Miss America (Marvel Comics) Explained

Code Name:Miss America
Publisher:Marvel Comics
Debut:Marvel Mystery Comics
Debutmo:September
Debutyr:1943
Writer1:Otto Binder
Artist1:Al Gabriele
Miss America
Pub Series:Marvel Comics
Cat:super
Subcat:Marvel Comics
Hero:y
Sortkey:Miss America
Sort Title:Miss America

Miss America (also spelt as Ms. America) is the name of several superheroines appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first incarnation of Miss America, Madeline Joyce, first appeared in Marvel Mystery Comics #49 (September 1943).[1] The second incarnation, Erika Kelley, debuted in Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1 (December 2007). The third incarnation, America Chavez, made her first appearance in Vengeance #1 (September 2011).

Development

Concept and creation

Comic book publishers tried to explore new types of stories, characters, and audiences, since superheroes began to fade out of fashion in the post-World War II era. Comic companies started introducing more female superheroes in an attempt to appeal to young female readers.[2] American comic book publisher Timely Comics released Marvel Mystery Comics #49 (September 1943) featuring a new superheroine known as Miss America.[3] According to American author Jess Nevins and his Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes, Miss America "fights ordinary criminals, Axis agents, Baron Shinto the Gouger, the murderous teen the Cherub, King Cobra, and the human electric eel the Shocker."[4]

Publication history

Miss America

Madeline Joyce received the Miss America Comics #1 (May 1944) one-shot, her first solo comic book. According to some sources, illustrator Ken Bald served as the cover and interior artist, although Vincent Fago, interim editor of Timely Comics for the drafted writer Stan Lee, asserted, "I hired a friend from the animation business, Pauline Loth, and she did the art for the first Miss America book."[5] Fago also stated, "I hired her at Timely when she left Fleischer's and came to New York. She did "Miss America" for us and created her costume."[6]

The Miss America Comics series changed its format with its second issue to become a larger magazine-sized Miss America Magazine,[7] though with the conventional comic book combination of glossy covers and newsprint interior. Initiating this format as vol. 1 #2 (November 1944),[8] the publication relegated its superhero to a secondary role and began focusing on teen-romance comics stories and articles on such topics as cooking, fashion, and makeup. This second issue, which featured a photo cover of an unknown model dressed in the Miss America costume, also introduced the long-running, teen-humor comics feature Patsy Walker.[9]

The Miss America Magazine series was renamed Miss America starting with issue #46 (April 1952). Alongside the single superhero comic, Miss America ran 126 issues in a complicated numbering that continued through vol. 7 #50 (December 1952), the 83rd issue. It then reverted to comic book format as Miss America vol. 1 #51–93 (April 1953 – November 1958).

The magazine format used photo covers of everyday teens. In 1951, starting with vol. 7 #42, the logo changed to Patsy Walker Starring in Miss America,[10] with covers now depicting high schooler, Patsy, boyfriend Buzz Baxter, and romantic-rival Hedy Wolfe, in cartoon art by artists Al Jaffee and Morris Weiss.

Madeline Joyce received the Miss America Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1 (June 2009) one shot, her second solo comic book.[11] According to Diamond Comic Distributors, it was the 136th best selling comic book in June 2009.

Other series

Madeline Joyce appeared as Miss America in the 1941 All Winners Comics series,[12] the 1946 Blonde Phantom series,[13] the 1974 Giant-Size Avengers series,[14] and the 2006 X-Statix Presents: Dead Girl series.[15] Erika Kelley appeared as Miss America in the 2011 series.

Fictional character biography

Madeline Joyce

The first Miss America is Madeline Joyce. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Gabriele, the character first appeared in Marvel Mystery Comics #49 (September 1943).

