I Miss This Captain America Inspired Character and Really Wish Marvel Would Bring Them Back

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Embracing a touch of inconsistency is key to fully appreciating Marvel Comics, particularly when dealing with the “floating timeline” concept. This means I can overlook details like how Peter Parker remains in his twenties despite over six decades of comics publication. Back in 1998, Marvel Editor Tom DeFalco aimed to bridge this gap by introducing Marvel Comics 2 (MC2) – an alternate timeline on Earth-982. In this continuity, characters aged naturally, retired, or were compelled to step down due to injuries or illnesses, allowing a new generation of younger heroes to step up and take the lead.

In the alternate Marvel Comics timeline known as MC2, Shannon Carter’s character, American Dream, emerged as a prominent figure among the upcoming heroes. She headlined her own series, “American Dream,” and was an essential member of the Avengers-equivalent team, A-Next, as well as a significant character in Spider-Girl’s storyline. Tom DeFalco’s decision to focus on American Dream proved to be insightful, given her rapid rise in popularity within MC2. However, since the end of her series, there has been no substantial appearance of her, despite her promise that “You haven’t heard the last of me.” It’s high time Marvel brings her back into the spotlight.

Shannon Carter is Every bit as Heroic as Steve Rogers

As a devoted moviegoer, I wholeheartedly affirm that Steve Rogers embodies the quintessential American hero. Born on Independence Day, he’s been dedicated to truth, justice, and the American spirit since his maturity. For any character symbolizing the United States, there’s no other fitting candidate. However, it wasn’t until Sharon Carter graced the scene that I felt another character could potentially embody Captain America as effortlessly as Rogers.

Shannon wasn’t initially a hardcore patriot; she was simply a typical kid leading an ordinary life. However, everything shifted dramatically when a car accident took her parents away and left her severely injured. She was then taken in by her aunt, Peggy Carter, who held a significant position within the secret service and maintained close relationships with the Avengers. Aunt Peggy frequently recounted tales of her adventures with Captain America, a man who, like Shannon, had triumphed over immense adversity and ultimately attained greatness, much like the stories she was now hearing.

Shannon found herself greatly drawn to the tales of Captain America, finding him truly inspiring. His narrative served as a driving force for her; not only helping her recover from her wounds but also encouraging her to embody the same levels of strength, resilience, speed, and determination as her idol. As a young adult, around the same age Steve Rogers was when he received the super-soldier serum, she too chose to devote her life to heroism in pursuit of truth and justice. Adopting the moniker “American Dream,” Shannon aspired to mirror Captain America’s essence and accomplishments. Fascinatingly, as she continued down this path, she found herself more and more embodying the spirit of her role model. This journey eventually led – much like her hero before her – to her ascension as the leader and moral compass of A-Next and later Avengers-Next.

Shannon Carter’s American Dream has a lot to Offer Marvel Comics

What’s captivating about American Dream is that her main strength – if we can call it that – lies in her indomitable spirit. Unlike her role model, Captain America, she didn’t receive a Super Soldier Serum, get bitten by a radioactive creature, absorb gamma radiation, or spend her childhood learning to become an assassin. She also lacked the inherited wealth and technological prowess to construct an armored exoskeleton.

Through Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, and Todd Nauck’s limited series, American Dream, we discover that she harbored an aspiration: initially, to recover from the disastrous car accident, and subsequently, to emulate her idol, Captain America. To realize this goal, she dedicated herself to rigorous training, diligent studying, persistent practice, and even initiated a self-created superhero endeavor while working as a tour guide at the former Avengers Mansion. She embodies the epitome of the self-made superhero.

Beyond simply achieving hero status, Carter has excelled in her role, unlike many other heroes who may struggle to fully utilize their gifts. Instead, Carter seems to flourish under pressure and enjoys the challenge. This exceptional ability has earned her a significant reputation among her peers, adding weight and credibility to her heroic persona. While Captain America established a similar presence during World War II on the battlefield, Carter has managed to build hers from within herself. This is perhaps most evident in “The Last Planet Standing” by Tom DeFalco and Pat Olliffe, where American Dream’s determination and self-assuredness drive the critical mission that thwarts Galactus’ plan to consume Earth. Carter stands out as a unique hero, with a tale that can serve as an inspiration for all.

Where in the Marvel Comics Universe is American Dream?

Indeed, the essence of the American Dream remains vibrant in the MC2 universe’s Earth-982. Yet, with Marvel ceasing to develop MC2 narratives and failing to incorporate the American Dream into its primary Earth-616 continuity, it seems as though she might be fading or absent from our mainstream reality.

Since one of MC2’s primary goals was to create a new breed of heroes, it couldn’t be more fitting to explore the capabilities of a character such as American Dream. Who else embodies the mix of inspiration, competence, and unyielding conviction that everyone can bring about change? In a time when it appears the public is growing weary of superheroes, could there be a more effective remedy than a hero who doesn’t possess superpowers or extraordinary traits, yet persists in making a difference?

It’s long overdue for Marvel to acknowledge Shannon’s potential and bring her back into regular publication. With a wealth of possibilities, Marvel can effortlessly integrate her into the main Earth-616 storyline. After all, she has traversed through alternate realities in the Avengers: Next series, and Marvel has proven its knack for cleverly moving characters – such as Miles Morales and Spider-Girl – between universes when the conditions are right. Another option could be to shine light on the MC2 universe again. Reintroducing her wouldn’t just be a trip down memory lane; it would provide a chance to inspire future readers with a character who embodies the finest traits of an everyday American hero.

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2025-07-26 23:10