View source for Monica Rambeau

{{Short description|Comic book superhero}}
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|character_name = Monica Rambeau
|image=File:Monica Rambeau as Photon (2022).webp
|caption= Monica Rambeau / Photon.<br>Textless cover to ''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' #1 (December 2022).<br>Art by Lucas Werneck.
|full_name=Monica Rambeau
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|debut='''As Captain Marvel:'''<br>''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Annual]]'' #16<br>(October 1982)<br>'''As Photon:'''<br>''[[Avengers Unplugged]]'' #5<br>(June 1996)<br>'''As Pulsar:'''<br>''[[New Thunderbolts]]'' #9<br>(August 2005)<br>'''As Spectrum:'''<br>''[[Mighty Avengers]]'' #1<br>(November 2013)
|creators=[[Roger Stern]]<br>[[John Romita Jr.]]
|alliances=[[The Mighty Avengers|Mighty Avengers]]<br/>[[S.W.O.R.D.]]<br/>[[Nextwave]]<br/>[[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]<br/>[[Ultimates (2015 team)|Ultimates]]
|aliases= [[Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)|Captain Marvel]]<br>Monica Marvel<br>Sun Goddess<br>Lady of Light<br>Spectrum<br>Daystar<br>Photon<br>Pulsar
|powers= *Ability to convert into any form of energy within the electromagnetic spectrum and travel in energy form through the vacuum of space
*Energy absorption, generation, and manipulation
*Ability to travel at the speed of light 
*Size alteration
*Intangibility
*Flight
|species=Human mutate}}
'''Monica Rambeau''' is a [[superhero]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. Created by writer [[Roger Stern]] and artist [[John Romita Jr.]], the character [[First appearance|first appeared]] in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Annual]]'' #16 (October 1982).<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=340}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |date=May 27, 2018 |title=The 25 Fastest Characters In The Marvel Universe, Officially Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/fastest-marvel-characters-ranked/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Monica Rambeau gained her superpowers after being bombarded by extra-dimensional energy produced by an energy disruptor weapon. She later joined and eventually became leader of the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] for a time. She was also a member of [[Nextwave]] and the latest [[Ultimates (2015 team)|Ultimates]] team. The character has also been known as '''[[Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)|Captain Marvel]]''', '''Photon,''' '''Pulsar''', and '''Spectrum''' at various points in her history.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{Cite web |last=Shiach |first=Kieran |date=June 29, 2016 |title=The Replacements: Mar-Vell And The Legacy Of Captain Marvel |url=https://comicsalliance.com/the-replacements-mar-vell-captain-marvel/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=[[ComicsAlliance]] |language=en}}|2={{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Rosie |date=January 5, 2018 |title=Did Monica Rambeau Just Join The Captain Marvel Cast? |url=https://nerdist.com/article/monica-rambeau-captain-marvel-dewanda-wise/ |website=[[Nerdist]]}}|3={{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Andy |date=August 24, 2022 |title=Captain Marvel's Monica Rambeau Is Finally Getting Her Own Photon Series |url=https://screenrant.com/captain-marvel-monica-rambeau-photon-series-marvel-comics/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}
}}</ref>

Monica Rambeau appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] films ''[[Captain Marvel (film)|Captain Marvel]]'' (2019) and ''[[The Marvels (film)|The Marvels]]'' (2023) as well as the television miniseries ''[[WandaVision]]'' (2021), portrayed by Akira Akbar as a child and [[Teyonah Parris]] as an adult.

==Development==

=== Concept and creation ===
Talking about the visual features of the character, [[John Romita Jr.]] noted that, originally, the character was intended to look like actress [[Pam Grier]], but her appearance was changed before publication:

{{blockquote|I just took some reference on Pam Grier, because I always loved her, and at the last moment somebody said that, "Well, we need to use this woman, here," because they thought maybe Pam Grier wasn't as good-looking as the model they found. It was fine, because by the time she got done by other artists, it ended up looking like the generic black character, anyway.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nolen-Weathington|first= Eric |author2=George Khoury|title=Modern Masters Volume 18: John Romita Jr.|year= 2008 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|location=[[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], [[North Carolina]]| isbn=978-1-893905-95-5 |page=126}}</ref>}}

=== Publication history ===
Monica Rambeau debuted in ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man Annual]]'' #16 (October 1982), created by writer [[Roger Stern]] and artist [[John Romita Jr.|John Romita]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Markstein |first1=Don |title=Captain Marvel (aka Photon) |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/capmarv3.htm |access-date=April 2, 2020 |website=[[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]}}</ref>

Following her debut, the character appeared throughout the entirety of Stern's five-year run on ''[[The Avengers (comic)|The Avengers]]'', ultimately becoming the team's leader, before making numerous appearances as a reserve member after her departure from active duty. Two [[one-shot (comics)|one-shot]] titles, both written by [[Dwayne McDuffie]] and illustrated by [[Mark D. Bright]], followed. She also starred in ''Avengers: Unplugged'' #5. She returned in ''The Avengers'' (vol. 3) with sporadic appearances between issues #1–59. During this run, she also appeared in ''Avengers: Infinity'' #1–4 (September–December 2000), ''[[Maximum Security (comics)|Maximum Security]]'' #2–3 (both January 2001), ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' (vol. 2) #30 (January 2001) and the ''Avengers Annual'' in 2001.<ref name= "Io9spotlight">{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/the-unfortunate-and-obscure-history-of-monica-rambeau-1726108988|title=The Unfortunate and Obscure History of Monica Rambeau, the First Female Captain Marvel|last=Whitbrook|first=James|publisher=[[Gizmodo]]|date=August 24, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190513025754/https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-unfortunate-and-obscure-history-of-monica-rambeau-1726108988|archive-date=May 13, 2019}}</ref>

