The Strongest Versions Of Marvel’s Captain America

Being one of Marvel’s oldest superheroes, Captain America has seen a lot of different versions. Be it due to a different timeline, a multiverse being opened, or simply because of Steve Rogers’s death, the infamous shield has been wielded by many. In fact, with so many faces involved, the original version ceases to be the strongest one. However, not all the versions of this beloved character fit the superhero category.

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While some of these alternate variants abide by the infamous code of honor and valor, others are just downright evil. That said, differentiating between Cap’s good and bad versions is a debate for another day. For now, here are the most powerful versions of Captain America, courtesy of the Marvel multiverse.

Updated March 14, 2025, by Ben Painter: Captain America is synonymous with Steve Rogers, who first donned the shield back in 1940. However, through the almost a century of Marvel Comics there have been many other characters who have taken up the mantle. Not all have been as powerful or as iconic as Steve, but some have done the mantle proud. The big example of this would be in Captain America: Brave New World, which was the first time that another character other than Steve Rogers has had his own Captain America movie. This update adds five more of the strongest versions of Captain America.

15

US Agent

The Government’s Captain America

• Real Name: John Walker
• First Appearance:
  • As Super-Patriot: Captain America #323 (July, 1986)
  • As Captain America: Captain America #333 (June, 1987)
  • As U.S. Agent: Captain America #354 (February, 1989)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: Power Broker Enhancements (Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Durability, Superhuman Speed, Superhuman Agility, Superhuman Reflexes), Expert Fighter, Multilingual, Aviation

John Walker was an army veteran who decided to go through the Power Broker process to enhance his strength in order to become a hero to avenge his fallen brother. Originally going by Super-Patriot, he was later chosen to take up the mantle of Captain America when Steve retired.

Although he was good-natured, he was sometimes too extreme in his methods and had some radical views, thus was not a true fit for the brand of Captain America. When Steve re-took the shield, he became the U.S. Agent but remained an Avenger. This story was even touched upon in the MCU, during The Falcon & The Winter Soldier series.

14

Bucky Barnes

The Winter Soldier

• Real Name: James Buchanan Barnes
• First Appearance:
  • As Bucky: Captain America Comics #1 (December, 1940)
  • As Winter Solider: Captain America (Vol. 5) #1 (November, 2004)
  • As Captain America: Captain America (Vol. 5) #34 (January, 2008)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: Enhanced Physical Conditioning (Peak Human Strength, Peak Human Speed, Enhanced Stamina, Peak Human Agility, Enhanced Durability, Enhanced Reflexes, Regenerative Healing Factor, Enhanced Balance, Enhanced Longevity), Cybernetic Enhanced Physiology (Bionic Arm, Superhuman Strength, Stabilization Sensors, Tactical Reload, Palm Sensors, Sensory Array, Extended Reach, Electrical Discharge, Electromagnetic Pulse, Cybernetic Defense, Retractable Blade), Master Martial Artist, Master Marksman, Expert Shield Fighter, Accelerated Development Process, Master of Stealth, Master Acrobat, Master Advanced Scout, Weapons Proficiency, Multilingual, Expert Tactician, Master Spy, Advanced Military Operator, Master Assassin

Every Marvel fan is familiar with Bucky Barnes, aka, the Winter Soldier. The best friend turned foe, Bucky had always been a substantial character in the Captain America series. While the MCU version of him never took the title of Captain America, his comic version became worthy of the shield.

Following the events of the Civil War in the comics, Steve Rogers is assassinated, leaving the role of Captain America without a face. To fill that hole, the newly rehabilitated Winter Soldier took the mantle. Combining his dark past and the motivation to honor his dead friend, Bucky proved to be a worthy leader. However, Bucky’s time as Captain America was short-lived, as Steve Rogers eventually returned to reclaim his title.

13

Captain Carter

What If Steve’s Love Got The Serum?