Madeline Joyce Frank is a socially aware heiress born in Washington, D.C. who is the niece of the millionaire radio mogul James Bennet. She acquired a range of superpowers after being exposed to an electrical discharge from an unknown experimental piece of equipment. Madeline Joyce possesses the "Strength of a Thousand Men," allowing her to lift weights far heavier than a normal human would be capable of lifting. Her superhuman durability makes her resistant to different forms of damage. She has the ability to levitate herself through psionic means. By using her levitation ability in connection with carefully planned leaps, she could use her power to fly. She could attain any height at which she could still breathe (approximately 20,000 feet). Fatigue poisons accumulate much slower in Madeline Joyce's body than that of a normal human, giving her a heightened "vitality." She later became a superhero and took the mantle of Miss America. The character has also been a member of the Invaders, Liberty Legion, and All-Winners Squad at various points in her history. She married fellow Golden Age superhero Robert Frank / Whizzer. Because the two had been exposed to radiation, their first child was the radioactive mutant Nuklo. However, Madeline Joyce died of complications stemming from childbirth with her second, stillborn child due to radiation poisoning from her first offspring while at Wundagore Mountain, Transia.[16] During this time, it was also suggested that Madeline Joyce was the mother of Pietro Maximoff / Quicksilver and Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch.[17] This was ultimately refuted when it was revealed that Max Eisenhard / Magneto and Magda Eisenhardt were their biological parents. Madeline Joyce was later retconned in 1976 as a member of the World War II super-team known as the Liberty Legion, set between the creation of the Invaders and the post-war All-Winners Squad. As a member of the team, she battled the Red Skull. Alongside the Liberty Legion and the Invaders, she fought the Nazi super-team called Super-Axis.[18]

Erika Kelley

The second Miss America is Erika Kelley. Created by writers Dan Slott, Christos N. Gage, and artist Patrick Scherberger, the character debuted in Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1 (December 2007).

Erika Kelley was a member of the Liberteens under the codename of Miss America. Madeline Joyce served here as an inspiration. She battled Flag-Smasher when he intended to destroy the Liberty Bell.[19] Erica Kelley subsequently left the team alongside her former teammates to found a new one called the Fantastix.[20] She decided to abandon the mantle of Miss America and took the codename of Ms. Fantastix.

America Chavez

See main article: America Chavez.

Supporting characters

Allies

List of allies appearing in comic books with Miss America as the protagonist!Name / alter ego!Creator(s)!First appearance!Description
James BennettOtto Binder – Alfred GabrieleMarvel Mystery Comics #49 (September 1943)James Bennett is the uncle of Madeline Joyce.[21] He is a rich radio mogul who takes cares of his niece.[22]
Robert Frank / WhizzerAl AvisonUSA Comics #1 (August 1941)Robert Frank is the husband of Madeline Joyce.[23] He is a speedster with superhuman strength.[24]
Elton Morrow / Blue DiamondBen ThompsonDaring Mystery Comics #7 (February 1941)Elton Morrow is a friend of Madeline Joyce.[25] He is an archaeologist with superhuman strength and durability.[26]
Kate Bishop / HawkeyeAllan Heinberg – Jim CheungYoung Avengers #1 (April 2005)Kate Bishop is a friend of America Chavez.[27] She is a skilled archer and swordswoman.[28]
David Alleyne / ProdigyNew Mutants vol. 2 #4 (October 2003)David Alleyne is a friend of America Chavez.[29] He is a genius with telepathic abilities.[30]

