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Captain Marvel

''Captain Marvel'' is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in comic books and other media. The moniker originated with the character created by in 1939, later acquired by Comics and renamed due to trademark conflicts. began using the name in 1967 for their characters, including the warrior Mar-Vell, who debuted in Marvel Super-Heroes #12 and wielded Nega-Bands for superhuman abilities, dying of cancer in The Death of Captain Marvel (1982). Following Mar-Vell's death, , a New Orleans police lieutenant, became the next Captain Marvel in Amazing Annual #16 (1982), gaining powers to transform into electromagnetic energy. The first African American and human to hold the title, she later used aliases like and while leading the Avengers. first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (1968), acquiring -derived powers from a Psyche-Magnetron explosion. Debuting as in 1977, she has used identities including and before reclaiming Captain Marvel in 2012. She has led teams like and briefly served as the Empire's Supreme Accuser, featuring in arcs such as Civil War II (2016) and The Life of Captain Marvel (2018). As of September 2025, ongoing storylines depict her channeling powers and facing threats in a distant future. The name has also inspired film and television adaptations for both and versions, music works like the album, and other uses including sports nicknames. For detailed histories and issues, see the relevant sections below.

History and trademark issues

Origins of the name

The name "Captain Marvel" originated in 1939 when writer Bill Parker and artist developed the character for , a company seeking to capitalize on the emerging genre popularized by . Initially, Parker conceived a team of heroes each embodying powers from mythical figures, but Fawcett executives favored a single protagonist, leading to the consolidation of those abilities into one transformative figure. The moniker drew inspiration from Superman's archetypal design—featuring a cape, tights, and bold insignia—while incorporating elements of fantasy and magic to distinguish it from science-fiction origins, reflecting broader influences from 1930s adventure stories. At the core of the character's concept is Billy Batson, an orphaned newsboy who encounters an ancient named Shazam in a subway cavern. By uttering the ""—an for the six immortals granting his powers: the wisdom of (S), the strength of (H), the stamina of Atlas (A), the power of (Z), the courage of Achilles (A), and the speed of Mercury (M)—Batson instantly transforms into the adult Captain Marvel. This magical metamorphosis emphasized themes of empowerment and moral growth, positioning Captain Marvel as a youthful everyman elevated to heroic stature through ancient wisdom rather than innate superiority. Captain Marvel debuted in Whiz Comics #2 (cover-dated February 1940, released late 1939), where Beck's clean, dynamic artwork immediately captured public attention. The series surged in popularity during , embodying American resilience and heroism against Axis threats, with stories often featuring the character battling wartime villains. By the mid-1940s, Captain Marvel Adventures had become the era's top-selling comic, surpassing even in circulation and reaching a peak of over 14 million copies sold in 1944 alone, underscoring its cultural dominance amid the war's demand for uplifting .

Legal disputes between publishers

In 1941, National Comics Publications, Inc. (later known as DC Comics) filed a lawsuit against Fawcett Publications, Inc., alleging that the Captain Marvel character infringed on the copyright of Superman through similarities in appearance, powers, and heroic exploits. The protracted legal battle, one of the longest in comics history, spanned over a decade and involved multiple appeals, with National claiming that Fawcett's character was a derivative work designed to capitalize on Superman's popularity. In 1951, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled in favor of National, affirming the district court's finding of infringement. Fawcett settled the case in late 1953, agreeing to cease publication of Captain Marvel and related titles by the end of that year to avoid further penalties. The resolution of the lawsuit left Fawcett's Captain Marvel dormant for nearly two decades, during which moved to claim the "Captain Marvel" name. In 1967, Marvel registered the for its own character, the warrior Mar-Vell, who debuted that year, establishing continuous use to protect the . When licensed the to Fawcett's Captain Marvel characters in 1972 (acquiring full in 1991), it faced the obstacle and relaunched the hero under the title Shazam! to sidestep infringement claims, publishing its first issue in February 1973. reinforced its through ongoing publications, including the debut of its Captain Marvel series in 1968 and subsequent issues that maintained market presence. These disputes have had lasting effects on character branding without escalating to major new litigation since the 1980s. DC has consistently used "Shazam!" as the primary identifier since its 2011 New 52 relaunch, reflecting the entrenched trademark division that influences how the characters are named and marketed in comics and media adaptations.

