Captain Universe

Superherobox|


caption=Advert for Captain Universe, art by Steve Ditko
comic_color=background:#ff8080
character_name=Captain Universe
real_name=
publisher=Marvel Comics
debut="Micronauts" (vol. 1) #8
creators=Bill Mantlo
Michael Golden
alliance_color=background:#ffc0c0
alliances=Kree Micronauts Badoon Guardians of the Galaxy
aliases=Guardian of Eternity, The Avenging Angel, The Hero That Could Be You
powers=Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, durability, power enhancement and senses
Energy blasts
Flight
Telekinesis
Time Travel|

Captain Universe is a disembodied superhero in Marvel Comics' universe who was created by Bill Mantlo, and first appeared in "Micronauts" vol. 1 #8. He's the guardian and protector of Eternity.

Publication history

Captain Universe hosts have appeared in either special one-shots or short stories throughout the years initially in the first series of the "Micronauts" in 1979.Appearing sporadically in the 1980s in lesser titles such as "Marvel Spotlight" and "Marvel Fanfare", the Uni-Power/Captain Universes appeared infrequently in other titles, even appearing in the first Contest of Champions.Their appearances became even scarcer in the 1990s, appearing in "Guardians of the Galaxy", "What If?", "Amazing Spider-Man", "Marvel Comics Presents" and "Cosmic Powers Unlimited".

In 1994 Captain Universe finally gained its first one-shot, coinciding with a promotion, with the claim that readers could have a comic about themselves made for a fee. The comics were generally stock stories, with minor details (such as skin or hair color, key names or phrases, etc.) altered based on information provided by the reader. Veterinary student Jeff Christiansen, who would later become the force behind the resurgence of the "Official Handbooks of the Marvel Universe" in the mid-2000s was made the official Captain Universe of the comic so that it could be considered an in-continuity comic. The one-shot was titled "X-Men/Captain Universe: Sleeping Giants"

In 2005, after a four year break from comic appearances, Captain Universe returned in the second series of "Amazing Fantasy." Also in 2005, a series of one-shot specials linked together by the Uni-Power/Captain Universe were released featuring different characters from the Marvel Universe as the Uni-Power each imbues them with power of Captain Universe. These titles were "Captain Universe/Hulk", "Captain Universe/Daredevil", "Captain Universe/X-23", "Captain Universe/Invisible Woman" and "Captain Universe/Silver Surfer". The Uni-Power made a brief appearance in "Nextwave", he also made a "cameo" as Cosmic Spider-Man for the variant cover of "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" #3 and played an important part in the Death's Head 3.0 saga chronicled in Amazing Fantasy.

Captain Universe made his return alongside Star-Lord, Bug from the Micronauts, Mantis, Groot, Rocket Raccoon and Deathcry in Annihilation Conquest: Star-Lord. In the series, he accidentally killed Deathcry when she attempted to kill him after he stole her kill. Recently, in Annihilation Conquest: Star-Lord #4, the Uni-Power left Gabriel Vargas after helping him get a cure for the airborne Phalanx virus and then in Annihilation Conquest #3, Gabriel himself was killed by Blastaar.

Fictional character biography

The Uni-Power is an extra-dimensional force that possesses an individual (or on one occasion, twins) in a time of crisis, transforming that person into Captain Universe. As Captain Universe, the transformed person typically retains his or her original personality and appearance, though with Captain Universe's costume and heroic traits superimposed over the original. The Uni-Power itself emanates from the Enigma Force, the exact nature of which, naturally, remains an enigma. It is believed, however, to be connected to the Microverse, home of the Micronauts. Although the Uni-Power typically empowers normal, non-super-powered humans, it has in the past empowered Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Commander Arcturus Rann of the Micronauts, a toddler, and a dog, among others. Its counterparts in various alternate timelines have also possessed Mar-Vell, Mr. Fantastic, a member of the alien Badoon race, a Doombot and Quasar. Because of its never-ending supply of energy it has been the target of many individuals, terrorist groups and peacekeeping agencies such as AIM, the Psycho-Man, Doctor Doom and even S.H.I.E.L.D.