Following a cameo in ''[[List of Great Lakes Avengers members#Members|Great Lakes Avengers]]'' #1 and ''New Thunderbolts'' #8–9, she appeared in ''Order'' #5–6. She starred in ''Nextwave'' #1–12. Following the cancellation of that series, Rambeau was seen briefly in ''[[Civil War (Marvel Comics)|Civil War]]'', ''[[She-Hulk]]'',<ref>''She-Hulk'' (vol. 4) #3, 7.</ref> and as a main character in ''[[Marvel Divas]]'' #1–4 and ''Heralds'' #1–5.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/aguirre-sacasa-talks-marvel-divas/|title=Aguirre-Sacasa Talks Marvel Divas|last=Richards|first=Dave|publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=June 9, 2009|access-date= May 29, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190529175725/https://www.cbr.com/aguirre-sacasa-talks-marvel-divas/ |archive-date=May 29, 2019}}</ref> She appears ''Iron Age'' #1 (2011),<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/iron-age-1/|title=Iron Age #1|last=Zawisza|first=Doug|publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=June 30, 2011|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190529181057/https://www.cbr.com/iron-age-1/|archive-date=May 29, 2019}}</ref> ''Captain Marvel'' #7–8,<ref name="Captain Marvel 2012">''Captain Marvel'' (vol. 6) #7–8 (2012)</ref> ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #649,<ref>''Journey Into Mystery'' (April 2013) #649</ref> and ''Age of Ultron''.<ref>''Age of Ultron'' (2013) #2–4</ref>

In 2009, Rambeau appeared in the limited series, ''[[Marvel Divas]]'' (partly inspired by ''[[Sex and the City]]'').<ref name="marveldivas">{{cite web |url= https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/marvel-divas-cancer-and-cheesecake/ |title= 'Marvel Divas': Cancer and Cheesecake|last=Gustines|first=George Gene|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 29, 2009|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180728071130/https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/marvel-divas-cancer-and-cheesecake/|archive-date=July 28, 2018}}</ref> She was one of the main characters, alongside [[Black Cat (Marvel Comics)|Black Cat]], [[Patsy Walker|Hellcat]], and [[Firestar (Marvel Comics)|Firestar]].

Starting in September 2013, she appeared as one of the lead characters in the [[Marvel NOW!]] relaunch of ''[[Mighty Avengers]]'', she acted as the team's field leader under the new codename Spectrum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/08/the-mighty-avengers-return-to-marvel|title=The Mighty Avengers Return to Marvel |last= Grey |first= Melissa | website= [[IGN]] |date=June 7, 2013|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190417201136/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/08/the-mighty-avengers-return-to-marvel|archive-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://ifanboy.com/articles/marvels-next-big-thing-mighty-avengers/|title=Marvel's Next Big Thing: MIGHTY AVENGERS|last=Montgomery|first=Paul| website= IFanboy.com |date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170703235348/https://ifanboy.com/articles/marvels-next-big-thing-mighty-avengers/|archive-date=July 3, 2017}}</ref>

She was part of the 2015's [[Ultimates (2015 team)|Ultimates]] team, written by [[Al Ewing]] and drawn by [[Kenneth Rocafort]], the team consisted of Monica Rambeau, [[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]], [[Blue Marvel]], [[Miss America (America Chavez)|Miss America]], and [[Carol Danvers|Captain Marvel]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.vox.com/2015/11/16/9734316/marvel-ultimates-review|title=Marvel's most exciting new comic book is The Ultimates|last=Abad-Santos|first=Alex| work= [[Vox (website)|Vox.com]] |date=November 16, 2015|access-date=May 26, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170202004247/http://www.vox.com/2015/11/16/9734316/marvel-ultimates-review|archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> In Marvel NOW! (2016), the Ultimates broke up but are later reunited and asked to become the heralds of [[Galactus]], who is now the Lifebringer of Worlds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/ultimates-2-is-turning-galactus-and-ego-the-living-plan-1796303839|title=Ultimates 2 Is Turning Galactus and Ego the Living Planet Into Cosmic Superheroes|last=Pulliam-Moore|first=Charles| work=[[Gizmodo]]|date=June 21, 2017|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327180504/https://io9.gizmodo.com/ultimates-2-is-turning-galactus-and-ego-the-living-plan-1796303839|archive-date=March 27, 2019}}</ref> The second volume ended at a special #100 issue and it includes an appearance of the original [[Ultimates]] team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/interview-al-ewing-utimates-2-marvel/|title=Marvel's Newest Universe Declares War on Ewing's Ultimates |last= Richards |first= Dave |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=June 12, 2017|access-date=May 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021070419/http://www.cbr.com/interview-al-ewing-utimates-2-marvel/|archive-date=October 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.newsarama.com/36046-best-shots-reviews-ultimates-2-100-aquaman-27-generation-x-5.html |title=Best Shots Reviews: ULTIMATES 2 #100, AQUAMAN #27, GENERATION X #5| last= Pepose |first=David|publisher=[[Newsarama]]|date=August 21, 2017|access-date=May 26, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210121858/https://www.newsarama.com/36046-best-shots-reviews-ultimates-2-100-aquaman-27-generation-x-5.html|archive-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref>

She was a major character in the Avengers weekly story-arc ''Avengers: No Road Home'', alongside [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)|Hawkeye]], [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|Hercules]], [[Hulk]], [[Scarlet Witch]], [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]], Voyager and [[Rocket Raccoon]]. It was meant to be a [[spiritual successor]] to previous Avengers weekly story-arc, ''Avengers: No Surrender''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsarama.com/42657-avengers-no-road-home-jim-zub-interview.html|title=AVENGERS' VOYAGER Returns With a New Team for NO ROAD HOME|last=Marston|first=George|website=[[Newsarama]]|date=November 8, 2018|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122212/https://www.newsarama.com/42657-avengers-no-road-home-jim-zub-interview.html|archive-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref>

In December 2022, Marvel Comics released Monica Rambeau's first solo comic book series, ''Monica Rambeau: Photon''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Photon's Limitless Power Threatens to Break the Marvel Universe in Monica Rambeau's First Solo Comic Series |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/photon-monica-rambeau-first-solo-comic-series-eve-l-ewing |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=[[Marvel.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Rich |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Second Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, Gets Her Own Series, Photon |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/second-captain-marvel-monica-rambeau-gets-her-own-series-photon/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Fictional character biography==

