American Dream (comics)

American Dream (Shannon Carter) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been featured in Marvel Comics MC2 series A-Next. Her costume is very similar to that of Captain America. Her initial weapons are throwing disks like Ricochet's but later obtains the trademark shield. She appeared as a civilian in A-Next #1, and was named as "Shannon" in A-Next #3; it was not until A-Next #4 that she appeared in costume as a prospective team member.

American Dream has since appeared in two mini-series, her own in May 2008 and a second in June 2011, Captain America Corps.

Fictional character biography
The niece of S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Sharon Carter, Shannon Carter grew up idolizing Captain America. She was hired by Edwin Jarvis as a tour guide for the Avengers Headquarters, at that time functioning only as a museum. When the new Avengers team was formed, she was determined to join. She wears a costume based on Captain America's and carries on her arms disc weapons resembling miniature versions of his shield. Her strength and agility are honed by intensive physical training. After joining the team as the American Dream, Shannon soon proved herself to be an effective Avenger, and when the team saved the original Avengers from a dark parallel world, Captain America himself judged her worthy to wield the shield of the alternate Captain. She also proved to be an important character in defeating Galactus in the Last Planet Standing limited series. She, along with Stinger and Spider-Girl, took down Galactus from the inside. They survived the imminent explosion by shrinking to microscopic size.

Carter is the leader of the "Dream Team", consisting of herself, Bluestreak, Crimson Curse and Freebooter. All members of the Dream Team became members of the new Avengers team in A-Next #4. American Dream is also an ally of Spider-Girl, Earth Sentry, Blacklight, Coal Tiger, Argo and Captain America.

American Dream has fought against the Sons of the Serpent, Seth, the Revengers, Fatal Force and Loki. When Superia launched a cross-temporal attack to eliminate Steve Rogers' post-war career as Captain America and take his place herself, American Dream was one of five heirs to Rogers' legacy that were assembled by the Contemplator to thwart her plans, the others being Rogers early in his career, John Walker shortly after his own time as Cap, Bucky during his time as Captain America, and Commander A from the twenty-fifth century.

Powers and abilities
Although a non-powered human, American Dream is in peak physical condition and is a skilled martial artist and an Olympic level athlete. She has disc weapons similar to Ricochet's and has a superb aim. She now also carries a version of Captain America's shield, which she uses both defensively and offensively to great effect. Her fighting skills are matched by her leadership ability.

Video games

 * American Dream is a playable character in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online, voiced by Tara Strong.
 * American Dream is a female variant enhanced costume for Captain America (Steve Rogers) in Marvel Heroes, voiced by Melissa Disney.

Reception
The first issue of the mini-series sold out.

Reviews

 * American Dream #2 review at Major Spoilers
 * American Dream #1 review at Major Spoilers
 * Review of American Dream #1, Comics Bulletin