The first human Captain Universe was an astronaut, Captain Ray Coffin. He battled Baron Karza and sealed the Prometheus Pit between the Microverse and Earth. ["Micronauts" Vol. 1 #8] The Uni-Power next possessed his son Steve Coffin to battle Mister E and his shadow slaves. ["Marvel Spotlight" Vol. 2 #10] It next possessed Ann Stafford and Clare Dodgson to capture Nemesis, ["Marvel Spotlight" Vol. 2 #10] and then possessed Monty Walsh to capture Guido Carboni. ["Marvel Spotlight" Vol. 2 #11] It then possessed Doctor Strange and Commander Arcturus Rann to reinforce the space-wall between the Microverse and the Macroverse. ["Micronauts" Vol. 1 #35] It then possessed Bruce Banner for the first time, to defuse a nuclear missile, and wound up battling the Hulk. ["Incredible Hulk" #10] Captain Universe was then next among the heroes summoned by the Grandmaster for the Contest of Champions. ["Marvel Super-Hero Contest of Champions" #1] The Captain Universe power next possessed Delayne Masters to defeat schoolyard bullies. ["Marvel Fanfare" #25] It then possessed Evan Swann to stop the Quantum Mechanic from destroying the Earth. ["Web of Spider-Man Annual" #5]

When the Captain Universe power next appeared, it possessed Spider-Man in order to stop the Tri-Sentinel. The cosmic powered Spider-Man battled the Trapster, Titania, Magneto, Brothers Grimm, Goliath, Hulk, TESS-One, Dragon Man, and the Tri-Sentinel itself. ["Spectacular Spider-Man" #158-160; "Web of Spider-Man" #59-61; "Amazing Spider-Man" #327-329; "Quasar" #7] It next possessed Eddie Price to battle Gart and Rath. ["Web of Spider-Man Annual" #6]

Captain Universe later returned, and the Uni-Power possesses various heroes (the Hulk; X-23; Daredevil, who regained his sight while possessed; the Invisible Woman; Gladiator; and the Silver Surfer); all in a mission to restore its power which has been severely weakened from a mysterious force emanating from the darkest corners of the Microverse. Using the copied powers of each hero, it took paraplegic war veteran Gabriel Vargas as its host to face the one responsible for its weakening.

Recently the hero known as The Captain was drawn into a dark vision created by the Forbush Man. In this vision he had become Captain Universe but was catapulted to the other side of the Universe where another Earth existed. He learned that on this Earth everything that had ever gone right on our Earth had gone wrong here creating a world of chaos, anarchy, destruction and despair. The Heroes who lived here had become cold, cynical and hateful of Captain Universe because he was the only one who remembered what it was like to smile. Of course during his time on this Earth he became desperate to get home but found that getting from this Earth to his own would be impossible due to the sheer distance separating the two.

At some unknown point Captain Universe (Gabriel Vargas) is arrested by the Kree Government for accidentally attacking a group of Kree who were killing people who he thought were innocents but were actually sympathetic to the genocidal actions of the Annihilation Wave. For months he was studied by the Kree who, despite their highly advanced technology, could not learn much about the Uni-Power other than that the suit given to all users is actually a molecular shell and not spandex as was previously believed. Eventually Gabriel is released from prison and put into a highly aggressive session of training by the Kree Military as he and several other prisoners prepare for a mission that will halt the Phalanx's technophage virus from spreading further. It is not known if Gabriel and the Uni-Power ever determined the source of the Uni-Power's memory and power loss.

Powers and abilities

Captain Universe generally possesses superhuman strength, flight, Uni-Vision (microscopic vision, X-ray vision, and telescopic vision), telekinesis, enhanced senses, and a psychic awareness of imminent danger; when a person already possessing one or more of these abilities was transformed into Captain Universe, those abilities were amplified by vast amounts. Some manifestations of the Uni-Power have demonstrated other, less common abilities as well as failing to exhibit some of the more 'usual' powers, which vary in intensity with each wielder according to the strength and imagination of each. Captain Universe usually possesses the ability of molecular rearrangement of organic and inorganic matter, transmutation of elements, the ability to fire bursts of energy and concussive force, hypnosis (using the Uni-Vision energy). Possessing its own sentience, the Uni-Power can and will abandon a host if necessary, or if said host uses the granted abilities in a detrimental or criminal fashion.

Enemies

Over the years the various incarnations of Captain Universe have faced many enemies from across the Marvel Universe. The most formidable of them have proven to be Baron Karza, Dr.Doom, Magneto, the Gray Hulk, Terminus, the Tri-Sentinel, Division U, S.H.I.E.L.D. and Advanced Idea Mechanics.

