Marvel’s Uni-Power is an energy as old as the universe itself, and holds the ability to transform living beings into powerful heroes.
There are countless sources of power in the Marvel Universe. Whether it be the magical might of ancient gods, mysterious natural resources such as The Well of Life, or vast science experiments gone wrong. But surpassing the limits of mere terrestrial power sources are those that exist within the universe itself. These energy sources can imbue beings with powers that can destroy all reality itself. One such force is the Uni-Power, Marvel’s most enigmatic and elusive source of power.
The Uni-Power itself is unlike any other source of power in the universe. It is a sentient force that retains memories and experiences, a force that can communicate with its hosts. Unlike the Xandarian Worldmind that Nova wields, the Uni-Power is not a product of any civilization. It is not a supercomputer given life, nor is it the by-product of any experiment. The Uni-Power is a facet of the Enigma Force, a primordial entity that has existed since the very beginning of time, seeking out worthy hosts to fight evil as necessary.
The Uni-Power Is An Extension of The Enigma Force
Making its debut in 1979’s Micronauts #8 (by Bill Mantlo, Michael Golden, and Bob McLeod), the Uni-Power imbued the human Ray Coffin with awesome powers, thus turning him into Captain Universe. With super strength and speed, Uni-Vision, and energy manipulation, those that bear the mantle of Captain Universe find themselves among the most powerful beings of all time. The mantle of Captain Universe is not one that any particular person owns or can pass on personally to another though. It is its own force that chooses of its own volition. What’s fascinating about the Uni-Power is that it actively chooses its next avatar based on the severity of peril that exists at any one time and place.
The Uni-Power, being composed of the Enigma Force, acts as an extension of life itself. Those that become Captain Universe become guardians of the cosmic abstract of Eternity itself, fighting as avatars of life. The light and good that exists within all living things is an extension of the Uni-Power, thus making all living things possible conduits of the Uni-Power itself. The appearance of Captain Universe is rare, with many of its sightings taking place within the Microverse. Many Macroverse (Earth-616) heroes have become Captain Universe though, including Spider-Man, Sue Storms, X-23, Deadpool, and many more. Captain Universe was an integral force during the “Annihilation” events and most recently during the “King in Black” event where Eddie Brock became Captain Universe to defeat the primordial god of darkness, Knull.
The Uni-Power is Much Different Than The Power Cosmic
The Uni-Power, while similar in many ways, is significantly different from the Power Cosmic, another power from beyond the stars. The Power Cosmic is a power that is strictly affiliated with Galactus while the Uni-Power is an energy source that is imbued into any sentient being. Galactus wields the Power Cosmic in a manner of a god. He creates and deconstructs the universe around him as he sees fit. In a radically different manner, those that become Captain Universe fight in ways similar to heroes such as Captain Marvel and Quasar. The single biggest difference between the Power Cosmic and the Uni-Power is that the Power Cosmic is given and taken away by Galactus whereas the Uni-Power will instantly leave its wielder and seek a more worthy host.
It is impossible for wielders of the Uni-Power to pervert it or harness it for their own nefarious gains. The title of Captain Universe says everything that needs to be known about what the Uni-Power is. It grants its wielder the power to save the universe. In a universe full to the brim with superheroes of every kind imaginable, there is something supremely awe-inspiring to be called the hero of the entire universe. Captain Universe is a name for those that possess the purest of hearts and the most altruistic of intentions. While evil may never be truly eradicated from the universe, the power of the universe will always be there to stand against it.