• Real Name: Margaret “Peggy” Carter
• First Appearance: Marvel Puzzle Quest (June 20, 2016)
• Reality: Earth-86315
• Powers & Abilities: Super-Soldier Physiology (Peak Human Strength, Peak Human Speed, Superhuman Endurance, Peak Human Agility, Peak Human Reflexes, Peak Human Durability, Peak Human Stamina, Peak Human Healing, Peak Human Mental Processing, Peak Human Senses, Ageless Longevity), Master Tactician and Strategist, Master Martial Artist, Master Shield Fighter, Master Acrobat, Master Leadership, Indomitable Will, Master Marksman, Master Swordsman, Master Stick Fighter, Master Weaponry, Master Hacker, Master Pilot, Multilingual, Expert Vehicular Driver

The character of Peggy Carter first appeared back in 1966, but it wasn’t until her inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that she was fleshed out in the comics. One of these was a ‘What If?’ style adventure which asked the question if she was chosen for the Super Solider Serum rather than her love Steve.

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First shown in Marvel Puzzle Quest in 2016, she has all the bells and whistles of Captain America but with a British theme instead. She went on to appear in Marvel’s What If? animated series and even in live-action in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

12

Captain Colonies

A Product Of The Multiverse

• Real Name: Stephen Rogers
• First Appearance: Excalibur #44 (September, 1991)
• Reality: Earth-4103
• Powers & Abilities: Interdimensional Energy Conduit: (Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Durability, Superhuman Agility, Superhuman Reflexes, Superhuman Senses, Flight, Self-Sustenance, Magic Visualization, Telepathic Resistance) Genius Intelligence, Acrobatics, Hand-to-Hand Combat

For those who aren’t regular comic readers, this one may come as a shock. Simply because one of the most powerful variants of Captain America, isn’t called Captain America. This is where things get interesting as the Marvel multiverse opens, and spits out Captain Colonies.

Part of an alternate universe, Captain Colonies belongs to a multiversal group of heroes called the Captain Britain Corps. Similar to the Green Lantern Corps, this group includes multiple Captain Britains hailing from different universes, with their powers untold. With a strong group of soldiers to back him, Captain Colonies becomes another powerful addition to the Captain Americas of the multiverse.

11

Steve Rogers 616

The Original Captain America

• Real Name: Steven Rogers
• First Appearance: Captain America Comics #1 (December, 1940)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: Super-Soldier Physiology (Peak Human Strength, Peak Human Speed, Superhuman Endurance, Peak Human Agility, Peak Human Reflexes, Peak Human Durability, Peak Human Stamina, Peak Human Healing, Peak Human Mental Processing, Peak Human Senses, Ageless Longevity), Master Tactician and Strategist, Master Martial Artist, Master Shield Fighter, Master Acrobat, Master Leadership, Indomitable Will, Professional Sketch Artist, Master Marksman, Master Swordsman, Master Stick Fighter, Master Weaponry, Master Hacker, Master Pilot, Multilingual, Expert Vehicular Driver

Even with a ton of variants, nothing comes close to the original. While the Earth-616 version of Captain may not be the strongest, this is the one that fans always come back to. With his strict code of honor, bravery, and valor, this variant of Roger made Captain America one of the most iconic superheroes in the franchise.

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In terms of sheer strength, the 616 Steve Rogers may lack a bit. But, what makes him truly powerful are his leadership abilities and his command over the Avengers. Not to mention, this is the version of Captain America that was worthy enough to wield Mjölnir, because of how pure he was.

10

Danielle Cage

A Look Into The Future

• Real Name: Danielle Cage
• First Appearance: Avengers: Ultron Forever #1 (April, 2015)
• Reality: Earth-15061
• Powers & Abilities: Superhuman Durability

The daughter of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage is yet another hero who takes up the responsibilities of Captain America. Inheriting the powers of both her parents, Danielle is a formidable hero in her own right. And, when combined with the ideals of Steve Rogers, along with a newly improved shield, she becomes one of the most powerful characters to take up Captain America’s mantle.

In fact, through her journey in her dystopian reality, Danielle is mentored by Black Widow. This makes her character even stronger. On top of that, she has the ability to travel through time. Eventually, when all is said and done, she becomes the leader of the U.S. Avengers in her own universe.

