibly significant", stating that the addition of Miss America a "significant milestone" due to Chavez being a Latin-American LGBTQ character, and stated, "Many have hoped that America Chavez will play a large part in the MCU's future - and with the rumored inclusion of fellow Young Avengers Wiccan in WandaVision and Kate Bishop in Hawkeye, using the character as deep connective tissue seems increasingly likely. Should she truly make her entrance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, much will be resting on America Chavez's shoulders. But if she is anything like her on-page counterpart, this multiverse-traversing powerhouse will light up the screen and then some."[118] Michael Rizi of Queerty included America Chavez in their "6 LGBTQ Marvel Characters Who Deserve Their Own Shows Now" list.[119] Sam Damshenas of Gay Times included America Chavez in their "13 Queer Superheroes We Need To See In The Marvel Cinematic Universe" list, asserting, "If you've seen Avengers: Infinity War, you'd understand why she'd be a perfect fit for the sequel."[120]
Mey Rude of
Screen Rant ranked America Chavez 1st in their "Marvel: 10 Incredible Latinx Characters" list,[130] 2nd in their "10 Best Teen Marvel Heroes" list,[131] and 3rd in their "10 Most Powerful Members Of The Young Avengers" list,[132] and included her in their "17 LGBTQ Characters From Marvel And DC Comics Who Need To Be In The Movies" list.[133] Comic Book Resources ranked her 2nd in their "10 Greatest Marvel Heroes Who Draw Power From Alternate Dimensions" list,[134] 2nd in their "13 Most Powerful Hispanic Heroes In Marvel Comics" list,[135] 2nd in their "10 Most Powerful Young Avengers" list,[136] 4th in their "10 Best Written Female Characters In Marvel Comics" list,[137] 5th in their "20 Strongest Female Superheroes" list,[138] 8th in their "Top Costume Designs Of The Last Decade" list,[139] 9th in their "Marvel: The 15 Strongest New Heroes" list,[140] 10th in their "Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes" list,[141] and 10th in their "Marvel: 10 Best Street Level Heroes" list.[142]
Impact
- In 2016, America Chavez was compared to the protagonist of a one-shot in development by writer Joe Casey (who created Chavez) and artist Dustin Nguyen for Image Comics, with several journalists stating that Chavez served as an inspiration for the comic book publisher's new character owing to their similarities.[143] Several years later, further comparisons were made when All-America Comix #1 (July 2020) was released, with additional journalists asserting that America Chavez inspired Joe Casey and Dustin Nguyen for the creation of Image Comics' new character.[144]
- In 2017, Chavez starred as the titular character in a comic book series titled America (2017-2018).[145] She became the first Latin-American LGBT character of Marvel Comics to star in a solo comic book series as the eponymous character.[146]
- American actress Gina Rodriguez stated that she would like to audition for the role of America Chavez and called herself a fan of the character.[147] Argentine-American actress Stephanie Beatriz also expressed interest in portraying Chavez on Twitter.[148] The character subsequently received significant press coverage in October after Beatriz dressed up as the character during Halloween.[149]
- In 2018, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor sent a letter to the America series writer Gabby Rivera,[150] notably stating, "You have created a powerful female character in the production of America, and I know you will forever inspire many individuals by continuing to invent America Chavez's story. Indeed, it is important to remind readers to take time to honor themselves and embrace their differences as strengths."[151]
- In 2022, the comic book America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 (March 3, 2021) appeared as an easter egg in a display case in the final episode of the miniseries She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.[152]
- In 2023, the newly acquired abilities of DC Comics' Power Girl were noted for their similarities to those of America Chavez by several journalists.[153]
- America Chavez placed 3rd in a popularity contest held by Multiversity Comics where readers elected their "Favorite Latin American Superhero."[154]
Accolades
The America series was nominated for Outstanding Comic Book at the
Literary reception
Volumes
America (2017)
According to Diamond Comic Distributors, America TPB Vol 1 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez was the 30th best selling graphic novel in October 2017.[157] America #1 was the 37th best selling comic book in March 2017.[158]
Kat Vendetti of
America Chavez: Made in the USA (2021)
According to Diamond Comic Distributors, America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 was the 18th top advance-reordered comic book by retailers between February 1 to February 7, 2021.[162]
Joe Grunenwald of
Other versions
Age of Ultron
An alternate version of America Chavez appears in the "Age of Ultron" storyline.[166] A picture of Chavez is present in one of Nick Fury's safe houses.