Other versions

Captain Universe/Death's Head 3.0

In one possible future of the Marvel Universe, Advanced Idea Mechanics has examined the Uni-Power and attempted to duplicate it. The duplicate, referred to as the 'Alias-Power' or 'Uni-Alias', has the ability to animate the Death's Head 3.0 robot. While resident in Death's Head, it took the form of a conscience. On one occasion, when asked to rescue an evil scientist from a jail, it instead rescued a human rights activist. When the robot killed a UN researcher, the power brought him back to life. The researcher then confronted the robot, forcing it to acknowledge the conscience. Afterwards, Death's Head began working for the UN as an anti-terrorist hit-man. ["Amazing Fantasy" #16-20]

The Captain Universe-Quasar composite entity of Earth-Set

After finally freeing himself of a circular orbit in an imploding dimension the superhero known as Quasar returned to the site of a major battle between himself, Doctor Strange, The Thing, Thor and the evil Elder God Set. Shocked to find his comrades dead, Quasar screamed into the Heavens as a glowing red light consumed him. It changed him and infused him with the powers of Captain Universe. After merging the Uni-Power with his own Quantum Bands; Quasar took Doctor Strange's Eye of Agamotto and left the imploding dimension.

When he arrived most of the remaining heroes had been murdered by either Set's fearsome power or at the hands of his seven mind controlled brides. Quasar found The Silver Surfer attempting to keep the creature at bay. Filled with an immeasurable amount of rage the Quasar/Captain Universe entity summoned the Eye of Agamotto and pulled himself and Set into the Eye's pocket dimension where they would do battle for all Eternity. Later on Quasar of Earth-616 viewed his counterpart facing Set.

Spider-Ham becomes Captain Zooniverse

In the Larval Zooniverse, Peter Porker (who was secretly the superhero Spider-Ham) was working on an experiment that went awry and bestowed upon him the cosmic power of Captain Zooniverse. With this new power he defeated all of his enemies and trapped them in orbit around Earth. He returned home a bit later and began a new villain-free life with his girlfriend Mary Jane Waterbuffalo. ["Marvel Tales" #236, April 1990]

What If Spider-Man had kept his Cosmic Powers?

Spider-Man becomes corrupted by power when the Captain Universe energies decide to stay with him. He ends up battling his Avengers friends when they don't agree with his methods. A confrontation with a rogue Doombot leaves an innocent hostage dead. Peter manages to give up the entirety of his powers, including his spider-ones. Later, Peter's child manifests a combination of Captain Universe and Spider-Man powers.

Captain Universe of the Law Enforcement Squad

During the Abraxas Saga, [Fantastic Four Annual 2001] [Fantastic Four vol. 3 #49] a team of Avengers-esque super heroes called the Law Enforcement Squad appeared in Earth 616. They were headed by an intelligent version of the Hulk who was not Bruce Banner. Joining this strange version of the behemoth were the World War II-era heroes Red Raven, Bucky Barnes, Namora and The Whizzer (Bob Frank). Other members included a heroic version of the Spider-Man villain The Rose, Doctor Druid, Living Lightning, the Shroud and a male Captain Universe. (It should be noted that the membership of the Law Enforcement Squad paralleled the membership of DC Comics' Justice Society of America. Captain Universe was the equivalent of DC's Starman).

The true identity of this Captain Universe was never revealed but the host had more than likely had the Uni-Power for several years. During the battle that ensued between the Law Enforcement Squad and the Fantastic Four; Captain Universe and Dr. Druid ganged up on Reed Richards in order to destabilize the Fantastic Four's cohesion as a team. With only seconds to spare, Reed convinces Captain Universe that something is out of place and that the Fantastic Four are not his enemies. Captain Universe reveals to Druid that Reed is telling the truth, but before he can convince the others to stop fighting, he is struck down by Nova (Frankie Raye.)

Reed and Druid travel into a portal left by Captain Universe's "death" only to find him alive and well within the body of Earth 616's Eternity. Captain Universe explains to the two superheroes of the creation of the Multi-Eternity that ensures a boundless multiverse. Afterwards Captain Universe vanishes without a trace while Reed and Druid return to their respective realities after a confrontation with Abraxas, the antithesis of Eternity and Galactus.

Captain Universe of Earth X

Captain Universe's history was relatively the same as it had been on Earth-616 up until the "Infinity Gauntlet Saga", where an unknown Captain Universe fought alongside Kismet, the Silver Surfer, Comet Man, Carol Danvers, Nova and Star-Lord. Years later Arcturus Rann died in a battle against the Psycho Man and took the Enigma Force with him to the afterlife. Captain Universe was transferred into the Kree superhero Mar-Vell and eventually became part of a completed Cosmic Conscience which revived the Perfect Knowledge of the Perfect Universe which had been destroyed countless millennia ago by The Celestials. Captain Universe later joined with Reed Richards to form the new Eternity. They were last seen preparing to save Franklin from The Celestials and The Elders of the Universe.

