Warning! This article contains spoilers for Avengers Vol. 9 #1 Captain Marvel’s biggest advocate, and his new nickname for her just reminded fans of that fact, as it perfectly captures the essence of their relationship while highlighting the immense respect he has for Captain Marvel.
Like Steve Rogers, who served in the military during World War II as Captain America, Carol Danvers also served in the military as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. While her time in the armed forces was effectively cut short when she developed her latent powers (while Steve Rogers’ military career didn’t start until after he got his), Danvers continued to fight for what she believed in upon ing the Avengers. She did so after earning the rank of Major in the Air Force, which is actually higher than her self-proclaimed ‘captain’ title. Interestingly enough, Captain America is also misrepresenting himself, as he would have actually been considered a Colonel (which is technically the equivalent rank of Captain in the Navy, so close enough). Aside from the technicalities regarding their military ranks, Captain America and Captain Marvel are both ‘Captains’ on the Avengers, and their military background only adds to their capabilities as effective and strategic leaders. This connection through shared experiences is the bedrock for their relationship, though Captain America’s nickname for Danvers goes far beyond their military background.
Captain America Calls Captain Marvel ‘Cap’ as a Sign of Respect
In Avengers Vol. 9 #1 by Jed MacKay and C.F. Villa, Captain Marvel is traveling the globe, recruiting heroes for her new-and-improved Avengers lineup. One of the heroes she knew she had to get on the team was Captain America - Sam Wilson’s Captain America, that is. When she approached him, Carol playfully greeted Sam as ‘Cap’, and Sam returned the greeting in kind. However, it wasn’t until Steve ed in and called Carol ‘Cap’ that this funny bit became incredibly meaningful. By calling Captain Marvel ‘Cap’, Steve is essentially saying that Carol is as much Captain Marvel as he is Captain America - which actually goes back to when Carol first took up that moniker.
Captain America Pushed Carol to Take on the Mantle
Back in Captain Marvel Vol. 7 #1, Carol Danvers is making the transition from Ms. Marvel to Captain Marvel, effectively claiming the title that once belonged to the late Mar-Vell as her own, and no one has her back more than Steve Rogers. In of the title alone, Carol already rose above the rank of Captain to Major, so being called Captain Marvel instead of Ms. Marvel is still technically downplaying her experience, and Rogers is probably one of the few Avengers who can appreciate that fact. Though aside from their connection through a shared military background - which unquestionably laid the groundwork for their relationship - Rogers ed Danvers because he recognized the makings of a true leader within her, and he believed it was high time Danvers ed him as an official ‘Cap’ of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Steve Rogers is a legacy hero on the Avengers, and the first real leader of the team (the founding all took turns as leader before leaving the team to Rogers less than twenty issues in). In other words, Steve made the Avengers what it is today, and that was after cementing the name ‘Captain America’ as a mainstay title with a legacy that will last thousands of years - proven true by Guardians of the Galaxy’s ‘Captain America’. So, now that Captain Marvel is taking it upon herself to build the team back up to its former glory - a glory established by Captain America himself - Steve confirms his faith in Carol’s mission just as he proved his for her when she became Captain Marvel to begin with, and he does this with the seemingly innocuous nickname, ‘Cap’, that’s secretly a major sign of respect.
Avengers Vol. 9 #1 by Marvel Comics is available now.
