[Update: Right before publishing Marvel announced that Danvers would now become the new Captain Marvel taking the mantle of the iconic '70s hero who died in a celebrated graphic novel in 1984.  While it certainly makes sense considering Danvers connection to the original Captain Marvel and her military background this also seems like an update intended on making the character more easier to translate to television and in movies. Find out what the new Captain Marvel looks like here.]

Real Name: Carol Danvers

First Appearance: Ms. Marvel #1 (January 1977)*

Powers: They have changed over the years, but currently Ms. Marvel posses superhuman strength (Thor or Hulk level), is pretty close to invulnerable and can fly.  She also fires energy blasts and can absorb different forms of energy and refocus it at a different target or dissipate it.

Hero or Villain: Hero

Why: Besides the fact she's one of the most powerful females in the Marvel Universe, something currently lacking on the big screen, and won't take crap from anyone, Carol Danvers also has military experience that would make her a seamless fit into the movie franchise's S.H.I.E.L.D. connections.

*As Ms. Marvel