Comics characters

DC Comics' Captain Marvel (Shazam)

DC Comics' Captain Marvel, now primarily known as to avoid trademark conflicts with ' use of the name, is the alter ego of Billy Batson, an orphaned boy who transforms into a powerful adult by uttering the "," which summons a bolt of magical lightning from the Rock of Eternity. Created by writer Bill Parker and artist , the character debuted in Whiz Comics #2 in February 1940, published by , as a youthful counterpart to with a focus on wonder and adventure rather than mere might. Billy was chosen by the ancient wizard , who granted him powers derived from six mythological figures represented by the acronym SHAZAM: the wisdom of , the strength of , the stamina of Atlas, the power of , the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury, enabling abilities such as , flight, invulnerability, , speed, and the manipulation of . The publication history of Captain Marvel began with explosive popularity during World War II, where Fawcett Comics sold millions of copies monthly, often outselling Superman, but faced legal challenges from National Comics (later DC) starting in 1941 over alleged similarities to their flagship character. A 1953 court ruling forced Fawcett to cease publishing superhero titles, leading to the character's hiatus until DC licensed the rights in 1972 amid a revival of Golden Age properties. DC fully acquired the Fawcett library in 1991, and following the 1985 Crisis on Infinite Earths event, Captain Marvel was integrated into the main DC Universe as part of the Marvel Family, sharing the Rock of Eternity with other heroes while maintaining his distinct magical origins. The 2011 New 52 relaunch reimagined Billy as a cynical teenager who shares his powers with a foster family, solidifying the Shazam moniker, a shift continued in the 2016 DC Rebirth initiative where he leads an expanded Shazam Family against threats like the Seven Deadly Sins. Key storylines highlight Captain Marvel's evolution from wartime patriot to cosmic champion. During the Golden Age, he frequently battled Nazi villains in Fawcett tales, such as confronting the super-soldier Captain Nazi, who maimed newsboy Freddy Freeman and prompted the hero to grant him powers as Captain Marvel Jr. In the 1970s revival, DC's Shazam! series (1973–1978) incorporated elements from the Filmation TV show Shazam!, including mentor figure Mentor and moral lessons, while crossovers in Isis and Shazam! #25 (1976) introduced the heroine Isis, blending her Egyptian mythology with the Marvel Family's adventures against shared foes like King Ptahmose. Later arcs, such as the 1996 miniseries Kingdom Come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross, portrayed a future where Captain Marvel, manipulated by Lex Luthor, becomes a pawn in a generational hero conflict, ultimately meeting his end in a clash with Superman. The 2005–2006 Infinite Crisis event further explored the character's role in multiversal threats, with the Marvel Family aiding in the restoration of reality and delving into themes of legacy and power-sharing after the wizard Shazam's death. Captain Marvel's legacy endures through his expansive family and cultural impact within DC Comics. The iconic catchphrase "Holy moley!" originated as Billy Batson's exclamatory expression of surprise in stories, starting with Special Edition Comics #1 (1940) and becoming a hallmark of his wide-eyed innocence. The Marvel Family expanded early with , Billy's twin sister Mary Batson (adopted as Mary Bromfield), who debuted in Captain Marvel Adventures #18 (1943) and gains her powers by invoking "," drawing from goddesses like , , , and others for a feminine twist on the transformation. Similarly, , Freddy Freeman, was introduced in Whiz Comics #25 () as a crippled boy empowered by saying "Captain Marvel," later evolving into Shazam Jr. in modern continuity. In and Rebirth eras, the Family includes additional members like Pedro Peña, Eugene Choi, and Darla Dudley, who share portions of Billy's powers, emphasizing themes of found family and heroism against magical adversaries such as and the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man.