===Origin===
Monica Rambeau was born in [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]] to Frank and Maria Rambeau. She was a lieutenant in the New Orleans harbor patrol, where she operated as a cargo ship captain. While trying to stop a dangerous weapon, Rambeau was exposed to extra-dimensional energy and became capable of converting her body to energy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrington |first=Delia |date=2021-02-09 |title=WandaVision: How Monica Rambeau Fits in the MCU |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/wandavision-how-monica-rambeau-fits-in-the-mcu/ |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |language=en-US}}</ref> After this event, the media dubbed her "'''Captain Marvel'''."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brevoort |first1=Tom |last2=DeFalco |first2=Tom |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=Sanderson |first4=Peter |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |title=Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History |date=2017 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1465455505 |page=209}}</ref> Following a close call where her excess energy nearly made her a danger to others before that power was drained off by [[Iron Man]] and [[Spider-Man]], she decided to use her powers to fight crime under that name. She was told by [[Thing (comics)|Ben Grimm]] that the name had originally been used by the late [[Kree]] hero [[Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell)|Mar-Vell]], but Grimm assured her that "[Marvel] wouldn't mind. I probably ain't the only 'Thing' in the world either."<ref>''Amazing Spider-Man Annual'' #16</ref>

===Joining the Avengers===
Rambeau sought out the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] for help in mastering her new powers and became a member-in-training,<ref>''Avengers'' #227</ref> soon aiding them against [[Egghead (Marvel Comics)|Egghead]].<ref>''Avengers'' #229–230 (March–April 1983)</ref> Befriended and mentored by Avengers veterans [[Captain America]] and the [[Wasp (comics)|Wasp]], Captain Marvel soon graduated to full membership after the battle against [[Plantman]].<ref>''Avengers'' #231</ref> She became their first African-American heroine.<ref name="Io9spotlight" />

She assisted [[Doctor Strange]] and the [[Scarlet Witch]] in battling [[Dracula (Marvel Comics)|Dracula]].<ref>''Doctor Strange'' (vol. 2) #60</ref>

Two of Rambeau's enemies are super-powered psychiatrist [[Karla Sofen|Moonstone]] (Karla Sofen), and Moonstone's powerful pawn [[Blackout (Marcus Daniels)|Blackout]] (Marcus Daniels), who wields the Darkforce. Captain Marvel first encountered them when the Avengers opposed the duo's escape from incarceration in [[Features of the Marvel Universe#Project Pegasus|Project: PEGASUS]]. After that, Rambeau temporarily lost her ability to transform back to human form during a battle against Dr. Eric Paulson, in which she fought alongside Spider-Man and [[Starfox (comics)|Starfox]].<ref>''Marvel Team-Up'' #142–143</ref> She was with the team when [[the Beyonder]] abducted them and other Earth superheroes for the first Secret Wars saga.<ref>''Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars'' #1 (May 1984)</ref>

Moonstone and Blackout returned as members of [[Helmut Zemo|Baron Zemo's]] [[Masters of Evil]], participating in an occupation of [[Avengers Mansion]] and trapping Rambeau in the Darkforce dimension. With help from Cloak, Rambeau was able to escape in time to help retake the Mansion. During the battle, Moonstone became temporarily paralyzed and Blackout died.<ref>''Avengers'' #273–277 (November 1986 – March 1987)</ref> Another of Rambeau's major early foes was the murderous interstellar pirate [[Nebula (comics)|Nebula]], who shanghaied Rambeau into space for an extended period before she reunited with the Avengers.<ref>''Avengers'' #257–260 (July–October 1985)</ref>

Captain Marvel also took part in battles against the [[Beyonder]],<ref>''Avengers'' #261, 265–266</ref> a confused [[Jean Grey]],<ref>''Avengers'' #263</ref> [[Kang the Conqueror]],<ref>''Avengers'' #267–269</ref> [[Attuma]],<ref>''Avengers'' 272</ref> and [[Grandmaster (Marvel Comics)|Grandmaster]].<ref>''Avengers West Coast'' #2; ''Avengers Annual'' #16</ref>

===Leader of the Avengers===
Rambeau later replaced the Wasp as leader of the Avengers,<ref>''Avengers'' #279 (May 1987)</ref> commanding them in battles against the [[X-Men]],<ref>''[[X-Men vs. Avengers]]'' #1–4</ref> the [[Olympians (Marvel Comics)|Olympian Gods]],<ref>''Avengers'' #281–285</ref> and the [[Super-Adaptoid]].<ref>''Avengers'' 286–290</ref> She spent a lot of time refereeing squabbles between Hercules and the Sub-Mariner, and dealing with the duplicitous telepath Dr. Druid, who sought to supplant her as Avengers chairman and undermined her authority at every opportunity.

When honorary Avengers member and wife of the Sub-Mariner [[Marrina Smallwood|Marrina]] transformed into the gigantic sea monster Leviathan, Captain Marvel led the hunt for the creature. During the battle that followed, Rambeau transformed herself into a massive bolt of lightning to try and stop the beast. She made contact with the water and accidentally conducted herself across the surface of the ocean, dispersing her atoms so widely that she barely regained physical form. She reformed as a frail, withered husk of a woman devoid of super-powers.<ref name="AV293">''Avengers'' #291–293 (1988). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Regaining her powers===
After retiring from the team,<ref>''Avengers'' #294 (August 1988)</ref> Rambeau regained first her physical health, and eventually her powers, initially developing the ability to manipulate mechanical energy for various effects.<ref name="CM3 1"/> She resumed crimefighting, facing foes such as Brazilian crime lord Kristina Ramos, Moonstone, and [[Powderkeg (character)|Powderkeg]].<ref name="CM3 1"/> At the same time, she served as a cargo ship captain in her friend Ron Morgan's shipping company before starting her own charter business.<ref name="CM3 1"/>

