Daisy Johnson: Marvel’s Hidden Powerhouse Deserves the Spotlight
Daisy Johnson, better known to some as Quake, is one of those Marvel characters who, despite being packed with potential, often flies under the radar. With her complex backstory and incredible abilities, Daisy stands out as a character who could easily take center stage in the Marvel Universe. Yet, despite her many contributions to various teams and storylines, she remains one of Marvel’s most underappreciated heroes.
The Origin of a Seismic Hero
Daisy Johnson’s story begins with her debut in Secret War #2 (2004). Born to the supervillain Mr. Hyde and a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Daisy inherited more than just a complicated legacy — she developed seismic powers that allow her to generate powerful earthquakes. These abilities immediately set her apart, making her one of the most formidable characters in Marvel’s roster. But Daisy isn’t just another hero with an impressive skill set; she’s a trained S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
Throughout the years, Daisy has proven herself time and time again. As part of the Secret Warriors, she worked directly under Nick Fury, handling threats that required the utmost discretion and skill. For instance, her leadership during the “Secret Warriors” storyline showcased her strategic mind and ability to navigate complex missions, yet these moments often didn’t get the spotlight they deserved. Similarly, her role in the “Avengers: Standoff!” storyline, where she played a crucial part in resolving the conflict, further cemented her status as a key player. However, despite these significant contributions, Daisy’s moments of glory have often been overshadowed in the broader Marvel narrative.
The Missed Opportunity in Marvel Comics
What’s frustrating about Daisy’s journey in the comics is how often she’s been pushed to the sidelines. Despite her vast potential, Daisy is often cast as a supporting character — a powerful ally who steps in during crises but rarely takes the spotlight. This is particularly disappointing when considering the rich narrative possibilities that come with a character like Daisy.
Her seismic abilities alone could easily be the focus of epic battles or catastrophic events. Imagine a storyline where Daisy’s powers are central to averting a global disaster — her seismic waves could be both the cause and solution, adding layers of moral complexity to her actions. Coupled with her experience as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Daisy has everything needed to take on leadership roles in high-stakes missions that blur the lines between espionage and superheroics. Unfortunately, these opportunities are rarely explored, leaving Daisy in the shadow of more mainstream characters.
Learning from Marvel’s Success Stories
To understand how Daisy Johnson could transition from a supporting role to a leading one, it’s useful to look at other Marvel characters who have successfully made this leap. Take Carol Danvers, for instance. Originally introduced as Ms. Marvel, Carol underwent a significant evolution to become Captain Marvel, eventually rising to prominence as a symbol of strength and empowerment within the Marvel Universe. Her journey from a secondary character to a leading figure in both comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a testament to what can happen when a character’s potential is fully realized.
Similarly, Natasha Romanoff, who started as a supporting character in Iron Man 2, grew into one of the Avengers’ central figures, both in the comics and films. Her story arc, filled with complexity and depth, transformed her into a beloved and central figure in the MCU. These examples illustrate that with the right narrative push, characters like Daisy Johnson can ascend from the background to become vital parts of the Marvel Universe.
A Star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The contrast between Daisy’s treatment in the comics and her portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) couldn’t be more stark. In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Daisy, portrayed by Chloe Bennet, is not just a side character — she’s central to the show’s narrative. Viewers watch her evolution from a rebellious hacker named Skye into a powerful Inhuman leader, embracing her identity as Quake and becoming one of the MCU’s most formidable heroes.
The show succeeded where the comics have struggled: it recognized Daisy’s potential and gave her a fully developed character arc. She wasn’t just a member of the team — she often was the heart of it, driving the narrative forward with her growth and deepening connection to her powers. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. highlighted what makes Daisy special: her ability to balance her humanity with her extraordinary abilities, and her relentless determination to do what’s right, even when the odds are against her.
Exploring the Future: Where Could Daisy Go Next?
Looking forward, there are numerous ways Marvel could reintegrate Daisy into major storylines, giving her the spotlight she deserves. One possible direction could be to have Daisy lead a new iteration of the Secret Warriors, perhaps in response to a global crisis that requires her unique combination of intelligence, training, and seismic power. This would not only showcase her leadership abilities but also reconnect her with her roots as a S.H.I.E.L.D. operative.
Another intriguing possibility could be exploring the tension between her powers and her sense of responsibility. A storyline where Daisy is faced with a moral dilemma — using her powers at the risk of causing widespread destruction — could add layers of complexity to her character. Such a narrative could challenge her in new ways, forcing her to confront the limits of her abilities and the weight of her decisions.