Marvel Comics' Mar-Vell

Mar-Vell, the original Captain Marvel of , is a warrior from the planet Kree-Lar who was dispatched to on a covert mission by the Kree Empire's . Created by writer and artist , he first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #12 (December 1967), where he assumes the human identity of Dr. Walter Lawson and infiltrates a NASA-like facility at . Initially ordered to observe and report on human technological advancements for potential conquest, Mar-Vell defects upon witnessing humanity's potential for good, vowing to protect from threats including his own people. As a Kree soldier, Mar-Vell possesses inherent physiology granting him enhanced strength capable of lifting approximately 10 tons (increasing to 15 tons when solar-charged), durability to withstand extreme conditions in space, and the ability to fly via manipulation. His powers expand significantly during his adventures; he acquires Kree Nega-Bands, which enable energy absorption and projection in the form of powerful blasts, dimensional travel, and a symbiotic link with human sidekick Rick Jones, allowing them to switch places across dimensions. Later, empowered by the cosmic entity , Mar-Vell gains cosmic awareness, providing near-omniscience regarding universal threats and elevating him to the role of Protector of the Universe. These abilities, combined with his tactical genius and combat training, position him as a key figure in Marvel's cosmic narratives. Mar-Vell's solo series, Captain Marvel (vol. 1), launched in May 1968 and ran for 62 issues until its cancellation in 1979, chronicling his battles against Kree rivals like and interstellar foes. A pivotal storyline, the Kree-Skrull War (1971–1973), unfolds across Avengers #89–97, where Mar-Vell and Rick Jones alert Earth's heroes to the interstellar conflict spilling onto the planet, using the Nega-Bands to rally the Avengers against invaders and ultimately broker peace via intervention by the . This arc not only solidified Mar-Vell's influence on Marvel's cosmic lore but also highlighted themes of divided loyalties and heroism beyond national borders. In a groundbreaking narrative, Mar-Vell succumbs to inoperable cancer caused by exposure to the Compound 13 during a 1974 clash with the villain (Captain Marvel #33–34), leading to his poignant death in the 1982 graphic novel The Death of Captain Marvel by . This story, one of the first to depict a superhero's mortality without , inspires legacy characters and underscores the character's humanizing vulnerability. Although briefly revived in later tales—such as allying with the Spaceknight in 1980s crossovers and posthumous returns in events like (2008)—Mar-Vell's arc establishes the Captain Marvel mantle's enduring legacy in cosmic storytelling.

Marvel Comics' Monica Rambeau

Monica Rambeau, the second character to bear the title Captain Marvel in Marvel Comics, debuted in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16 in 1982, created by writer Roger Stern and artist John Romita Jr.. A lieutenant in the New Orleans Harbor Patrol, Rambeau gained her powers when, at the request of her father's old associate Professor André LeClare, she attempted to stop criminals who had stolen his experimental energy converter device, resulting in her exposure to its dimensional energies during the confrontation; As the first African-American woman to hold the Captain Marvel mantle—originally established by the Kree warrior Mar-Vell—she quickly proved her heroism by thwarting a criminal plot involving the device and earning the respect of Spider-Man during her origin adventure. Rambeau's abilities center on her capacity to convert her body into any form of electromagnetic energy, including visible , , microwaves, radio waves, and gamma rays, allowing her to achieve intangibility, fly at speeds exceeding , generate powerful energy blasts, and even create holographic illusions or become invisible by shifting to non-visible spectra. Under the tutelage of , she honed her control over these powers, enabling feats like phasing through solid matter and absorbing energy to amplify her strength. This versatility made her a formidable asset, though early limitations included temporary power loss from overexertion or specific frequencies that could disrupt her form. Following her debut, Rambeau joined the Avengers in Avengers #227 (1982), rapidly rising to become the team's chairperson after the Wasp stepped down, a role she held through the 1980s while leading operations from the aquatic headquarters Hydrobase and battling threats like the and . In 1995, she relinquished the Captain Marvel name to , Mar-Vell's son, adopting in Avengers Unplugged #5 amid a period of personal and power-related challenges. She later joined the unconventional squad in 2006, fighting bizarre threats in a storyline later retconned as an induced by the Beyond Corporation. Rambeau returned to prominence in 2013 as in Mighty Avengers vol. 2 #1, embracing a broader color-spectrum motif for her energy forms, and served on the while playing key roles in major events like Civil War II (2016), where she supported predictive justice initiatives, and (2017), during which she was captured by forces. In 2022, she reverted to in her self-titled , underscoring her enduring legacy as a leader and symbol of diversity in the .