Rambeau stayed connected with the Avengers and served as a reservist, sometimes assuming leadership duties in the absence of the current chair. She helped repel an [[Homo mermanus|Atlantean]] invasion of the surface world<ref>''Avengers Annual'' #18 (1989), [[Atlantis Attacks]]</ref> and assists in the [[Acts of Vengeance]], which involved a concentrated, multi-villain attack on Earth's superheroes,<ref>''Avengers Spotlight'' #27 (December 1989), ''Avengers Annual'' #19 (1990)</ref> or in the [[Terminus (comics)|Terminus Factor]].<ref>''Avengers Annual'' (vol. 1) #19</ref> Rambeau led a reserve substitute roster during the team's first United Nations-backed reorganization.<ref>''Avengers'' #329–330 (February–March 1991)</ref> She took on another leadership role during the [[Operation: Galactic Storm|Kree-Shi'ar war]] and led an Avengers delegation to the Shi'ar Empire to petition for peace.<ref>''[[West Coast Avengers]]'' (vol. 2) #82 (May 1992)</ref>

When a group of aliens calling themselves Starblasters tried to push the moon away from Earth, [[Quasar (Wendell Vaughn)|Quasar]] assembled a team with some of the most powerful heroes of the world, recruiting Rambeau, [[Carol Danvers]], [[Black Bolt]], [[Hyperion (comics)#Squadron Supreme (Earth-712)|Hyperion]], [[Ikaris (comics)|Ikaris]], [[Darkstar (Marvel Comics)|Darkstar]], [[Vanguard (Marvel Comics)|Vanguard]] and  [[Perun (comics)|Perun]]. During this adventure, her original powers gradually regenerated, fully returning when the alien [[Stranger (comics)|Stranger]] accelerates the process.<ref>''Quasar'' #55–58</ref>

When [[Genis-Vell|Genis]] became an adventurer, he was known as Captain Marvel like his father before him—which Rambeau resented. After she, [[Starfox (comics)|Starfox]] and Genis teamed up to defeat the [[Controller (Marvel Comics)|Controller]], Genis tried to concede the Captain Marvel title to Rambeau since he felt she was more worthy of it. Rambeau declined out of respect for the Mar-Vell legacy and adopted the new alias '''Photon'''.<ref>''[[Avengers Unplugged]]'' #5 (June 1996)</ref>

===Avengers Return===
After the return of the main Avengers from the [[Heroes Return|pocket universe]] created by [[Franklin Richards (Fantastic Four)|Franklin Richards]] almost all the current and former Avengers members were trapped in a curse created by [[Morgan le Fay (Marvel Comics)|Morgan Le Fay]] where they served her as soldiers in a guard called Queen's Vengeance.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #1–3</ref> Due to her strong loyalty to the group Rambeau, under the name Daystar, was one of the first Avengers to recover their will and rebel against the sorceress.<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #2</ref>

Later when Photon was attacked by the [[Wrecking Crew (comics)|Wrecking Crew]] in the [[Mardi Gras]] of New Orleans, she asked the Avengers for help and wound up being involved in an adventure in [[Arkon]]'s world with the group and her old fellow Avenger, [[Black Knight (Dane Whitman)|Black Knight]].<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #16–18</ref>

For a time, Rambeau's mother intercepted her Avengers calls out of fear for her daughter's safety. After discovering this deception, Rambeau led an unofficial force of Avengers against the 'Infinites', who planned on relocating the galaxy.<ref>''Avengers Infinity'' #1–4 (September–December 2000)</ref> Next, Photon was involved in the events of [[Maximum Security (comics)|Maximum Security]],<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #35</ref> and fought with her former teammates against [[Bloodwraith]], and [[Triune Understanding|Lord Templar and Pagan]].<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #36–37</ref>

After that, Rambeau helped the team in the deep-space monitoring station with [[Quasar (Wendell Vaughn)|Quasar]] and [[Living Lightning]],<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #38</ref> called into action in [[Kang Dynasty|Kang's War]],<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #46–55</ref> (supporting also her friend [[Janet van Dyne]] and advising the new recruit [[Delroy Garrett|Triathlon]] on his current issues as the newest member of the team),<ref>''Avengers Annual'' 2001</ref> in the world crisis caused by [[Zodiac (comics)|Zodiac]],<ref>''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #58–59</ref> and when the [[Scarlet Witch]] suffered a nervous breakdown and attacked the Avengers.<ref>''Avengers'' #501–503 (October–December 2004)</ref>

===From Pulsar to Nextwave===
When Genis-Vell wanted to establish a new identity for himself, he began calling himself Photon. Rambeau confronted him but decided to let Genis keep the Photon alias after she came up with a name she liked better, '''Pulsar'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=2022-09-20 |title=Every Costumed Identity Used By Monica Rambeau, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-costumed-identity-monica-rambeau-spectrum-photon-ranked/ |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>''New Thunderbolts'' #9 (August 2005)</ref>

Rambeau later led the [[Nextwave]] team, part of the [[Features of the Marvel Universe#Government agencies|Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort]] (H.A.T.E.), against Unusual Weapons of Mass Destruction created by the [[Beyond Corporation©]]<ref>''Nextwave'' #1 (March 2006)</ref> where she avoided using a code name and wore a new uniform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=2022-09-20 |title=Every Costumed Identity Used By Monica Rambeau, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-costumed-identity-monica-rambeau-spectrum-photon-ranked/ |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

During the [[Civil War (comics)|Superhero Civil War]], Rambeau was a member of [[Captain America]]'s Secret Avengers, but also registered as a member of the [[Fifty State Initiative|Initiative]].<ref>''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]''</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.947 |title= ''Avengers: The Initiative'' #1 Character Map| website= Marvel.com| date= | publisher= | access-date= }}</ref>

When Brother Voodoo asked for Rambeau's help in tracking down some evil sorcerers, she revealed a former relationship with [[Brother Voodoo]] to [[Black Cat (Marvel Comics)|Black Cat]], [[Patsy Walker|Hellcat]], and [[Firestar (Marvel Comics)|Firestar]]. Despite her breaking it off, Voodoo still had feelings for Rambeau. She agreed to aid him, rekindling their relationship in the process.<ref>''Marvel Divas'' #1–4</ref>