9

Vampire

One Bloodlust Scenario

• Real Name: Steven Rogers
• First Appearance: Exiles #31 (August, 2003)
• Reality: Earth-3931
• Powers & Abilities: Enhanced Strength, Stamina, Reflexes, Agility, Teleportation, Healing Factor

Similar to the Vampire Wolverine, there exists a version of Captain America where he is a bloodthirsty Vampire. While most average readers may not know about his existence, he is nothing less than powerful and evil. This variant of Cap comes from Earth-3931, where the Avengers are infected by Baron’s blood and turned into vampires.

With the evolved vampire form, the 3391 Captain America becomes even stronger yet tormented. As the Exiles arrive at this earth to fix it, they’re met by these bloodthirsty Avengers. However, in the end, this version of Cap is defeated as Mimic cuts his head off using Wolverine’s claws.

8

Sam Wilson

Steve Roger’s Chosen One

• Real Name: Samuel Wilson
• First Appearance:
  • As Falcon: Captain America #117 (June, 1969)
  • As Captain America: Captain America (Vol. 7) #25 (October, 2014)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: Avian Telepathy, Master Martial Artist, Peak Human Condition, Peak Human Strength, Peak Human Endurance, Master Acrobat, Master Aerialist and Flight, Expert Shield Fighter, Leadership

Despite the fact that Sam Wilson never got injected with the Super-Serum, he has taken the mantle of Captain America in various storylines. In the MCU version, Sam Wilson is chosen to be Captain America by none other than Steve Rogers himself. While in the comics, one of the more popular storylines involves Sam stepping up to the position as Rogers becomes older.

In all cases, Sam proves to be worthy of Captain’s shield due to his honor and bravery. With the combined power of his wings, skills, and captain’s shield, Sam becomes a lethal hero on all fronts. And, earns his place as one of the strongest versions of Captain America.

7

Kiyoshi Morales

Mixing Versatility And Strength

• Real Name: Kiyoshi Morales
• First Appearance: Captain America Corps #1 (June, 2011)
• Reality: Earth-11831
• Powers & Abilities: Seemingly those of the original Captain America

Combining the Latino, African American, Japanese, and Native American ethnicities, Kiyoshi Morales is a unique addition to the Captain America franchise. Also known as Commander A, this version appeared in a limited storyline called Captain America Corps. Here, he portrays a powerful future version of Captain America.

While this hero is a combination of different ethnicities, he’s also a descendant of Luke Cage. So, why he’s so powerful starts to make sense. On top of that, instead of vibranium, Kiyoshi Morales uses two energy-based shields, adding even more variety to his offense and defense.

6

Cap-Wolf

Steve With Added Beast

• Real Name: Steven Rogers
• First Appearance: Captain America #405 (June, 1992)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: As well as regular Steve Rogers (Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Agility, Superhuman Reflexes, Superhuman Speed, Superhuman Senses, Superhuman Durability, Claws and Teeth)

The ’90s were a weird time for Comics, none better an example of this than the time when Captain America became a werewolf. In Captain America #405 Nightshade transforms Cap, but thanks to his Super Solider Serum he shook off his hypnosis and used his powers to take down the enemy.

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With his strength, speed and reflexes now at superhuman levels, along with razor sharp teeth and claws. Cap-Wolf was captured with other wolf-based heroes, Wolfsbane, Werewolf By Night and Man-Wolf by the villain who teamed up to defeat him. He was given an antidote to return him to his human self by the end of the ‘Man and Wolf‘ arc.

5

MCU

Chris Evans Taking Cap To Another Level

• Real Name: James Buchanan Barnes
• First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger
• Reality: Marvel Cinematic Universe
• Powers & Abilities: Artificially Enhanced Physiology (Enhanced Strength, Enhanced Durability, Enhanced Speed, Enhanced Agility, Enhanced Stamina, Enhanced Reflexes, Enhanced Intelligence, Regenerative Healing Factor, Longevity) Mjølnir Capabilities (Electricity Generation, Storm Manipulation, Physical Augmentation, Weapon Calling), Master Martial Artist, Shield Mastery, Hammer Mastery, Expert Marksman, Master Acrobat, Expert Spy, Master Tactician, Pilot, Performer, Multilingualism

The MCU version of Captain America is one that everyone is familiar with. Portrayed by Chris Evans, this version of Cap is basically the same as Earth-616. And, with Chris Evans fitting the role like a glove, the character was brought to life and proved his worth ten times over.

