The Canon Reasons Behind Why Nonsupers Like Black Widow and Dora Milaje Outshine Non-Supersoldiers

In the vast universe of Marvel Comics and movies, there are characters who stand out as exceptional fighters, often competing with or even surpassing their superpowered counterparts. This essay delves into the reasons why characters like Black Widow and the Dora Milaje are often depicted as more formidable than even the highly trained and enhanced soldiers like the Winter Soldier.

Training and Expertise

The Black Widow and Dora Milaje are prime examples of highly trained and skilled non-powered characters who have reached the pinnacle of their professions. These characters have undergone rigorous and specialized training from an early age, far surpassing the typical armed soldiers in terms of fighting ability. Unlike the Super Soldiers like the Winter Soldier, whose superhuman abilities give them an undeniable edge in combat, the Black Widow and Dora Milaje excel through sheer talent, dedication, and discipline.

Training and Enhancement

The Black Widow, whose real name is Natasha Romanov, and her younger sister Yelena Belova, were the products of the notoriously brutal Red Room program. From an early age, they were selected for their genetic potential and subjected to extensive physical and psychological training to become the perfect operatives. Additionally, the Black Widow has had access to advanced Stark Technologies, further enhancing her already formidable skills.

The Dora Milaje, the royal bodyguards of Wakanda, are also highly skilled warriors. They have dedicated their lives to becoming the finest soldiers in the world, trained in the use of advanced weapons made from Vibranium, the unparalleled material from Wakanda. Furthermore, they have access to cutting-edge weaponry and technological advancements that elevate them above ordinary soldiers.

Combat Capabilities

These nonsupers possess an extraordinary level of combat readiness and experience. In contrast to characters like Captain America, who often rely on their gadgets and other advantages, the Black Widow and Dora Milaje focus on exploiting weaknesses and using their superior skills and equipment to gain an edge. While Captain America and the Winter Soldier are impressive fighters, their success often depends on their status as super-soldiers. The Black Widow and Dora Milaje, however, rely on their own exceptional abilities and tactical prowess.

Comic and Cinematic Context

In the context of the official Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the Marvel comics, characters like Black Widow and the Dora Milaje are portrayed as exceptionally skilled fighters. The idea that supersoldiers like the Winter Soldier can be effectively countered by others, including non-supers, is often considered a plot convenience rather than a well-established canon. This is because the writers often need to ensure that non-powerful characters can still pose a challenge and have a role in the story. However, in a more universal and logical context, such as the comics, these characters are far more dangerous than even the most enhanced super-soldiers.

Challenges in Writing and Reception

Characters like Black Widow and Dora Milaje face criticism for their perceived inconsistency with the concept of a super-soldier. Critics argue that if Captain America can perform miraculous feats, non-powered characters should not be able to match or even compete with him. This is a common issue across many forms of media, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Star Trek and even modern superhero movies.

The discrepancy between the strengths of super-soldiers and non-powered fighters often feels illogical and frustrating to audiences. However, this portrayal serves the narrative necessity of having characters with varying levels of power and experience. It allows for more dynamic and engaging storytelling while still maintaining a sense of balance and unpredictability in combat.

Ultimately, the portrayal of Black Widow and the Dora Milaje as formidable and capable fighters highlights the importance of training, experience, and specialization in the world of Marvel. These nonsupers have earned their place among the most skilled and reliable operatives in the universe, making them a formidable force to be reckoned with in their own right.

Keywords: Marvel Comics, Non-Supers, Combatants, Captain America, Black Widow, Dora Milaje, Winter Soldier, Super-Soldiers, Vibranium, Red Room, Stark Technologies