She later attended [[Emma Frost]]'s birthday party in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] where she helped solve a cosmic crisis involving [[Nova (Frankie Raye)|Frankie Raye]].<ref>''Heralds'' #1–5</ref>

The group continued to meet partly over their support of Firestar, who had recovered from breast cancer.<ref>''Young Allies'' #1–6 (2010)</ref> She assisted [[Carol Danvers]], in an investigation in the Gulf of Mexico, where Rambeau indicated that she was still fearful of using her powers under the water since her traumatic experience in battle against [[Marrina Smallwood]],<ref name="Captain Marvel 2012"/> and aided [[Iron Man]] in the Avengers' deep-space monitoring station against ancient Viking monsters who claimed to be the Emperor of Mars.<ref>''Journey Into Mystery'' #649 (April 2013)</ref>

===Marvel Now!===
During the ''[[Infinity (comic book)|Infinity]]'' storyline, Monica Rambeau took the name of Spectrum as she chased after the criminal [[Blue Streak (comics)|Blue Streak]]. Even the police officers that arrested him were impressed by her latest alias and her new costume. Spectrum returned to a specialist shop in New York where a man named Luc sells designer superhero costumes. He mentioned that someone was waiting for her in the next room. Monica recognized the man, though apparently all he wanted to do was talk and ask for help. Spectrum heard the explosions when [[Proxima Midnight]] began her attack on the city. Her [[Blade (comics)|mysterious guest]] says he cannot be seen in America, and needed her help for a mysterious mission, but she was adamant...he is in a costume shop, and if he wanted her help, he'd put on a costume and come help her.<ref>''Mighty Avengers'' (vol. 2) #1</ref>

Monica became field leader of Luke Cage's new [[The Mighty Avengers|Mighty Avengers]] team in the wake of the event.<ref>''Mighty Avengers'' (vol. 2) #4</ref>

During the "Last Days" part of the ''[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]'' storyline, Spectrum devised a plan to destroy Earth-1610 to keep it from colliding with Earth-616. In desperation during the two weeks before the end of the world, Spectrum channeled her full power and went to destroy Earth-1610.<ref>''Captain America and the Mighty Avengers'' #8</ref> However, right before she could successfully destroy the other Earth, she spotted a group of children who lived there, causing her to hesitate for only a moment, long enough for Ultimate Reed Richards to capture her.<ref>''Captain America and the Mighty Avengers'' #9</ref>

In the aftermath of the "[[Devil's Reign]]" storyline, Spectrum assists the newly elected Mayor Luke Cage in taking down a Thunderbolts unit led by Crossbones. Afterwards, public relations specialist Helen Astrantia wanted Spectrum to lead the re-branded Thunderbolts. She turns down the suggestion and flies off.<ref>''Devil's Reign: Omega'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
Monica Rambeau gained her superhuman abilities owing to bombardment by extra-dimensional energies. She can transform herself into any form of energy within the [[electromagnetic spectrum]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=February 27, 2023 |title=10 Most Powerful Marvel A-Force Members, Ranked By Power |url=https://collider.com/most-powerful-marvel-a-force-members-ranked/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashford |first=Sage |date=April 29, 2022 |title=The 8 Fastest Avengers, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/fast-fastest-avengers/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Among the many energy forms she has assumed and is able to control are [[visible light]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harn |first=Darby |date=June 25, 2022 |title=10 Most Powerful Avengers In Marvel Comics |url=https://screenrant.com/avengers-most-powerful-marvel-comics-scarlet-witch/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> [[cosmic ray]]s, [[gamma ray]]s, [[X-ray]]s,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harn |first=Darby |date=August 28, 2022 |title=The 16 Most Powerful Cosmic Characters In Marvel Comics, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-comics-strongest-most-powerful-cosmic-characters-heroes-villains/ |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> [[ultraviolet]] radiation, electricity, [[infrared]] radiation, [[microwave]]s, [[radio waves]], and [[neutrino]]s. By assuming an energy-form, she gains all of that energy's properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Eric |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Monica Rambeau's Super Powers Explained |url=https://nerdist.com/article/monica-rambeau-superpowers-explained-wandavision/ |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Nerdist]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

She is invisible and intangible in many of her energy forms (the most frequent exception being visible light), and is capable of flight in all her energy forms (reaching velocities up to and including light speed).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polo |first=Susana |date=March 5, 2021 |title=Monica Rambeau is WandaVision's other key superhero story |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/12/22278991/wandavision-monica-rambeau-powers-photon-captain-marvel-comics |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=May 26, 2020 |title=The 15 Fastest Superheroes |url=https://screenrant.com/fastest-superheroes-in-comic-books/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> She also has the ability to project these energies from her body while she is in human form (only one wavelength of energy at a time), usually in the form of energy blasts from her hands. She mentally controls both the type and quantity of energy she wishes to transmit. The maximum amount of energy she can transmit at a given time is unknown. Rambeau can also divert small amounts of various energies for employment as force beams, which have the equivalent to 300 tons of TNT of explosive force. A variation of this ability enables her to project light-based [[Holography|holographic]] [[illusion]]s of herself. Rambeau has also shown the ability to split her energy form into several miniature energy forms that are under her mental command, each miniature Rambeau is able to react and fly at light-speed.

When she encounters a new or unfamiliar energy, Rambeau can often duplicate it given enough time for analysis.<ref>''[[Avengers/JLA]]'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> Rambeau tends to be physically insubstantial in her energy forms, though with concentration and effort she can sometimes perform tasks such as briefly grasping an object, either by partially solidifying or by applying some sort of force to the object in question.