Marvel Comics' Carol Danvers

Carol Danvers first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 in March 1968, created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gene Colan, as a U.S. Air Force officer and security chief at NASA who aided the Kree hero Mar-Vell. She gained superhuman abilities in Captain Marvel #18 (November 1969) when exposed to the explosion of a Kree Psyche-Magnitron device during an encounter with Mar-Vell, transforming her into a human-Kree hybrid with powers that would later define her as Ms. Marvel. Her solo series, Ms. Marvel, launched in 1977, establishing her as a prominent female superhero amid the feminist movement of the era. In the 1980s, Danvers' powers were amplified after her abduction by the alien Brood in Uncanny X-Men #163 (1982), where experiments unlocked a connection to a white hole energy source; she emerged in Uncanny X-Men #164 as Binary, possessing vastly enhanced cosmic abilities that allowed her to destroy a Brood outpost single-handedly. Following the death of the original Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), Danvers assumed the mantle in Avenging Spider-Man #9 (July 2012), at the encouragement of Captain America, marking her evolution into Marvel's flagship Captain Marvel. Danvers' powers as Captain Marvel include capable of lifting over 100 tons, flight at supersonic speeds exceeding Mach 3, and near-invulnerability that allows her to withstand planetary re-entry and high-caliber gunfire. She can absorb and manipulate ambient energy, projecting it as blasts or using it to enhance her physical abilities, while her seventh sense provides low-level precognition similar to that of . In her , these abilities peak at star-level energy manipulation, enabling and the generation of wormholes, though she has since stabilized at a more controlled level post-Binary. Her is further bolstered by a regenerative factor, allowing rapid recovery from severe injuries. Key story arcs highlight Danvers' resilience amid personal and cosmic challenges. In the controversial 1980 storyline spanning Avengers #197-200, she was psychically manipulated and impregnated by the villain Marcus (an aspect of ), leading to a forced gestation and birth in ; this "" plot drew widespread criticism for its handling of trauma and consent, with writer defending it as psychological complexity, though it remains a dark stain on her history. During Civil War II (2016), as Captain Marvel, she led the pro-registration faction advocating predictive justice via the Ulysses, clashing with and resulting in the tragic death of Bruce Banner () during the ensuing conflict; this event polarized fans and underscored themes of heroism versus . Other arcs, such as her leadership in the Avengers and , tie into broader events like (2023), where she confronts multiversal threats alongside and . As a symbol of female empowerment, has appeared in over 300 comic issues since her debut, evolving from a to a cornerstone of Marvel's lineup. Her 2019 "Fresh Start" relaunch in Captain Marvel #1 by writer and artist Carmen Carnero revitalized her series, boosting sales to top 10 rankings in its debut month amid heightened cultural visibility. This era emphasized her as an unapologetic leader, influencing subsequent narratives and solidifying her role in events like (2020), where she brokers interstellar peace. As of 2025, Danvers continues to serve as the Supreme Accuser of the Empire and leads in ongoing cosmic narratives.

