America Chavez

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This article is about the character in Marvel Comics. For the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation, see
America Chavez (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
.
America Chavez
Miss America
America Chavez / Miss America.
Variant cover of Women of Marvel #1
(February 2024).
Art by Elena Casagrande and Jordie Bellaire.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceVengeance #1
(September 2011)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoAmerica Chavez (birth name)
America Santana (adoptive name)
Species
Utopian Parallel (originally)
New York City (retconned)
Team affiliationsWest Coast Avengers
Young Avengers
Avengers World
Teen Brigade
Thunderbolts
Champions
Defenders
Ultimates
A-Force
PartnershipsKate Bishop / Hawkeye
Notable aliasesMiss America
Ms. America
USA
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, speed, and durability
  • Longevity / decelerated aging
  • Hyper-cosmic awareness
  • Inter-dimensional travel
  • Star portal creation
  • Energy infusion
  • Invulnerability
  • Time travel
  • Star blast
  • Flight
  • Trained hand-to-hand combatant

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

television series
, and merchandise.

The

character made her live-action debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), portrayed by Xochitl Gomez
.

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

Variant cover of America #1 (March 2017)
America Chavez on the variant cover of America #1 (March 2017) by Jamie McKelvie.

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

Tiboro, and was later rescued by the Last Defenders, She-Hulk, and Daimon Hellstrom, under the direction of the In-Betweener.[42] She rejoined her teammates in Latveria where they fought the Braak'nhüd, Young Masters and Doctor Doom. The battle was ended when Ultimate Nullifier shot the In-Betweener. While the smoke cleared, the Teen Brigade covertly departed.[43] Chavez would later part ways with the Teen Brigade due to "musical differences".[34]

After leaving the Teen Brigade, Chavez eventually traveled to Earth-212 and was later approached by the teenage trickster

Wiccan for the good of the Multiverse. Disgusted with the proposition, Chavez fights with Loki and decides to protect Wiccan.[44] On Earth-616, Chavez stopped Loki from magically attacking Wiccan in his home. Hulkling intervened, but America and Loki quickly fled with little explanation.[45] Chavez later rescued Hulkling, Wiccan, and Loki from the Mother, an inter-dimensional parasite awoken by one of Loki's spells.[46] They all escape aboard Marvel Boy's ship, and aided them in the final face-off with Mother's forces in Central Park.[47] Later, in Young Avengers #15, she reveals offhandedly to the team that she is not interested in men,[48] and writes off her one-time kiss with the male teen superhero Ultimate Nullifier as experimentation.[34] She later begins dating Lisa, an EMT, and dances with her to "close a hole in the universe."[34] She also had a crush on Lady Katherine of Bishop, an alternate version of Kate Bishop, and they have a close relationship.[49]

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

Blue Marvel.[34] Chavez also attends Sotomayor University as a student,[53] where she also shares a class with former Young Avenger teammate Prodigy.[54]

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.

coping mechanism.[60][61]

Powers and abilities

America Chavez acquired a range of

travel through time.[68][69] She can move beyond superhuman speed, being able to catch up to and nearly exceed the speed of light as observed by Spectrum in her light form.[70][34] America Chavez has developed the ability to make an enemy burst into tiny star fragments with a punch.[71][72] In moments of extreme duress, she has been shown to project a large star that releases a powerful energy blast, capable of injuring the likes of Captain Marvel.[73][74] Her hyper-cosmic awareness allows her to have a metaphysical insight in space and time.[75][76] She is able to increase her physical fighting ability by harnessing her inherent power from within.[73][77] America Chavez does not age at a normal rate due to her increased lifespan.[73][78] She is also a trained hand-to-hand combatant, owing to her powers and experience in street fighting.[79][80]

Cultural impact and legacy

Critical response

A cosplayer dressed as America Chavez / Miss America

Nivea Serrao of

Comics Beat called America Chavez "very popular", stating that she "garnered a huge fanbase" after the Kieron Gillen-Jamie McKelvie-Matt Wilson Young Avengers comic book series.[90] Brian Gallagher of MovieWeb described America Chavez as one of Marvel's "newest and beloved characters that have garnered major fan excitement over the last few years".[91] Shaun Corley of Screen Rant called America Chavez a "formidable hero", writing, "America Chavez has been a fan-favorite since her debut over a decade ago, starring in multiple team books and a solo title, as well as making the leap to the MCU - an impressive feat for such a relatively new character."[92] K.W. Colyard of Bustle referred to America Chavez as a "cult-favorite character".[93]