She is immortal and does not age beyond her prime.<ref>''Avengers: No Road Home'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When Rambeau temporarily lost her original powers after a massive energy expenditure,<ref name=AV293/> she developed the ability to shunt any mechanical energy directed towards her through a dimensional interface surrounding her body, granting her increased strength, resistance to impact, and the ability to fly. After Rambeau asked [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] to examine these new abilities, he theorized that she accessed the same dimension from which she derived her energy powers to create the interface.<ref name="CM3 1">''Captain Marvel'' (vol. 3) #1 (November 1989). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Rambeau has strong leadership skills and law enforcement experience due to both of her time as a police officer and former leader of the Avengers. She is an excellent markswoman, unarmed combatant, detective, and swimmer with extensive nautical expertise. She has received Harbor Patrol training, and Avengers training in unarmed combat by Captain America.

== Reception ==
Nick Hemming of ''[[Looper (website)|Looper]]'' called Monica Rambeau a "spectacular heroine in her own right", writing, "Few understand just how monumental her contributions to the Marvel universe truly are, nor how massive her character potential remains, decades after her debut. As a character, her impressive energy-manipulating powers make her an Alpha-Level threat, while her strong leadership and sarcastic wit make her a fan-favorite This is the untold truth of Marvel's all-too-often forgotten Avenger, Monica Rambeau."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hemming |first=Nick |date=October 14, 2020 |title=The Untold Truth Of Monica Rambeau |url=https://www.looper.com/203635/the-untold-truth-of-monica-rambeau/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=[[Looper (website)|Looper]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Deirdre Kaye of ''[[Scary Mommy]]'' called Monica Rambeau a "role model" and a "truly heroic" female character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaye |first=Deirdre |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Looking For A Role Model? These 195+ Marvel Female Characters Are Truly Heroic |url=https://www.scarymommy.com/marvel-female-characters |access-date=October 16, 2022 |website=[[Scary Mommy]] |language=en}}</ref> Chris McMullen of ''[[Space.com]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau first in their "5 Marvel Characters Who Deserve Their Own Show" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMullen |first=Chris |date=March 7, 2022 |title=5 Marvel characters who deserve their own show |url=https://www.space.com/marvel-characters-who-deserve-their-own-show |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[Space.com]] |language=en}}</ref>''[[Sideshow Collectibles|Sideshow]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau 3rd in their "Top 10 Comic Book Captains" list, saying that Monica Rambeau is one of the characters "at the top of their game, taking charge of entire teams or striking out on their own with the skills and strength to earn their Captain title."<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2023 |title=TOP 10 COMIC BOOK CAPTAINS |url=https://www.sideshow.com/blog/top-10-comic-book-captains |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[Sideshow Collectibles]]}}</ref>

Keith Reid-Cleveland of ''[[The Daily Dot]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau 9th in their "12 Black Marvel Characters Everyone Should Know" list, stating, "There have been many Captain Marvels over the years, and they've all been highly capable at doing whatever they put their minds too. Monica Rambeau is no exception."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reid-Cleveland |first=Keith |date=January 27, 2021 |title=12 Black Marvel characters everyone should know |url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/black-marvel-characters-mcu/ |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[The Daily Dot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Rob Bricken of ''[[Gizmodo]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau 10th in their "Every Member Of The Avengers, Ranked" list, saying, "She quickly proved herself among Earth's Mightiest Heroes."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bricken |first=Rob |date=February 26, 2015 |title=Every Member Of The Avengers, Ranked |url=https://gizmodo.com/every-member-of-the-avengers-ranked-1688282767 |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |language=en}}</ref>  George Marston of ''[[Newsarama]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau 16th in their "Best Female Superheroes" list.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Marston |first=George |date=November 14, 2022 |title=The best female superheroes |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-female-superheroes/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Newsarama]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau 95th in their "100 Best Marvel Characters" list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2023 |title=The 100 Best Marvel Characters Ranked |url=https://www.avclub.com/100-greatest-marvel-characters-ranked-1849153215 |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |language=en-us}}</ref>

''[[Screen Rant]]'' included Monica Rambeau in their "10 Best Marvel Characters Who Made Their Debut In Spider-Man Comics" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norman |first=Dalton |date=2022-05-17 |title=The 10 Best Marvel Characters Who Made Their Debut In Spider-Man Comics |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-comics-best-characters-debuts-spider-man-issues/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' ranked Monica Rambeau 4th in their "10 Best Marvel Legacy Heroes" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=2022-02-05 |title=The 10 Best Marvel Legacy Heroes, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-best-legacy-heroes-ranked/ |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 4th in their "All The Captain Marvels" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gramuglia |first=Anthony |date=2019-01-14 |title=All The Captain Marvels, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/all-the-captain-marvels-ranked/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 8th in their "Avengers' Greatest Leaders" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=2022-07-25 |title=The Avengers' Greatest Leaders, Ranked By Experience |url=https://www.cbr.com/avengers-greatest-leaders-ranked-by-experience/ |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and 10th in their "10 Most Wholesome Avengers" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gabrielle |first=Chloe |date=2022-12-14 |title=10 Most Wholesome Avengers |url=https://www.cbr.com/wholesome-avengers/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Literary reception ==

=== Volumes ===

==== ''Captain Marvel: Monica Rambeau'' (2019) ====
According to [[Diamond Comic Distributors]], the ''Captain Marvel: Monica Rambeau'' trade paperback was the 112th best selling graphic novel in January 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comichron: January 2019 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2019/2019-01.html |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[Comichron]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 500 Graphic Novels--January 2019 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/42556/top-500-graphic-novels-january-2019 |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=[[ICv2]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== ''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' (2022) ====
According to the ComicHub system at local comic book shops selling American comics, ''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' #1 was the 53rd best selling comic book in December 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=January 23, 2023 |title=December 2022 Single Issue Comic Book Sales Rankings |url=https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/icv2-monthly-single-issue-comic-book-sales-chart-december-2022/ |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=Comic Book Revolution |language=en}}</ref>