Being worthy of wielding Mjölnir, this version of Captain America nearly took out Thanos on his own. On top of that, the iconic “Avengers Assemble” line had the entire MCU charging with him at his command. Combining the power of his shield, Mjölnir, and the entire Avengers, Cap became integral to the Avengers winning against their arch-nemesis.

4

Secret Empire

Evil, Wicked, And Powerful

• Real Name: Steven “Grant” Rogers
• First Appearance:
  • As Captain America: Captain America: Sam Wilson #7 (March, 2016)
  • As Hydra Supreme: Captain America: Steve Rogers #16 (April, 2017)
  • As Captain Krakoa: Free Comic Book Day 2023: Avengers/X-Men #1 (May, 2023)
  • As Flag-Smasher: Uncanny Avengers (Vol. 4) #5 (December, 2023)
• Reality: Earth-61311
• Powers & Abilities: Seemingly those of Earth-616 Steve Rogers

Similar to the MCU Captain America, this version also had an iconic line. However, this was the complete opposite. In this timeline, Captain America turned evil and became a sleeper agent for Hydra. To hear Cap say the words “Hail Hydra” was a shock, to say the least.

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Cap was already a lethal machine, and when his intentions became evil, he became even more of a threat. This was the reason this version of Steve Roger was so powerful. It’s a good thing that he’s usually the good guy, because if the Avengers had to go up against an evil Captain America, it wouldn’t be an easy day in the office.

3

Major Gamma

An Amalgamation of Captain America & The Hulk

• Real Name: Steven Rogers/Bruce Banner
• First Appearance: Tarot #3 (February, 2020)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: Those of Earth 616 combined with the Hulk

Major Gamma was a short lived version of Captain America who was an amalgamation of both Cap’ and the Hulk given the best of both worlds. The immense strength and power of Banner with the combat know-how and brains of Steve Rogers.

This all happened due to magic tarot cards which were shuffled by the supervillain Diablo. Captain America also merged with the Silver Surfer to create Captain Cosmos. By the end of the story, the amalgamated characters were split back into their respective heroes and have not been seen in Marvel Comics since.

2

Phoenix Force

Steve With Major Power

• Real Name: Steven Rogers
• First Appearance: Avengers (Vol. 8) #40 (December, 2020)
• Reality: Earth-616
• Powers & Abilities: Those of Earth-616 Captain America along with: Nigh Omnipotence, Future Life-Force Tap, Concussive Force Blasts, Quantum Singularity, Energy Absorption, Life-Force Control, Psionic Nexus, Matter Transmutation, Cosmic Teleportation, Disintegration Waves, Resurrection Force, Immortality, Cosmic Pyrokinesis, Temporal Manipulation, Atmokinesis, Existence Mastery

1

Soldier Supreme

A Warrior Made Out Of Magic

• Real Name: Stephen Rogers
• First Appearance: Infinity Wars #3 (September, 2018)
• Reality: Earth-616 (Warp World Pocket Dimension)
• Powers & Abilities: Seemingly those of Earth-616 Captain America along with the macapabilitiesties of Doctor Strange

Soldier Supreme is what happens when someone combines the greatest sorcerer in the world with the greatest fighter. This happened in the Infinity Warps timeline, as Steve Rogers merged his body with Doctor Strange. The result was Stephen Rogers, a powerful warrior with the ability to wield magic.

This is undeniably the strongest version of Captain America in the multiverse. Combining the effects of the Super Serum along with his magical abilities, he becomes the best of both worlds. Following the plot of Captain America, he fought in World War 2 and became America’s greatest weapon in the comics.