One of the most thrilling things about fans of comic universes is their ability to think of the tough questions. Reddit is filled with epic debates and discussions that do not necessarily have a confirmed “correct” answer, but this does not stop lively conversations. In fact, since there often is no right answer, it means these chats will continue and allow more and more fans to express their views.
One such example of this is a query raised by a fan, asking whether Steve Rogers, pre-serum, would have been able to wield Mjolnir. It sounds like a simple query. But it has opened the discussion up to a wonderful sea of possibilities that have not been explored within the MCEU.
Many fans believe Mjolnir would have come to him in a heartbeat. Even before the super serum he was humble, brave, clever, selfless, willing to sacrifice his life for strangers and just inherently good.
People on the other side of the coin suggest that the conviction and resolve he develops over the course of the Infinity War allowed him to wield Mjolnir. To these fans, being able to wield Mjolnir isn’t just about being a good person, it’s also about being a capable warrior and a good king.
Pre-serum Steve lacked the confidence, conviction, and skills to be considered worthy. A fan contended that Jane was able to wield Mjolnir in Love and Thunder, even though she was a mortal human, with no discernable super powers.
Another consideration that popped up in the debate is wheter or not pre-serum Steve would gain the power of Thor if he wielded Mjolnir? It certainly makes for an interesting thought. Further, would his gaining the power of Thor mean that his physique would transform into what we now recognise as post-serum Steve AKA Captain America?
Eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that when Cap successfully wielded Mjolnir against Thanos, he almost defeated him. Whereas Thanos easily defeated Hulk, and yet Thor (who obviously has the power of Thor), can hold his own against Hulk. Strangely, this does not seem to add up. From these facts, it can only be concluded that it was not “the power of Thor” that had Cap so close to beating Thanos, and therefore it must have been something else. But what?
Some fans are of the view that it is entirely due to the serum that turned Steve into Captain America. The suggestion is that as this substance turned him into a super soldier, it did not only enhance his physique and make him stronger, but it also improved his fighting skills, tactics, and everything he would need to be the perfect soldier. Not to mention, he has fought alongside Black Widow who is arguably one of the most skilled martial artists in the MCEU, and it is logical that he would learn from her.
Thor, on the other hand, is a god. He has never needed to develop complex fighting skills as he has always had Mjolnir and his vastly superior physical strength and invulnerability. Now, this is not to suggest Thor cannot fight. We know he can fight. That has been well-established in the comics for many years. But the suggestion is that Caps’ fighting skills may be more refined than Thor’s due to the super soldier serum.
Fans mostly seem to agree that Cap wielding Mjolnir against Thanos almost won the day. But sadly, Thanos moved at that crucial moment that spared his life and saw him go on to cause even further death and destruction. Unanswered questions aside, it is clear the movies would have turned out very differently had Thanos not moved his head at that exact second.
