The next theatrical outing for the MCU is none other than the trio of heroines set to take center stage in The Marvels.
While a number of franchise faithfuls as well as film and TV correspondents have already began salivating about what’s in store for the heroic trio. Mostly due to the entanglement of their powers on display in the trailers. What the trailers however haven’t revealed just yet, is Monica Rambeau’s heroic nom de guerre.
Which this writer believes is intentionally being hidden away. As it could be tied to her hero’s journey within The Marvels.
But regardless of the shock factor to be expected from such a reveal. Many comic book fans will know there’s only two ways the MCU could go. With regards to assigning Monica with her heroic alias.
The two options being; Photon or Spectrum. On the off-chance, something else might be considered, but that’s highly unlikely. Unless it were to happen in Earth-something, something.
However this writer feels The Marvels might favour the use of the alias, SPECTRUM over others and this is of course with good reason. Three good reasons to be exact.
A Play At Synergy
Given how events in the MCU seem to trickle down affecting other parts of the Marvel brand. Particularly, their print media or Comics.
A new addition to Marvel’s licensed Little Golden Books may have just solidified the MCU’s stance on what heroic alias Monica Rambeau will bear in The Marvels. As the book clearly features the character using the alias of Spectrum. As opposed to Photon.
Another reason the book could be such a major indicator as regards this is it is very much product placement by Marvel. To get young readers acquainted with the heroic trio of Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan & Monica Rambeau. Ahead of The Marvels. As all three are very much present in the book.
Much like how The Marvels will feature them.
A Different Legacy
A second reason why Spectrum could be favoured in The Marvels this time comes from the character’s perspective. Many keen eyed viewers will remember that from the WandaVision series. It was revealed that Maria Rambeau’s callsign was Photon.
Hence, one can certainly make the argument that Monica could certainly easily make use of this alias. Mostly as a way to honour her mom’s memory.
However, this writer, is of the opinion that since both mother and daughter aren’t exactly one and the same. Based on the fact that their career trajectories seem to have taken flight in different directions. Monica could decide that since her journey is [somewhat] removed from what her mother’s entailed. A new alias that speaks to her journey is the way to go.
As one can always honour the memory of past loved ones through other means.
More to the Line
Finally, another reason why Spectrum could come into play in The Marvels is due to a line uttered by Monica in the movie’s latest trailer.
A trailer that is a tad different because while it does play out like a normal trailer. It does this by transitioning across the heroic trio at different points.
To point out what exactly was said. At one point in the trailer, just before it transitions to focus on Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan. Monica Rambeau seemingly states to Muneeba Khan that she can “manipulate wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum“.
If the scene is to be taken at face value, this obviously points to exposition dump. That audiences and [apparently] the Khans, will need to understand the basis of Monica’s powers.
But in considering the line with an eye towards subtext. It tends to reveal that much like we’ve seen with Carol Danvers and Kamala Khan, Monica’s powers also feels expansive and as such the word Spectrum, feels more befitting than Photon.
Furthermore heroic aliases should be very much in tandem with the abilities of the heroes. This is of course, in cases where the inspiration for the heroic alias comes from the powers and/or abilities and not something else.
But for all this talk about Monica Rambeau bearing the alias of Spectrum. One incident could undo this.
Essentially Build-A-Figure Marvel Legends toy line that came out some months ago. Also features the heroic trio of The Marvels, with Photon being used for Monica.
Since it has become common place to use toy merch to promote upcoming superhero/comic book releases like The Marvels. Which could also potentially give out clues as to certain plots or things within the movie that the trailers haven’t revealed.
It could stand to reason that the MCU [probably] has their sights set on attributing the name of Photon to Monica Rambeau. Once and for all. Which will inevitably end all debates as regards what heroic alias Monica will adopt in the shared universe.
But since nothing is concrete until the film comes out, Spectrum is where this writer is placing his bet.
The Marvels opens in Cinemas November 10, 2023.