Megan Loucks of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' called ''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' #1 a "perfect example of respecting the past and embracing the future," writing, "Overall, ''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' #1 is a great beginning of a new journey for the former Avenger that sets up something special for new and old fans of Monica. Ewing does an excellent job of respecting the character's past while making room for her to grow. With a creative team that hit it out of the park, this limited series is a relatable story of self-discovery. This limited series has something for everyone."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loucks |first=Megan |date=2022-12-14 |title=REVIEW: Marvel's Monica Rambeau: Photon #1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-monica-rambeau-photon-1-review/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Spencer Perry of ''[[ComicBook.com]]'' gave ''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' #1 a grade of 3.5 out of 5, saying, "Eve Ewing's new run on ''Monica Rambeau'' reminds readers, or perhaps confirms to new ones, why this character can be so compelling, even if there's more than the necessary amount of cameos. Ewing's work on the series is already character-driven with enough of a plot tease for what's to come that this first issue doesn't feel like a total exposition dump. Artists Luca Maresca and Ivan Fiorelli are credited with pencils which seem largely to fit the Marvel house style, nothing too exciting and largely similar in nature to every other regular book from the publisher. They do have a handful of moments with unique panel layouts however, including in the final page, which they should lean into more."<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2022 |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 12/14/2022 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/new-comic-reviews-dc-marvel-image-december-14-2022/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Other versions==

===Age of Ultron===
An alternate version of Monica Rambeau appears during the ''[[Age of Ultron]]'' storyline. She is amongst the superhero resistance against Ultron.<ref>''Age of Ultron'' #2–5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Earth-A===
Like other inhabitants of this reality, Monica Rambeau would periodically visit [[Earth-616]] for vacations. Due to the nature of the interdimensional travel, she received duplicate powers to her counterpart and would masquerade as her. It is implied that the inexperienced Rambeau appearing around that time in ''Black Panther'' was, in fact, this alternate. Rambeau claimed that the main reason she visited Earth-616 was not because she would gain superpowers but because her parents were still alive in that reality.<ref>''She-Hulk'' (vol. 4) #21. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Forever Yesterday===
An alternate version of Monica Rambeau appears in ''[[New Warriors]]'' #11–13  in an alternate reality that is known as Earth-9105. This version goes under the code-name of Sceptre. She is part of a murderous version of the Avengers, who enforce the will of the tyrannical female [[Sphinx (Marvel Comics)|Sphinx]].<ref>''New Warriors'' (vol. 1) #11–13. Marvel Comics.</ref> She briefly makes an appearance in ''[[Avengers Forever]]'' when she and several other alternate, evil Avengers are brought forth in order to battle the main protagonists.<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #11–12. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===''JLA/Avengers''===
An alternate version of Monica Rambeau appears in ''[[JLA/Avengers]]''. Photon is shown as a reservist member of the Avengers and aids them during the searching of the twelve items of power, fighting against the [[Green Lantern]].<ref>''Avengers/JLA'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>{{Which|date=May 2022|link=List of Green Lanterns}} After the battle for the last item in the [[Savage Land]], Monica takes part in one annual JLA-Avengers meeting at the [[Justice League Satellite]] in the new merged world that the villain [[Krona (comics)|Krona]] created, being unaware of the changes.<ref>''Avengers/JLA'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref> After that she appeared fighting along with other Captain Marvels of both universes ([[Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell)|Mar-Vell]], [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Shazam!]]) in the final battle.<ref>''Avengers/JLA'' #4 (May 2004). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Marvel Zombies===
An alternate version of Monica Rambeau appears in ''[[Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness]]'' #3. She is in her [[Nextwave]] uniform fighting alongside the rest of the team against a zombified [[Power Pack]].<ref>''[[Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness]]'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===MC2===
Although Monica Rambeau has never appeared in Marvel Comics' future-era [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] line, the comics feature her daughter by Derek Freeman, [[Blacklight (MC2)|Blacklight]], who first appears in ''[[A-Next]]'' #9.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comicboards.com/spidergirl/view.php?rpl=000705170607 |title=Tom D. - Re: An A-NEXT question for Tom D |access-date=2006-12-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927024513/http://www.comicboards.com/spidergirl/view.php?rpl=000705170607 |archive-date=2007-09-27 }}</ref>

===''What If?''===
An alternate version of Monica Rambeau appears in "What if the [[Scarlet Witch]] Hadn't Acted Alone?", ''[[What If (comics)|What If?]] Avengers Disassembled'' (2006).

