Miracleman Joins Marvel Comics: What’s Next?

For many years, the question surrounding Marvel Comics has been when the publisher would finally integrate Miracleman into its roster of superheroes, not if. Initially brought to life by Mick Anglo in 1954’s Marvelman #25, the character faced multiple legal challenges that hindered his popularity and expansion. Once these legal issues were resolved in Marvel’s favor, the company began republishing the classic stories written by Anglo, Alan Moore, and Neil Gaiman, while hinting at Miracleman’s arrival in various recent publications.

Just days before its release, this week’s Avengers: Armageddon #4, crafted by Chip Zdarsky, Delio Diaz, and Frank Alpizar, had its significant reveal spoiled: Miracleman is now fully integrated into the Marvel Universe.

This new iteration of Miracleman is not Mike Moran, as seen in earlier tales, but David Colton, a contemporary Captain America introduced in Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti’s solo series featuring Steve Rogers. Colton, portrayed as a young man who enlisted following the 9/11 attacks and subsequently received the Super-Soldier Serum, worked alongside Steve in the early phases of Steve’s modern-day revival. A covert operation to rescue U.S. diplomats from Latveria led to a traumatic breakdown for Colton, who, disillusioned after service in Iraq and Afghanistan, ended up killing numerous Latverians before being defeated by Steve.

In the ongoing Armageddon event, Colton suffers a gunshot wound inflicted by an enhanced soldier but is rescued by Wolverine using an Origin Box. This box, imbued with the power of an unidentified hero from the Ultimate Universe, not only heals him but ignites a determination within him to make a difference in the world. It is only after enduring an explosion from Red Hulk and experiencing a vision of his mother that Colton utters the word “Kimota,” fully transforming into Miracleman.

A long-awaited development has come to fruition, marking a significant moment in Marvel’s storytelling. Regardless of how the Armageddon event concludes, Marvel has already indicated that Colton, as Miracleman, will be part of the Avengers lineup in Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s upcoming series alongside Captain Marvel and Spider-Man. As the second god-powered member of the team, there are intriguing questions regarding the lingering effects of the Origin Box on him. Zdarsky has hinted at “big plans” for Colton that will span both the team dynamics and the larger Marvel Universe, which is an exciting prospect.

Fans should anticipate further revelations, whether in the Avengers series or potentially in a Miracleman solo title by another writer in the future. It is also worth noting that the character’s name could possibly revert to “Marvelman.” Originally changed due to legal constraints, Marvel may now have the opportunity to reclaim the name. If this happens, it could pave the way for a film adaptation as well.

In the meantime, Miracleman’s journey continues with Avengers: Armageddon #5 set to release on October 21, followed by Avengers #1 on November 4.

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