Episode four of WandaVision was full of Easter eggs, including many that helped to fill out the backstory of the show's most intriguing new character: Geraldine. Or as fans now know, Monica Rambeau. Monica is the daughter of Maria from Captain Marvel. However, some fans may be unaware but Monica has a long and complicated history in the Marvel comics.
Monica is one of the most important members of the Avengers, and with her appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems likely that she will go on to have an equally important role in the movies and television shows.
She Was Captain Marvel
The most surprising thing that comic fans likely know that most MCU fans don't is that Monica Rambeau actually was Captain Marvel for a long time in the comics. She was originally a harbor patrol cop in New Orleans who got her unique cosmic powers when she destroyed a potentially dangerous experimental weapon to save others.
The local media called her Captain Marvel. Some people criticized Monica for using the name Captain Marvel, but, as The Thing from Fantastic Four told her, "There are probably a lot of guys named Thing."
Made Her First Costume From Mardi Gras Clothes
The city of New Orleans means a lot to Monica and it played a big role in the development of her first costume. She accidentally teleported into a warehouse and used the many Mardi Gras costumes inside to cover herself. She eventually worked them into her first unique outfit. Her black and white costume is definitely one of the best Captain Marvel costumes ever.
Extremely Powerful
When Monica was hit by the experimental weapon, she was bombarded with extra-dimensional energies, which was unlike Carol Danvers' revised origin in the Captain Marvel movie.
Monica instantly became one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe and would easily be one of the most powerful MCU Avengers. Her powers include transforming herself into any form of energy within the electromagnetic spectrum, which means she can become and control cosmic rays and gamma rays.
She Was Supposed To Look Like Pam Grier
One of the most unique parts of her comic book history has to do with a famous actress. Monica was co-created by writer Roger Stern and artist John Romita Jr. Romita had planned to model Monica after legendary actress Pam Grier.
Romita Jr.'s plans ultimately fell through. Marvel editorial wanted Romita Jr. to use a different model instead, which he did, but later interpretations of her by other artists took the character further and further away from her inspiration.
The Leader Of The Avengers
Monica Rambeau proved instantly popular. Roger Stern brought her into the Avengers almost immediately, and she was a major part of the team through the 80s. She eventually became the leader of the team, succeeding Janet Van Dyne, (the Wasp). She took part in a number of major Avengers storylines (some of which would be ideal for adaptation in the MCU). With Monica now being a member of the MCU herself, some of these stories could be in the future of the franchise.
Fought Against Some Of The Worst Marvel Villains
Not all of Monica's adventures with the Avengers would make for great movies. Some of her earliest battles were against some of Marvel's lamest villains (like Egghead and Plantman).
While Plantman was the reason why Monica became a fully-fledged member of the Avengers (and the first female, African-American member), maybe the writers of the MCU can incorporate this story into a future movie (if they can find a more interesting villain).
She's Had A Lot of Codenames
Monica didn't remain Captain Marvel for the duration of her career. After a fierce battle against a sea creature, she inadvertently dispersed her own powers. This led to her going into semi-retirement.
She eventually regained her powers and returned to the Avengers, but with a succession of new codenames. These included Photon, Pulsar, Daystar, Sceptre, Lady of Light, Monica Marvel, Sun Goddess, and Spectrum. She has been Spectrum since 2013.
Fought For The Captain Marvel Name
The Captain Marvel title is a major one within the Marvel Universe and a number of people have claimed it over the years. Not all of them were noble. Genis-Vell is the demented but powerful clone of Mar-Vell, created by Mar-Vell's bereaved lover. He eventually came to claim his father's title back from Monica.
Monica fought Genis-Vell over the name, holding the cosmic being to a standstill, but eventually relented when she saw he was simply trying to carry on his father's legacy. Genis-Vell ultimately went on to use the name in evil, though.
Almost Destroyed The Ultimate Earth
Numerous movie, TV, and video game franchises have a multiverse. The concept is coming to the MCU, and it started in Marvel Comics. One of the most important alternate universes in Marvel lore, Earth-1610 or the Ultimate Comics universe, was nearly destroyed by Monica.
She intended to keep 1610 from colliding with Earth-616 in the Secret Wars event by channeling all of her power to destroy it. Only the sight of children in the other universe prevented her from going through with her plan.
The Ultimates
Many possibilities are opened up in the MCU by the Multiverse concept. One of them is The Ultimates. This team consisted of Black Panther, Blue Marvel, Spectrum, Ms. America, and Captain Marvel came together to deal with massive cosmic threats. That included going to other dimensions and realities.
Such a group and mission could be in the offing for Monica Rambeau in the MCU, as it seems that reality is set to fracture over the course of WandaVision and into several upcoming movies, like Spider-Man 3 and Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness.