In comics and her newborn MCU arc, Carol Danvers has never had a defined sexuality, and it just amplifies the sapphic subtext through her decades-long comic history.
There’s a lot of ambiguity throughout comic book history. Hence, the reasons that there are still nearly infinite stories to tell, even for characters who have a thesis-paper worth of lore to tell.
Even if comics haven’t always had the most respectful run at it, comics and representation are nearly mutually inclusive. This might explain why many fans have clocked certain characters as queer-coded well before they officially came out (e.g. Loki, Billy Kaplan, Selena Kyle). In fact, many characters have yet to define their sexuality, which leaves their ambiguous coding and close friendships up to interpretation to fans. For Carol Danvers, it’s her sapphic-coded comic history that makes her a popular bi+ or lesbian headcanon among fans.
In the spirit of Pride Month, we’re clearly thinking a lot about Captain Marvel and the lovely women in her life. For example, we see the way Carol and Jessica Drew care for one another, the pet names they give each other, and the grief that’s best indicative of a loving couple’s squabble. Carol and Jess has never been canon even in the multiple multiverses (at least we don’t think, there are a lot of alternate universes to keep up with).
In fact, Carol’s non-definitive sexuality makes a case for the vaguest glimmer of hope for sapphic-Carol stans and CarolJess shippers. After all, the lack of clarity in Carol’s ongoing comic arc doesn’t automatically mean she’s straight — because there’s no such thing as a “default” sexuality.
Coupled with her inconclusive sexuality, the subtext for Carol’s romantic feelings toward women is right there in the comics, with Jennifer Walters and Jess (but we’re focusing on Jess). Various comics have unintentionally, or perhaps even intentionally, created dialogue or scenario where Carol has flirted with Jennifer Walters and even Jess. But we’re focusing on Jess, the gliding-arachnid-themed superhero in Carol’s life.
Of course, Marvel Comics nearly redundantly marketed Carol and Jess as best friends, besties, friends, or any other variation of the term. However, their close-knit friendship doesn’t negate any of their romantic potential in the panels. Who says that Carol can’t also be besties with her crush (and vice versa for Jess)?
The chemistry is undeniable. They both playfully tease each other, while caring deeply for each other on and off the battlefield. Carol even calls Jess “babe” at least a handful of times throughout their dozens of team-ups. Sure, this could just be a light-hearted way for her to show her friendship, but that’s the beauty of subtext. It’s typically subtle and has a certain level of mysticism to it.
Like any description of their relationship — in any canon, event-universe, and fan fiction, Carol and Jess are just naturally and unconditionally a dynamic duo. While Carol has canonically dated multiple men, that doesn’t invalidate any headcanons about her being bisexual, pansexual, or lesbian. James Rhodes and Carol’s lengthy, heartwarming, and even heartbreaking relationship (e.g. Civil War II… yes, those panels) is unequivocally a cherished part of each character’s lives. Loving women, even in the obscurity of sapphic undertones, doesn’t diminish James’ importance or the positive impact their relationship has had in her life.
Comics and the MCU have their own respective continuity, but both versions of Carol love the women in her lives. Just as much as MCU’s version of Carol leaves her identity and relationships up to interpretations, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to believe that Carol and Maria are in love. They did raise Monica together… you know, before the Kree kidnapped and brainwashed the Hala-star-studded hero. Even more notably, despite not fully regaining her memories yet, she still recognized how much she cared for Maria. That’s the power of their love.
While there is still minimal quality LGBTQIA representation in comic book media, I’m ready for Marvel to just let Carol Danvers be gay. Her undefined sexuality only amplifies her sapphic subtext.