Enemies

List of ennemies appearing in comic books with Miss America as the protagonist!Name / alter ego!Creator(s)!First appearance!Description
Stefan Halpern / Pinhead KillerCharles NicholasMarvel Mystery Comics #52 (December 1943)Stefan Halpern is an antagonist of Madeline Joyce.[31] He is a Nazi during World War II who kidnapped a scientist and his granddaughter.
Unknown / Flaming HateMarvel Mystery Comics #53 (January 1944)Flaming Hate is an antagonist of Madeline Joyce.[32] He is a murderer who attacks firefighters to avenge the death of his wife.
Dalt Kendall / ShockerBill Finger – Pauline LothMiss America Magazine #2 (September 1944)Dalt Kendall is an antagonist of Madeline Joyce.[33] He is a scientist with an obsession with electric eels. He gained the power to generate electricity while experimenting with them. He used his superhuman abilities to rob banks and murder people.
Unknown / The SpidermanSyd ShoresBlonde Phantom Comics #12 (December 1946)The Spiderman is an antagonist of Madeline Joyce.[34] He is a scientist who is obsessed with spiders. He possessed huge spiders who feed on human blood.[35] He invented a web-shooting device to kidnap his victims.
Oubliette Midas / ExterminatrixGrant Morrison – J.G. JonesMarvel Boy vol. 2 #1 (June 2000)Oubliette Midas is an antagonist of America Chavez.[36] She is the leader of the supervillain organization known as the Midas Foundation.
Zeb Wells – Stefano CaselliCivil War: Young Avengers and Runaways #1 (July 2006)Guy Thierrault is an antagonist of Erika Kelley. He is an anti-nationalist who terrorizes the population to spread his views.[37]

Impact

Other versions

Amalgam Comics

An alternate version of Miss America appears in the Amalgam Comics universe.[42] Madeline Joyce was combined with DC Comics' Liberty Belle. This version is known as Madeline Lawrence / American Belle. She is a member of the All-Star Winners Squadron.[43]