Reid Carter of

ComicBook.com referred to America Chavez as a "fan favorite", writing, "Marvel has introduced several amazing characters over the years, and one of the more recent examples is America Chavez,"[105] while Lance Cartelli ranked her 21st in their "50 Most Important Superheroes Ever" list.[106] The A.V. Club ranked America Chavez 97th in their "100 best Marvel characters" list.[107]

Rick Stevenson of

CinemaBlend called America Chavez a "teenage Latina and LGBTQ+ icon", asserting, "In only so much time since her debut, America Chavez is known as one of the more important newer Marvel characters in Marvel Comics for her cultural representation. Despite extra-dimensional origins, when she first came to Earth-616, she was taken in by a Puerto Rican family who informed her ethnic identity. Yet, she represents more than just race."[113]

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

The Mary Sue called America Chavez a "fan favorite",[128] while Michele Kirichanskaya ranked her 6th in their "8 Young, New Heroes the Marvel Cinematic Universe Should Focus on Next" list, saying, "As Marvel's first queer Latin superhero to star in her own series, America Chavez symbolizes long-needed representation for various members of the comic book-loving community. An out and proud Latina lesbian superhero, America Chavez has received an outstanding amount of love and support for her character, including acclaimed author Gabby Rivera, who was Marvel's first Latin LGBTQ+ author, as well the writer for America Chavez's comics book series, America."[129]

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

Golden Issue Awards.[156]

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

ComicBook.com gave America #1 a grade of 4 out of 5 stars, asserting, "At last! Everyone's favorite no-nonsense powerhouse, America Chavez, gets her own series! Written by critically acclaimed YA novelist Gabby Rivera (Juliet Takes A Breath) and drawn by all-star artist Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), Marvel Comics' brand new America series shines a solo spotlight on the high-octane and hard-hitting adventures of the one and only America Chavez! America has always been uncontestably awesome, and as the newly appointed leader of the Ultimates, she's now officially claimed her place as the preeminent butt-kicker of the Marvel Universe! But while leading a team of heroes and punching out big bads is great and all, it doesn't really leave much time for self-discovery... So what's a super-powered teenager do when she's looking for a little fulfillment? She goes to college!"[160] Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave the first comic book 8.5 out of 10, saying, "If there were any doubts that Miss America truly needed her own comic, America #1 should put them to rest. This new series features an engaging take on the adventurous America Chavez, one that emphasizes goofy humor and grounded character drama over superheroics. Anyone who enjoys The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl or Hawkeye will feel right at home here."[161]

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

Comics Beat stated, "As far as debuts go, America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 is damn near flawless. A strong script from an up-and-coming talent combine with strong line art and colors (and, of course, the always-solid work of letterer Travis Lanham) for an incredibly satisfying and enjoyable reading experience. If the remaining issues of this five-issue miniseries can keep up this level of quality we may be looking at an early contender for one of the best Big 2 books of the year."[163] Sam Stone of Comic Book Resources called America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 a "solid opening issue", saying, "Presented, more or less, as a fresh jumping-on point for readers that may not be all that familiar with America Chavez, the opening issue to the character's new comic book miniseries balances action and introspection with a story that examines the superhero's past as it forges her future. Vasquez's scripting especially excels when it delves into her protagonist's psyche, with the present-day sequences more effective than the flashback's retread of her origins. Vasquez finds an effective creative partner in Gomez, bringing the power and responsibility close to home, with the young hero's fight only poised to become more personal as the miniseries continues."[164] Robert Reed of Newsarama gave America Chavez: Made in the USA #1 a grade of 8 out of 10, writing, "The draw to America Chavez: Made in the USA is the character herself, and her past, which hasn't always been rendered with real detail. The team of Vasquez, Gómez, Aburtov, and Lanham creates an intimate look at America's first night with her found family, and sets the foundation for what should be an emotional rollercoaster of a limited series."[165]

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 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]

Video games

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

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

  1. ^
  2. ^
  3. ^
  4. Game Rant. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  5. D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 16, 2022). "'Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness' Actress Xochitl Gomez Adds Hyperion". Deadline Hollywood
. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  • ^
  • Marvel.com. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  • Disney Newsdesk, Laughing Place (2022-04-28). "America Chavez and The Scarlet Witch Coming to Avengers Campus in May". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  • Edwards, Molly (2021-04-30). "Doctor Strange 2 star teases her Marvel debut as America Chavez". Newsarama
    • . Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  • Looper
    . Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  • ^ Chappell, Caitlin (March 4, 2022). "America Chavez Creator Joe Casey Shares His Hopes for the Superhero's MCU Debut". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  • Marvel.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-16. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
  • Atkinson, John (2020-11-02). "Doctor Strange 2 Can Replace Captain America (And Kick Off Young Avengers)". Screen Rant
    • . Retrieved 2023-04-06.