Earlier this month, the highly anticipated Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness movie made its way to theaters and fans of the franchise were thrilled to see the latest installment. If you haven’t seen it yet, no worries! No spoilers for the movie are ahead. Instead, we’re here to highlight the (arguably) most important character of the film: America Chavez. Played on the big screen by Xochitl Gomez, who you may know from The Babysitters Club, this Latina superhero has finally made her much-awaited debut as part of the MCU.
As Latinas, we are obviously super hyped for the much-needed representation. America Chavez has been one of the coolest comic book characters ever since she started appearing in Marvel Comics as Miss America back in 2011. Chavez’s multiverse jumping abilities make her unique from the rest of the superheroes we know due to the rarity of them, and she is often a key character even when she is not the protagonist. So without further ado, here are 5 things you should know about her:
Chavez’s alliances include the Teen Brigade and Young Avengers
Photo property of: Marvel Comics
Chavez first joined the Teen Brigade, a group formed to protect Earth and inform other superheroes like the Avengers of any threat that may arise. Later on, she became part of the famous Young Avengers, where she was classmates with other iconic figures like kid Loki, Wiccan (Scarlet Witch's son), Kate Bishop, Cassie Lang (daughter of ant-man), and others.
Chavez is an LGBTQ+ icon
Marvel.com
America Chavez is openly and proudly a lesbian; as of right now, America has a partner in the comics named Ramone Watts, also a superhero herself. In the MCU, it hasn't been established whether she is going to be portrayed exactly how her character is in the comics. However, *MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD*... we were able to see that they are staying true to her origins by presenting us with her two mothers Amalia and Elena Chavez, as it is in the comics.
To add to that, you may have heard the news that that 12 second scene did receive some backlash, but as of today Marvel has stated that they will not be cutting the scene. That shows they aren't shying away from staying true to her character, so let's have high hopes for her future in the MCU.
You’ve probably seen Xochitl Gomez in some roles already
Dr Strange Marvel GIF by Leroy PattersonGiphyThough we’re discussing Chavez in her superhero form, the one responsible for bringing the comic character to life is actress Xochitl Gomez. At only 16 years old, she was already a recognized actress for her role in Netflix's The Babysitters Club, where she played the charming Dawn Schafer.
In her role as one of the most powerful superheroes in the MCU, we can't wait to see where her character goes next. With many positive reviews so far, many fans are excited to finally have this character join the rest. Her introduction means exciting things are coming to the MCU. If you know, you know…
Chavez isn't from our Earth
Source: Marvel Entertainment
Chavez comes from another reality, specifically a Utopian Parallel that is a realm outside of conventional time and space. Her powers include superhuman strength, durability, speed, and the power of flight. Still, most importantly, she can open portals across the multiverse by literally breaking the barriers that separate universes.
Chavez is a Nexus being
Doctor Strange Trip GIF by RegalGiphyIn the Marvel universe, Nexus beings are rare entities with the ability to affect probability and the future. Therefore they can alter the flow of the Universal Time Stream. Because of that, they are key elements in the multiverse and are essential to maintaining its coherence and stability. This also means that there are no variants of America; she is the one and only in the entire multiverse.
We could spend all day talking about her and how cool she is, but for now, we'll leave it here. Let’s continue celebrating the first Latinx superhero both in the comics and in the MCU, and hope that there’s only more where that came from.
