Summary
- Not all versions of Captain America fit the superhero category, with some being downright evil or powerful in alternate universes.
- Bucky Barnes took up the mantle of Captain America after Steve Rogers' death, proving to be a worthy leader with his dark past and honor.
- Despite various powerful versions, the original Earth-616 Steve Rogers remains iconic with his leadership abilities and worthiness to wield Mjölnir.
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.
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
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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.
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
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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)
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