Film and television adaptations

Early serials and series (1940s–1970s)

The first screen adaptation of Captain Marvel arrived in the form of a 12-chapter film titled , produced by and released in 1941. Directed by and John English, the serial starred as the adult superhero Captain Marvel and Frank Coghlan Jr. as his teenage alter ego, Batson. In the plot, an expedition of archaeologists discovers a golden idol containing a magical amulet with deadly powers; Billy, chosen by a wizard, utters "Shazam!" to transform into Captain Marvel and thwart the masked villain known as the Scorpion, who seeks the amulet to unleash destruction. The serial's narrative unfolds across chapters involving chases, cliffhangers, and battles, emphasizing Captain Marvel's flight, strength, and wisdom derived from ancient figures. The character received a more structured revival in the 1970s with !, a live-action series produced by that aired from 1974 to 1976, comprising 28 half-hour episodes across three seasons. Michael Gray portrayed Billy Batson, a teen reporter traveling with the elderly Mentor (), while Jackson played Captain Marvel in the first two seasons, succeeded by John Davey in the third due to production disputes. The show adopted a "monster-of-the-week" format, with Billy transforming via "!" to resolve episodic threats like , criminals, or supernatural entities, always concluding with a moral lesson on themes such as honesty or courage. Crossovers with 's occurred in shared hour-long blocks from 1975 onward, featuring joint adventures between Captain Marvel and the heroine (). These early adaptations were characterized by low-budget production techniques that defined the campy aesthetic of mid-20th-century superhero media. The 1941 serial, budgeted at approximately $145,000, relied on innovative yet constrained effects from the Lydecker brothers, including wire rigs for flight sequences and practical stunts rather than elaborate miniatures. Similarly, Shazam! operated on about $70,000 per episode, using simple methods like fans for wind, basic pyrotechnics for lightning transformations, and location shooting in to simulate nationwide travels, which contributed to its earnest but kitschy tone akin to the 1960s Batman series. This resourceful approach influenced subsequent low-stakes superhero television, prioritizing and ethical messaging over visual spectacle.

DC Extended Universe films (2010s–present)

