Summary
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 June 16, 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 inCaptain 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.
The Government’s Captain America
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 totake up the mantle of Captain Americawhen 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, duringThe Falcon & The Winter Soldierseries.
The Winter Soldier
EveryMarvelfan is familiar with Bucky Barnes, aka, the Winter Soldier. The best friend turned foe, Bucky had always been a substantial character in theCaptain Americaseries. While theMCU version of himnever 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.
13Captain Carter
What If Steve’s Love Got The Serum?
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.
First shown inMarvel Puzzle Questin 2016, she has all the bells and whistles of Captain America but with a British theme instead. She went on to appear in Marvel’sWhat If?animated series and even in live-action inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
12Captain Colonies
A Product Of The Multiverse
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 theMarvelmultiverse 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 theGreen 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.
11Steve Rogers 616
The Original Captain America
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 wasworthy enough to wield Mjölnir, because of how pure he was.
10Danielle Cage
A Look Into The Future
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 themost powerful charactersto 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.
9Vampire
One Bloodlust Scenario
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.
Steve Roger’s Chosen One
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 Americaby 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.
7Kiyoshi Morales
Mixing Versatility And Strength
Combining the Latino, African American, Japanese, and Native American ethnicities, Kiyoshi Morales is a unique addition to theCaptain Americafranchise. 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.