Why Daisy Deserves More
Daisy Johnson has all the qualities that make for a great Marvel character: a compelling backstory, unique powers, and the potential for significant character development. Her journey from a troubled young woman with a mysterious past to a confident leader and hero is one that resonates with fans. She embodies the struggle between destiny and choice, power and responsibility, in a way that few other characters do.
It’s time for Marvel Comics to bring Daisy Johnson out of the shadows and into the spotlight she deserves. She should be leading major storylines, tackling threats that require her unique blend of intelligence, training, and raw power. There’s no reason why Daisy couldn’t be a central figure in the Marvel Universe, especially given her deep connections to S.H.I.E.L.D., the Inhumans, and the Avengers.
In a universe that’s constantly evolving, with new heroes rising to prominence, Daisy Johnson deserves to be at the forefront. Marvel has a hidden powerhouse in Quake, and it’s time they let her truly shake things up. By giving Daisy the attention she deserves, Marvel could unlock a treasure trove of untold stories, bringing new depth and excitement to their universe. The potential is there — Marvel just needs to unleash it.
FAQs
Who is Daisy Johnson, and what are her powers?
Daisy Johnson, also known as Quake, is a Marvel Comics character with the ability to generate seismic vibrations, effectively causing earthquakes. She is the daughter of the supervillain Mr. Hyde and a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, and she is a highly trained S.H.I.E.L.D. operative.
Why is Daisy Johnson considered underappreciated in the Marvel Universe?
Despite her significant powers and contributions to various teams, Daisy Johnson often plays a supporting role in the comics. She has not been given the same level of prominence or storytelling focus as other Marvel characters, leading her to be somewhat overlooked.
How is Daisy Johnson portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
In the MCU, Daisy Johnson is portrayed by Chloe Bennet in the television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Her character evolves from a hacker named Skye into a powerful Inhuman leader known as Quake, playing a central role throughout the series.
What potential storylines could elevate Daisy Johnson’s status in Marvel Comics?
Daisy could take the lead in a new Secret Warriors team, or she could be involved in storylines that explore the moral and physical implications of her seismic powers. These narratives would provide her with more opportunities to be a central figure.
How does Daisy Johnson compare to other Marvel characters like Carol Danvers?
Like Carol Danvers, who evolved from a secondary character into a leading superhero, Daisy Johnson has the potential to rise to prominence. Both have compelling backstories and unique powers, making them strong candidates for more significant roles in the Marvel Universe.
Why should Marvel Comics focus more on Daisy Johnson?
Daisy Johnson has a rich history, unique abilities, and the potential for deep character development. By giving her more attention, Marvel could explore new storylines and add depth to their universe, appealing to fans who enjoy complex and powerful heroes.
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December 1988. Power returns to the Village, in the authorized comics sequel to THE PRISONER (collected as THE PRISONER: SHATTERED VISAGE), by Mark Askwith and Dean Motter. A female British intelligence officer, recently resigned, leaves on a solo round-the-world sailing trip, only to find herself in the now seemingly abandoned Village, caught in a final deadly game of cat and mouse between the mysterious Number Six and the man once known as Number Two.
Meanwhile, the nameless heroine's estranged husband, MI5 officer Thomas Drake, confronts a mysterious conspiracy within his agency, which may be connected to the former Number Two and his recently published, heavily censored tell-all memoir, The Village Idiot.
An intriguing if necessarily oblique story, SHATTERED VISAGE loses the element of social coercion that's such an important component of THE PRISONER TV show in favor of modern John le Carré wilderness-of-mirrors espionage drama. However, it manages the difficult feat of moving the game on without undoing (or really explaining) what's gone before, and the ways it deploys familiar imagery and themes of the show are pleasingly clever. In particular, it captures the mordant wit and sharp-edged wordplay that characterize the show's best episodes. THE PRISONER creator Patrick McGoohan, notoriously curmudgeonly, reportedly said he "didn't hate it."
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Webcomic Recommendation: The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine ♡
Summary: "On the outside, Ailette Rodeline is an adorable child prodigy. Cooking, brewing tea, alchemy; you name it, she can do it. But this little girl has a big secret: Ailette is a transmigrator! After dying prematurely in her past life, she becomes a character whose world is destined for destruction. With all odds stacked against her, Ailette must figure out how to survive before her life is ripped from her again. Fortunately for her, she finds her salvation in… an insurance package?"
Distributer: Ize Press (Yen Press Imprint)
Source: Tapas
Creator: Irinbi (Author) & Grrr (Illustrator)
Genre: Romance, fantasy, comedy, drama, transmigration, isekai
Status: Ongoing
Personal Rating: 3 out of 5 stars (so far) ⭐️
Availability: Wherever books are sold
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