In other media

Television

Film

Video games

Merchandise

Miscellaneous

Notes and References

  1. Book: Mitchell . Kurt . American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940–1944 . Thomas . Roy . 2019 . TwoMorrows Publishing . 978-1605490892 . 194.
  2. Web site: Cronin . Brian . June 1, 2023 . 75 Years Ago, Marvel Tried a New Approach By Launching a Line of Female Superheroes . 2023-10-04 . . en.
  3. Book: Benton . Mike . Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History . 1992 . Taylor Publishing Company . 0-87833-808-X . Dallas . 119 . 8 April 2020.
  4. Book: Nevins . Jess . Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes . 2013 . High Rock Press . 978-1-61318-023-5 . 183.
  5. Book: Daniels, Les . Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics . . 1991 . 54 . Les Daniels.
  6. Amash . Jim . November 2001 . Of Fago and Fleischer . Alter Ego #11 . August 3, 2020.
  7. Web site: Seifert . Mark . September 21, 2022 . A Complete Run of Marvel Mystery Comics, Up for Auction . 2023-10-06 . . en.
  8. Web site: Seifert . Mark . April 20, 2023 . The 1945 Debut of the First Patsy Walker Series, Up for Auction . 2023-10-06 . . en.
  9. Web site: Jung . Michael . May 30, 2020 . Marvel Gave Its Most Wholesome Character A DARK Makeover . 2023-10-07 . . en.
  10. Web site: GCD :: Covers :: Miss America Magazine . 2023-10-04 . Grand Comics Database.
  11. Web site: Callahan . Timothy . June 16, 2009 . Miss America 70th Anniversary Special #1 . 2023-10-04 . . en.
  12. Web site: September 9, 2021 . Throwback Thursday: 75 Years of Marvel's All Winners . 2023-10-07 . . en.
  13. Web site: Dodge . John . September 6, 2023 . Marvel's First Spiderman Nearly Destroyed Peter Parker's Rise to Fame . 2023-10-04 . . en.
  14. Web site: Beard . Jim . June 22, 2020 . Didja Know... The Retro Adventures of Mighty Miss America . 2023-08-14 . Marvel.com.
  15. Web site: Cronin . Brian . April 21, 2023 . How Many of the Characters in the Second Marvel 'Book of the Dead' Are Still Dead? . 2023-08-14 . . en.
  16. Giant-Size Avengers #1 (August 1974). Marvel Comics.
  17. Web site: White . Brett . July 4, 2014 . 20 Patriots, 5 Codenames: A Salute To Marvel's Red White & Blue Heroes . 2023-10-07 . . en.
  18. Marvel Premiere #29–30. Marvel Comics.
  19. Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1. Marvel Comics.
  20. Fantastic Four vol. 6 #4. Marvel Comics.
  21. Web site: Burdette . Chad . July 16, 2020 . 10 Patriotic Superheroes Not Named Captain America . 2023-10-07 . . en.
  22. Marvel Mystery Comics #49 (September, 1943). Marvel Comics.
  23. Web site: Marston . George . November 4, 2022 . Vision, Falcon, Black Widow, and 7 more Marvel characters you might not know date back to the '30s and '40s . 2023-10-06 . . en.
  24. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z #13. Marvel Comics.
  25. Miss America Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1 (June 2009). Marvel Comics.
  26. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z #2. Marvel Comics.
  27. Serrao . Nivea . July 14, 2017 . Marvel's 'America': Get an Exclusive Look at America Chavez and Kate Bishop's Reunion . 2023-10-06 . . en.
  28. Hawkeye vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
  29. Web site: Baker-Whitelaw . Gavia . May 24, 2021 . Why you need to read Marvel's new America Chavez comic . 2023-10-06 . . en-US.
  30. New Mutants vol. 2 #4. Marvel Comics.
  31. Marvel Mystery Comics #52 (December 1943). Marvel Comics.
  32. Marvel Mystery Comics #53 (January 1944). Marvel Comics.
  33. Miss America Magazine #2. Marvel Comics.
  34. Web site: Marston . George . December 15, 2022 . The weirdest versions of Spider-Man from across the Marvel Comics Spider-Verse . 2023-10-07 . . en.
  35. Web site: Lapin-Bertone . Joshua . February 10, 2023 . 15 of the most bizarre Spider-Men you'll find across the Spider-Verse . 2023-10-06 . . en.
  36. Web site: Snyder . Justin . August 22, 2017 . America Chavez May Meet Her Match When She Faces Exterminatrix . 2023-10-06 . Marvel.com.
  37. Web site: Donohoo . Timothy . March 28, 2021 . Falcon and Winter Soldier: Every Flag-Smasher In the Marvel Universe . 2023-10-07 . . en.
  38. Web site: Buxton . Marc . January 30, 2014 . FANTASY DRAFT: Marvel's Hollywood-Ready Female Heroes . 2024-06-29 . . en.
  39. Book: Mitchell . Kurt . American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940–1944 . Thomas . Roy . 2019 . TwoMorrows Publishing . 978-1605490892 . 255.
  40. Web site: Gregory . Kevin . March 19, 2018 . The Rundown: March 19, 2018 . 2024-01-28 . Multiversity Comics . en.
  41. Web site: Chiu-Tabet . Christopher . September 18, 2023 . Reader Poll Results: Miles Has Swung His Way Into Your Hearts . 2023-10-03 . Multiversity Comics . en.
  42. Web site: Donohoo . Timothy . July 11, 2020 . How Captain America and Superman Were Mashed Up in Amalgam . 2023-10-05 . . en.
  43. Super-Soldier: Man of War #1. Amalgam Comics.
  44. Chapter III: Secrets of the Six . . . October 3, 1997 . 5 . 4 . Towner, Eric and Alex Kramer; Brett Cawley and Robert Maitia (writer).
  45. Web site: Voice Of Madeline Joyce (Spider-Man) – Behind The Voice Actors . Behind The Voice Actors .
  46. S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy . . . 3 . 14 . July 7, 2015.
  47. 1529975732482387968. MarvelFutureRev. Agents! Are you ready for the next companion? America Chavez is joining the battle in the latest update for #MARVELFutureRevolution! Download now: https://mar.by/_mTUb. Marvel Future Revolution. May 27, 2022.
  48. Web site: July 21, 2019 . American Update: A Double Date With Patsy! Patsy Walker’s First and Second Appearances Ever, plus Timely Super-Heroine in Miss America #2 & #3 (1944) . 2024-06-29 . 30th Century Comics . en-GB.
  49. Web site: Dinh . Christine . March 27, 2019 . Marvel HQ Releases Marvel Rising Ultimate Comics . 2023-04-06 . Marvel.com.
  50. Web site: Voice Of America Chavez (Marvel Rising: Ultimate Comics) – Behind The Voice Actors . March 7, 2024 . Behind The Voice Actors .

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