The DC Extended Universe introduced its version of Captain Marvel, rebranded as Shazam to avoid trademark conflicts, through the 2019 film Shazam!, which marked a lighter, more humorous entry in the franchise following the darker tones of earlier installments like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the movie stars Zachary Levi as the adult superhero form of Billy Batson, with Asher Angel portraying the teenage Billy, who gains powers from an ancient wizard and transforms by saying "Shazam." The film emphasizes themes of coming-of-age and wish fulfillment, blending comedy with heartfelt family bonds as Billy shares his powers with foster siblings, forming the Shazam Family. It integrates into the DCEU by referencing the Justice League, including a scene where Billy attempts to contact them via a distress signal but receives only a voicemail response. Released on April 5, 2019, Shazam! grossed $366 million worldwide against a $100 million budget, providing a financial success and critical acclaim for its joyful tone contrasting the DCEU's prior grimness. The 2023 sequel, , also directed by Sandberg, continues the story with and reprising their roles, expanding the Shazam Family's adventures while introducing antagonists Hespera, played by , and Kalypso, played by , as daughters of the Titan Atlas seeking to reclaim stolen magical powers. The narrative delves deeper into family dynamics among the powered siblings, exploring themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the clash between human magic and divine forces, as the heroes battle mythical creatures and unravel the origins of their abilities. Released on March 17, 2023, amid Warner Bros.' transitional period for the DCEU, the film earned $134 million worldwide on a $125 million budget, underperforming partly due to audience fatigue and the impending reboot. Within the DCEU, the Shazam films connect to broader lore through shared elements like the Council of Wizards, seen in Black Adam (2022), which features Djimon Hounsou's wizard character and sets up rivalries in the Shazam mythos, though direct crossovers were limited. The original Shazam! alludes to Black Adam as a historical threat imprisoned by the wizards, tying into the anti-hero's origin in his solo film. Following the January 31, 2023, announcement of the reboot by co-CEOs and , which launched with (2025), prior DCEU entries like the Shazam films are non-canon in the new continuity, leaving the characters' future appearances uncertain. As of November 2025, no new film or television projects featuring the Shazam character have been announced in the rebooted . This reboot aims to unify storytelling across films and TV, potentially recasting or reimagining Shazam in future iterations.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (2010s–present)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) introduced Captain Marvel, portrayed by Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, as a pivotal figure in its Phase Three and beyond, emphasizing her origins as a Kree-enhanced human with immense photonic energy powers derived from comic book inspirations. The character's debut film, Captain Marvel (2019), directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, is set in the 1990s and explores Danvers' transformation from an amnesiac Kree warrior known as Vers to Earth's mightiest hero amid the interstellar conflict between the Kree Empire and the shape-shifting Skrulls. The narrative uncovers the Kree's manipulative propaganda and the Skrulls' plight as refugees, highlighting themes of personal empowerment and resistance against authoritarian control. The film grossed over $1.13 billion worldwide, becoming one of the highest-earning MCU entries at the time. Danvers' role expanded in Avengers: Endgame (2019), where she joins the Avengers in a climactic battle against Thanos, showcasing her ability to destroy Sanctuary II and contribute to the final snap reversal. Her subsequent appearances integrated her into MCU television, including a brief role in WandaVision (2021) via Monica Rambeau's (Teyonah Parris) backstory as a S.W.O.R.D. agent inspired by Danvers' heroism; Ms. Marvel (2022), where Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) idolizes her and acquires a bangle linked to Danvers' powers; and Secret Invasion (2023), which delves into the Skrull refugee crisis post-Captain Marvel and references Danvers' off-world efforts to aid them. These crossovers underscore her influence on emerging heroes and the broader cosmic threats facing Earth. The 2023 sequel, , directed by , unites Danvers with Rambeau and after a quantum band entanglement swaps their powers, compelling the trio to collaborate against a -led threat posed by (). This ensemble story amplifies themes of female solidarity and interstellar politics, critiquing imperialism while exploring mentorship across generations. Despite critical praise for its character dynamics, the film earned $206 million globally, marking the lowest opening weekend for an MCU theatrical release. Looking ahead, Danvers is slated for significant involvement in the Saga's conclusion, including Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: (2027), where her cosmic prowess is expected to play a key role in multiversal conflicts.

Music

Songs and compositions

One of the earliest notable compositions bearing the title "Captain Marvel" is the instrumental track composed by in 1972. Featured on Return to Forever's album , the piece draws inspiration from the DC Comics , evoking themes of heroic adventure through its energetic rhythm and improvisational structure involving , , and percussion. Corea, a key figure in , crafted the tune to capture the character's transformative power, blending Latin influences with progressive elements for an uplifting, exploratory sound. The composition gained further prominence through saxophonist Stan Getz's 1975 album Captain Marvel, which includes a rendition of Corea's track alongside other originals like "La Fiesta" and "Five Hundred Miles High." Recorded in 1972 with Corea on , Stanley Clarke on bass, Tony Williams on drums, and on percussion, Getz's version emphasizes soaring lines that highlight empowerment motifs, reflecting the era's fusion movement where met rock for dynamic, adventurous expression. The album, released by , stands as a high-impact collaboration that bridged bossa nova roots with electric innovation, influencing subsequent recordings. In the rock genre, "Captain Marvel Jones" by The Super Dupers from their 1966 children's album The Super Duper Record of Super Heroes offers a playful tribute to the character. Featuring vocals by a young and produced on Happy Time Records, the track uses simple, upbeat riffs and lyrics to celebrate the hero's strength and adventures, positioning it as an early example of pop culture crossover in music for young audiences. This niche recording, part of a with songs about Batman and , underscores empowerment through heroic archetypes without achieving mainstream chart success. Duane Eddy's 1960 instrumental "Shazam!" indirectly references Captain Marvel via the character's iconic transformation word, serving as a twangy guitar showcase that evokes and speed. Released as a single on Jamie Records and peaking at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, the track's energetic surf-rock style captures the thrill of exploits, earning acclaim as a pivotal early rock . Other works, such as Shonen Knife's track "Buttercup (I'm a Super Girl)" from 1990, employ imagery for themes, with the Japanese band's raw energy praising resilience and self-assertion in a style that nods to comic-inspired motifs. Overall, these pieces rarely produce major hits but maintain niche appeal among fans, often leveraging the name for motifs of heroism and personal triumph across , , and pop.

