In the world of superheroes, there aren’t many that come from the beautiful state of Louisiana. There is the Cajun king of thieves, Gambit and more recently Marvel hero Sam Wilson, the new Captain America who was formerly known as the Falcon. Through all the comic books and films, there is one Louisiana hero who shines the brightest: Monica Rambeau.
With over 40 years of history, Monica Rambeau has had a wild and varied ride through Marvel Comics and its cinematic universe. Sometimes known as Captain Marvel, but currently known as Photon, she is one of the strongest Marvel heroes, capable of harnessing all forms of energy.
The origin story goes that while working as a lieutenant for the New Orleans Harbor Patrol, Monica Rambeau meets Professor Andre LeClare, a friend of her grandfather, and she learns about his project to find new power sources. After learning that the power was going to be used as a weapon, Rambeau helps destroy it, but in turn, she gains superhuman powers and the ability to use energy of all kinds.
Over her history in comic books, Rambeau has combated countless villains, fighting with teams like the Avengers, the Ultimates and now Strike Force. She’s come head-to-head with bad actors like Thanos and Galactus, saving humanity and the universe multiple times.
Though her on-screen persona is more publicly well known, Monica Rambeau is a little different on screen than she is on paper.
Rambeau made her film debut back in 2019 in “Captain Marvel.” In 2020, she was fully introduced to the world of superheroes in “WandaVision,” where she got her powers and worked to solve the mystery of Westview. Most recently, she co-led the film “The Marvels” with Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel by her side.
Monica Rambeau, daughter of Maria Rambeau who founded the S.W.O.R.D. organization, works for the organization helping to stop supernatural anomalies. After encountering The Scarlet Witch’s energy field surrounding the town of Westview, Rambeau develops powers affected from the space stone. She begins her superhero journey stopping Wanda Maximoff, and then follows in the footsteps of her aunt Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel in the MCU.
In Marvel, the title of Captain Marvel has shifted between so many people, and it belonged to Monica Rambeau for quite a long while, but now she goes by the name of Photon.
Her first comic book appearance was in “The Amazing Spider-Man” back in 1982. It wasn’t until 1989 when Rambeau got her own solo comic. Monica Rambeau’s most recent comic book appearance was in “Monica Rambeau: Photon,” her solo comic series.
This Captain Marvel — or Photon, whichever you prefer — is a big deal when it comes to representation, not just for fans of Louisiana, but for the Black community. There are very few Black superheroes in Marvel, and even less that are women and that get substantial screen time. Seeing oneself represented not just on the page or on screen as a normal person is one thing, but to see yourself as a hero can do so much for marginalized communities.
With the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” movie and countless other comic and on-screen appearances, the public is sure to see Monica Rambeau soon.