==In other media==
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe ===
{{See also|Monica Rambeau (Marvel Cinematic Universe)}}
Monica Rambeau appears in media set in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU). This version is the daughter of [[Maria Rambeau]] and friend of [[Carol Danvers (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Carol Danvers]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Lussier |first=Germain |date=February 1, 2019 |title=A New Captain Marvel TV Spot Gives Us Hope for Marvel's Next Generation |url=https://gizmodo.com/a-new-captain-marvel-tv-spot-gives-us-hope-for-marvels-1832265423 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201231952/https://io9.gizmodo.com/a-new-captain-marvel-tv-spot-gives-us-hope-for-marvels-1832265423 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=[[Gizmodo]]}}</ref> whom Monica affectionately refers as "Auntie Carol", who in turn refers to Monica as "Lieutenant Trouble".
*Monica is introduced as a child in the film ''[[Captain Marvel (film)|Captain Marvel]]'', portrayed primarily by Akira Akbar.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} Monica is at her home with her mother when Danvers, [[Nick Fury (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Nick Fury]], and [[Flerken|Goose]] arrive. She expresses a desire to fly in space like Danvers, after she departs to help the [[Skrulls (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Skrull]] refugees.
*An adult Monica appears in the [[Disney+]] miniseries ''[[WandaVision]]'', portrayed by [[Teyonah Parris]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/wandavision-teyonah-parris-monica-rambeau/|title=WandaVision Casts Mad Men Alum As Its Adult Monica Rambeau| last= Nolan| first=L.D.|website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=July 20, 2019 |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190721022615/https://www.cbr.com/wandavision-teyonah-parris-monica-rambeau/|archive-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Jan2021Premiere">{{Cite web |last1=Trenholm |first1=Richard |last2=E. Solsman |first2=Joan |date=November 12, 2020 |title=Marvel's WandaVision will stream on Disney Plus starting Jan. 15 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/marvel-wandavision-will-stream-on-disney-plus-starting-jan-15/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201112172310/https://www.cnet.com/news/marvel-wandavision-will-stream-on-disney-plus-starting-jan-15/ |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[CNET]]}}</ref> As an adult, Monica followed in her mother and Danvers' footsteps by joining the [[United States Air Force]] and attaining the rank of captain. Following her discharge, she joined [[S.W.O.R.D. (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|S.W.O.R.D.]] In 2018, while accompanying her mother to the hospital for her cancer treatments, Monica became a victim of [[the Blip]]. When she returned, she discovered that her mother died two years after her disappearance. Upon returning to S.W.O.R.D., Monica is sent to investigate Westview, New Jersey, where she meets FBI agent [[Jimmy Woo]]. She sends a drone in but after it disappears, she is pulled through a [[Cosmic microwave background|CMBR]] field, later nicknamed the "Hex", while investigating it and ends up in a sitcom-themed reality where she plays a character called "Geraldine" after encountering [[Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Wanda Maximoff]]. However, once Monica remembers Maximoff's past, Maximoff throws her out. Due to her experience, Monica's cells begin to change at the molecular level, with astrophysicist Dr. [[Darcy Lewis]] warning her that prolonged exposure might alter her molecular integrity. Due to acting S.W.O.R.D. Director [[Tyler Hayward]]'s increasing hostility towards Maximoff, Monica re-enters the hex to warn her with help from Lewis and Woo. After pushing her way through the Hex and gaining the ability to detect [[electromagnetic radiation]] and energy absorption, she locates Maximoff at her house and attempts to connect with her, but the latter distrusts her and attempts to throw her out again. Monica resists with her newfound powers and tries to reason with Maximoff, but is interrupted by [[Agatha Harkness (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Agatha Harkness]], who takes Maximoff away. Monica attempts to pursue, but is caught by Westview resident [[Ralph Bohner]] and taken inside his house, before she frees him from Harkness' enchantment. Following this, Monica stops Hayward from attacking Maximoff's sons [[Billy Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Billy]] and [[Tommy Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Tommy]]. Monica witnesses Maximoff and Harkness' fight in the sky. After the Hex is down, Monica is met by Maximoff, empathizing with her before Maximoff departs. After Hayward is arrested and Woo arrives to take over the investigation, Monica is visited by a disguised Skrull, who asks her to meet with a [[Nick Fury (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|friend]] of her mother's in space.
*Monica appears in the film ''[[The Marvels]]'', portrayed again by Parris.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/captain-marvel-2-release-date-ms-marvel-monica-rambeau/ | title='Captain Marvel 2' Reveals New Release Date, Roles for Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau |last=Miller |first= Shannon| date= December 11, 2020 |access-date=December 15, 2020|publisher=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> It is revealed that she graduated from [[Rice University]] and joined [[S.A.B.E.R.]] at the space station at Fury's request. While working with Danvers and [[Kamala Khan (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kamala Khan]] to stop the [[Kree (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Kree]] Supremor [[Dar-Benn (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Dar-Benn]] from stealing resources from other planets, Monica ends up stranded in an alternate universe and meets an alternate version of Maria and her partner Dr. [[Hank McCoy]].

=== Video games ===
* Monica Rambeau/Spectrum appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marvel Future Fight |date=July 30, 2021 |title=MARVEL Future Fight: Spectrum Agent Archive |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc4bWUxCfGY |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=[[Marvel Entertainment]]}}</ref>
* Monica Rambeau/Spectrum appears in ''[[Marvel Snap]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Anunay |date=November 20, 2022 |title=Marvel Snap's 10 Strongest Deck Archetypes, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-snap-best-deck-types/ |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Mayra |date=March 24, 2023 |title=10 Most Powerful Marvel Snap Heroes |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-most-powerful-heroes/ |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Collected editions ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title !! Material collected !! Publication date !! ISBN
|-
|''Captain Marvel: Monica Rambeau''
|''Amazing Spider-Man Annual'' #16, ''The Avengers'' (vol. 1) #227, 279, ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' (vol. 1) #142–143, ''Captain Marvel'' (1989) one-shot, ''Captain Marvel'' (1994) one-shot, ''[[Avengers Unplugged]]'' #5, material from ''[[Solo Avengers]]'' #2, ''[[Marvel Fanfare]]'' #42, 57
|February 2019
|{{ISBNT|978-1302917562}}
|-
|''Monica Rambeau: Photon''
|''Monica Rambeau: Photon'' #1-5
|September 2023
|{{ISBNT|978-1302947903}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* {{Comicbookdb|type=character|id=25400|title=Monica Rambeau}}
* {{Comicbookdb|type=character|id=3253|title=Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau)}}
* {{Comicbookdb|type=character|id=4950|title=Photon (Monica Rambeau)}}
* {{Comicbookdb|type=character|id=3850|title=Pulsar (Monica Rambeau)}}
*[http://www.toonopedia.com/capmarv3.htm Captain Marvel a.k.a. Photon (1982)] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. [https://archive.today/20240525212901/https://www.webcitation.org/66nzcNr6U?url=http://www.toonopedia.com/capmarv3.htm Archived] from the original on April 9, 2012.
* {{Marveldatabase}}

{{Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)}}
{{John Romita Jr.}}
{{Avengers characters}}
{{Ultimates 2015}}
{{Black Panther}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rambeau, Monica}}
[[Category:African-American superheroes]]
[[Category:Avengers (comics) characters]]
[[Category:Black people in comics]]
[[Category:Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)]]
[[Category:Characters created by John Romita Jr.]]
[[Category:Characters created by Roger Stern]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1982]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from New Orleans]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can manipulate light]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can turn intangible]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can turn invisible]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with electric or magnetic abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with energy-manipulation abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with nuclear or radiation abilities]]
[[Category:Fictional police lieutenants]]
[[Category:Fictional sea captains]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics female superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]