Other uses

Sports nicknames

In British football, the nickname "Captain Marvel" has been prominently associated with , an English midfielder born on January 11, 1957, who captained Manchester United from 1982 to 1994. Robson earned the moniker in the early 1980s for his inspirational leadership and fearless play, evoking the heroic qualities of the comic book character. The nickname gained traction after his standout performance in the 1984 European Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final second leg against , where he scored twice in a 3-0 victory, turning the tie around against a team featuring . Robson's heroic reputation was reinforced by key contributions in major matches, such as scoring both goals in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with in the before netting twice more in the 4-0 replay win. His relentless energy, tactical acumen, and ability to rally teammates under pressure solidified the nickname throughout his career, during which he won three Cups, a , and a Cup Winners' Cup with United, in addition to 90 caps for . The nickname, drawn from the comic's archetype of superhuman bravery and strength, appeared in Robson's 2007 autobiography Robbo: My Autobiography, which reflects on his legacy as a club icon. It has occasionally been applied to other footballers for similar traits; for instance, David Beckham was dubbed "England's Captain Marvel" by media in 2000 upon his interim appointment as national team captain for a friendly match. However, the term has seen no prominent active use in sports since the 2010s, largely tied to Robson's enduring fame. In American basketball, the nickname was briefly applied to early in his NBA career with the around 1984–1985. Fans and analysts dubbed him "Captain Marvel" for his dazzling rookie performances, including high-scoring games that evoked the superhero's extraordinary abilities, though it was soon overshadowed by "" as his fame grew.

Fictional characters in non-comic media

In non-comic media, the name "Captain Marvel" has appeared in various fictional contexts, often as standalone characters or adaptations unrelated to the primary U.S. comic book iterations. Captain Marvelous serves as the protagonist in the tokusatsu series , which aired from February 13, 2011, to February 19, 2012. Portrayed by Ryôta Ozawa, he is depicted as the confident and self-serving captain of a pirate crew known as the Gokaigers, operating as the red ranger (Gokai Red) in battles against the Zangyack Empire. The series, produced by , consists of 51 episodes and celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Super Sentai franchise by incorporating powers from previous teams. This character was adapted for international audiences in Power Rangers Super Megaforce, the 2014 American series that incorporates footage from Gokaiger. Ozawa reprised his role as Captain Marvelous in live-action cameos, notably in episodes featuring the Gokaigers' return to aid the Super Megaforce Rangers against interstellar threats. These appearances emphasize themes of piracy, camaraderie, and multiversal heroism, distinct from comic book origins. In video games, a variant of the DC Comics character—originally named Captain Marvel before adopting the Shazam moniker in the 1970s—appears as a playable figure in Lego DC Super-Villains (2018), developed by Traveller's Tales. Voiced by Brandon Routh, Shazam is featured in the base game and expanded through DLC level packs inspired by the 2019 Shazam! film, allowing players to control him in action-adventure scenarios involving magical transformations and battles against villains like Dr. Sivana. These portrayals highlight the character's enduring legacy in interactive media as a youthful, lightning-empowered hero. Such instances represent localized or genre-specific uses of the name, often drawing on thematic elements like leadership and adventure without direct ties to the Marvel Comics universe.

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