America Chavez – Comics 101
In today’s Comics101 we’re delving into Marvel’s ever expanding character vault, to discuss one of my all time favourite super powered teens: America Chavez aka Ms America.
Hailing from a dimension outside the Marvel 616, known as the Utopian Parallel, her dimension was faced with the threat of destruction when she was just 6 years old. Sacrificing their lives so their dimension could survive, her two mothers sealed the black holes that threatened to obliterate all that they loved.
Where Can You Find Her?
Chavez made her comic debut back in 2011, as she joined the Teen Brigade in their Vengeance arc where they set about ensuring the Young Master of Evil would not disrupt the balance of Chaos and Order.
Following the events of Vengeance, Chavez once again finds herself encountering Kid Loki, who asks for her to kill the Young Avenger Wiccan. She refused of course, but this brings America right back to Earth 616 where she winds up joining the Young Avengers for a while. The demiurge was such a huge persona to the people of the Utopian Parallel where Chavez came from, it is also believed that her powers may have come from the Demiurge’s vast magical energy. Upon meeting Wiccan, it soon transpires on their adventures that he is destined to become the Demiurge.
In the Secret Wars event Chavez makes a brief appearance as a member of A-Force an Avengers team made up of some of the biggest female heroes in the Marvel-verse. However her appearance is short-lived as upon breaking the law while saving Arcadia, she is punished by God Doom and the Thors to protect Battleworld’s shield.
A future version of Chavez appeared in All-New Hawkeye #3, where it appears she has taken up the mantle of Captain America. A future I definitely hope we get to explore more of in the comics.
Finally, Chavez is an ongoing member of The Ultimates in the All-New, All-Different Marvel comic launch, where she has repeatedly shown her value as a team member, from her dimension hoping abilities to her strength. All while balancing a relationship with her girlfriend.
What Are Her Powers?
America Chavez has a wide range of abilities, from her flight, speed and super strength, to her ability to hop between various dimensions, which has been of great use in all her adventures to date, most recently taking The Ultimates right to the outer edge of the multiverse.
Whats So Good About Her?
America Chavez is a beacon for diversity. A character whose arc has not only put her at the forefront of LGBT issues, but also gives a voice to the Latin America heroes.
Chavez has overcome tough times in her life, losing her parents at such a young age, and putting her focus on helping people really shows her heart. In particular, her time as a member of the Young Avengers, where she formed brand new friendships with her Young Avengers colleagues. Friendships that appear to have lasted going into All-New, All-New Different, despite the disbanding of the Young Avengers. As we have seen her pop up in All-New Hawkeye to meet with Kate Bishop.
The Ultimates has also shown a side to Chavez’ dating life, showing that she has found happiness in her current relationship with Lisa. With Pokemon references and general adorableness, this really is the ultimate definition of #RelationshipGoals .
