Captain America Powers and Abilities
Captain America Overview
When stubborn Army recruit Steve Rogers proved his loyalty in a dummy grenade exercise, he was selected for Dr. Erskine’s Super Soldier serum experiment. The experiment was a success, transforming the 90-pound orphan into Captain America: a soldier with enhanced strength, speed, and endurance. With his red, white, and blue Vibranium shield, he led the charge on the frontlines and turned the tide of World War II in the Allies’ favor. After a sacrificial mission left him frozen in the Arctic Ocean, Cap thawed out 70 years later to join the fight for good once again, facing foes such as Crossbones, Ultron, and even Thanos.
Captain America List of Powers and Abilities
- Superhuman Strength and Speed
- Senses, Agility, and Reflexes enhanced by Super Soldier serum
- Nearly Indestructible Vibranium Shield
- Master of all forms of hand-to-hand combat
- Superior Strategic Mind
Black Panther Powers and Abilities
Black Panther Overview
The next in line Warrior-King of the isolated nation of Wakanda, T’Challa received superhuman abilities by ingesting the heart-shaped herb. As the Black Panther, T’Challa balaces his duties as a protector and politician when a bombing of the UN thrust Wakanda into the public spotlight. Black Panther has shown his ferocity in battle when taking down enemies such as Man-Ape and Doctor Doom.
Black Panther List of Powers and Abilities
- Superhuman Strength and Speed
- Senses, Agility, and Reflexes enhanced by the heart-shaped herb
- Vibranium-laced suit that absorbs, stores, and redirects kinetic energy
- Vibranium Claws
- Brilliant Tactical Mind
How the Battle Would Go Down
Captain America and Black Panther have very similar power levels, abilities, and values. Both have fought on the side of good with the Avengers. A battle between the two would force each hero to use their strengths, skills in battle, weaponry, and strategic thinking to the best of their ability.
Although Cap and Black Panther are often teammates, we have had the chance to see them as adversaries in the MCU’s Captain America: Civil War. Their battle showcases how they would match up and how they use their environment to aid their strategy. In Civil War, Captain America emerged victorious. If these two heroes were to fight again, however, I would bet on Black Panther winning.
Here’s why...
While Captain America fought well during the airport battle, even knocking War Machine out of the air with a single kick, he needed the help of his teammates to subdue Black Panther. Antman who brought a shrunken trunk that could be expanded after being thrown, and Black Widow that on Black Panther at the last minute.
Meanwhile, Black Panther was a consistent threat. He took blows from Cap’s kicks and shield attacks. Then he countered with life-threatening slashes from his Vibranium claws. In this battle, each fighter had more pressing targets than one another. Black Panther was intent on taking down the Winter Soldier, and Cap was determined to escape and fight a different enemy alongside Bucky. In a true head-to-head battle, the result would be very different.
Their physical abilities are nearly equal. Cap is stronger but Black Panther is more agile. The outcome of their battle comes down to their equipment.
Captain America can throw his shield or use it to block his foe’s Vibranium claws, but it can only protect him for so long. With every hit Black Panther takes, his Vibranium-laced suit absorbs most of the impact and stores the kinetic energy. He can unleash that stored energy in powerful dome-shaped blasts.
Black Panther can easily control the battle with his energy blasts. If Cap throws his shield while Black Panther has energy stored in his suit, he can send a blast to knock the shield off its trajectory, leaving Cap susceptible to more blasts and slashes.
And The Winner Is…
Black Panther. After a battle sure to be filled with spinning-flip kicks, Vibranium clashing with Vibranium, and both heroes refusing to stay down until completely incapacitated, Black Panther’s advanced technology gives him the winning edge.
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