Captain Universe of the 26th Century

When The Guardians of the Galaxy traveled to the 26th century in order to stop the Badoon they had a large falling out. Vance Astro left the team and traveled to the 20th century where he trained with Captain America. Meanwhile Charlie-27, Nikki and Talon were forced to deal with The Badoon Emperor who challenged them to a "fair" fight. Nikki attempted to beam down and face the champion chosen by the Emperor but she was stopped by Charlie who took it upon himself to face the Badoon. However he was not prepared for the villain he was to face. Earlier on a Badoon worker named L'Matto was infused with the powers of the 26th Century counterpart to Captain Universe.

With his immense power the villainous Captain Universe was able to overpower Charlie much to the dismay of his teammates. However the Badoon's winning streak was quickly circumvented by Vance, Dr. Strange (who had arrived from the 20th century) and Aleta who had become the new Starhawk. With L'Matto defeated by Aleta and Dr. Strange, Captain Universe was easily exorcised by the Doctor. To avoid returning to his time through the Dark Dimension of Dormammu, Dr. Strange used a modicum of Captain Universe's extra-dimensional abilities to travel through a series of ripples created by the Infinity War. ["Guardians of the Galaxy" #30-33]

In other media

* Captain Universe appeared as an extra costume for Spider-Man in the games "Spider-Man", "" and "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2" for the PS1.
* In "" video games, the secret characters from "Marvel Comics" such as "Onslaught-possessed" "Hulk","Venom" and "War Machine" has another palette color that is white and bluish color.
* An FAO Schwarz exclusive toy set was released that featured Captain Universe/Cosmic Spider-Man and Symbiotic Spider-Man. A larger, stand-alone version of the Captain Universe/Cosmic Spider-Man was released sometime afterward.
* There are several trading cards depicting either Captain Universe himself or Spider-Man as Captain Universe, these trading card sets include Marvel VS., Marvel Overpower, the Fleer Mark Bagley Spider-Man Card Set and Fleer Ultra 1994. There was also a special Captain Universe trading card included with the personalized X-Men/Captain Universe comic depicting the comic book owner's personal stats as Captain Universe.
*Captain Universe appears on both Alex Ross's Marvel Universe: The 70's and Michael Golden's Marvel Universe: The Golden Years lithographs.

Bibliography

* "Micronauts" vol. 1 #8, 35
* "Marvel Spotlight" (vol. 2) #9-11 (Nov 1980-Jan 1981)
* "Incredible Hulk Annual" #10
* "Marvel Fanfare" #25
* "What If...?" vol. 2 #25, 31
* "Spectacular Spider-Man" vol. 1 #158, 159, 160
* "Amazing Spider-Man" vol. 1 #327, 328, 329
* "Web of Spider-Man" #59, 60, 61
* "Web of Spider-Man Annual" #5-6
* "Guardians of the Galaxy" #31-33
* "X-Men and Captain Universe" #1
* "Marvel Comics Presents" #148
* "Cosmic Powers Unlimited" #5
* "Fantastic Four Annual 2001"

The above stories, not including the two issues of Micronauts, the two issues of What If?, the Cosmic Spider-Man Saga, the X-Men Crossover and the Fantastic Four Annual, are reprinted in "Captain Universe: Power Unimaginable", Marvel 2005, ISBN 0-7851-1891-8

* "Amazing Fantasy" vol. 2 #13-14, 18
* "Captain Universe/Hulk"
* "Captain Universe/Daredevil"
* "Captain Universe/X-23"
* "Captain Universe/Invisible Woman"
* "Captain Universe/Silver Surfer"
* "Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E." #10
* "Annihilation Conquest: Star-Lord" #1-4 (starting in July 2007)
* "Captain Universe" (Delayed)

Hosts

Other realities/non-canon

References

External links

* [http://marvel.com/universe/Captain_Universe Marvel.com: Captain Universe]
* [http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/c/captainuniverse.htm Marvel Directory: Captain Universe]
* [http://www.tvparty.com/lostny2marvel.html The Marvel Superheroes Cartoon Show]
* [http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/captainuniversecoc.htm Marvel Universe Appendix: Captain Universe]