House of M
An alternate version of America Chavez appears in the "House of M" storyline.[167] This version is a member of the Young Avengers and fights the Sentinels.
All New Hawkeye
An alternate version of America Chavez appears in a possible future in the Marvel Universe.[168] An older Chavez is a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. and has taken on the mantle of Captain America.[169]
In other media
Television
America Chavez / Miss America appears in the Marvel Rising series of short films and television specials,[170] voiced by Cierra Ramirez.[171]
Film
- America Chavez / Miss America appears in Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors,[172] voiced by Cierra Ramirez.[173] This version's home dimension was attacked by the Kree, which led to her mothers teleporting her to another dimension for her safety before they were killed by Hala the Accuser.[174] Chavez went on to work at an auto garage before reluctantly becoming involved in Squirrel Girl's efforts to rescue her friend Ms. Marvel from their version of Hala the Accuser and eventually found the Secret Warriors.
- America Chavez / Miss America was originally intended to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021),[175] depicted as a sorcerer's apprentice.[176] However, this idea was eventually scrapped, owing to the film releasing before Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (see below) as a result of delays.[177]
- America Chavez appears in the MCU film Masters of the Mystic Arts.[179]
Video games
- America Chavez / Miss America appears via the "Marvel's Women of Power" DLC in Pinball FX 2.[180]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.[181]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as a playable character in Marvel Contest of Champions.[182]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel: Future Fight.[183]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers.[184]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel Avengers Academy,[185] voiced by Sandra Espinoza.[186]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2.[187]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as a playable character in Marvel Strike Force.[188]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as an assist character in Marvel Future Revolution.[189]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears as a playable card in Marvel Snap.[190]
Merchandise
- In 2018, Hasbro released several America Chavez / Miss America dolls inspired by the Marvel Rising incarnation of the character.[191]
- In 2022, Hasbro released an America Chavez / Miss America action figure inspired by the MCU incarnation of the character, as part of the Marvel Legends action figure line.[192]
- In 2022, Lego released an America Chavez / Miss America Lego minifigure inspired by the MCU incarnation of the character.[193]
- In 2022, Funko Pop figure inspired by the MCU incarnation of the character.[194]
Miscellaneous
- America Chavez / Miss America appears in Marvel United, published by CMON Limited.[195]
- America Chavez / Miss America appears in Marvel Rising: Ultimate Comics,[196] voiced by Cierra Ramirez.[197]
- The MCU incarnation of America Chavez appears as a meet and greet character at Disney California Adventure.[198]
Collected editions
Title | Material collected | Published date | ISBN |
---|---|---|---|
America Vol. 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez | America #1-6 | October 18, 2017 | 978-1302908812 |
America Vol. 2: Fast and Fuertona | America #7-12 | April 11, 2018 | 978-1302908829 |
America Chavez: Made in the USA | America Chavez: Made in the USA #1-5 | November 3, 2021 | 978-1302924454 |
See also
References
- ^
- Pearson, Ben (December 20, 2020). "'Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness' To Introduce America Chavez To The Marvel Cinematic Universe". /Film. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
- Robledo, Jordan (December 12, 2020). [https: "America Chavez is set to make her MCU debut in upcoming Doctor Strange sequel"].
{{cite web}}
: Check|url=
value (help)
- ^
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- Cadorniga, Callie (Carlos) (2022-04-07). "America Chavez Punches Her Way Through the Infinite Multiverse of Marvel Comics". Distractify. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
- Corley, Shaun (2021-05-09). "America Chavez Gets New Origin Ahead of MCU Debut". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
- "Who Is MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS' America Chavez? Her Comic Origins, Powers, and More". Nerdist. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
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- Harn, Darby (2022-01-04). "The 10 Best America Chavez Stories From Marvel Comics". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
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- Pulliam-Moore, Charles (2017-03-02). "America Chavez, Marvel's first queer Latina superhero, is definitely pro-punching Nazis". Splinter News. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
- Nicole Chavez (3 April 2017). "America Chavez is Marvel's lesbian Latina superhero". CNN. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
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- Yohannes, Alamin (June 22, 2017). "#Pride30: Writer Gabby Rivera is bringing LGBTQ superheroes to life". NBC News. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
- Bennett, Alanna (October 7, 2016). "Yessss, America Chavez Is Finally Getting Her Own Marvel Solo Title". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
- Tsirbas, Christos (July 28, 2017). "Is Miles Morales Destiny's Child? Secret Empire #7 Explains". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
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