Adamantium is a fictional metal alloy renowned in the Marvel Comics universe, known as one of the strongest materials in existence, and is also a vital component of Wolverine’s adamantium-covered skeleton. However, unlike its “rival” vibranium, which has been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for some time, adamantium was only recently introduced into the MCU through the blockbuster film Captain America: Brave New World, which premiered on February 14.
So, what are the key differences between adamantium and vibranium in the MCU?
Adamantium is harder to destroy than vibranium
In the MCU, the only known source of adamantium (as of now) is within the body of Tiamut – a celestial being that awakened and destroyed the Earth in Eternals. This rare metal has sparked interest among many nations worldwide seeking to gain control over it. The U.S. government, led by Thaddeus Ross, has proposed a new treaty to share adamantium alongside its strategic value among countries like Japan, India, and France.
During the “Global Celestial Resource Conference,” Ross confirmed that this new metal is even more advanced and harder to destroy than vibranium. In the comics, adamantium can only be damaged by direct attacks from cosmic entities or beings with immense power, such as Hulk. Moreover, this metal, combined with Wolverine’s incredible healing abilities, has allowed the mutant to survive in the Marvel Universe and frequently escape from the most dangerous battles.
Additionally, adamantium is incredibly dense and very heavy. This explains why Wolverine’s weight has increased from 195 lbs (88.5 kg) to 300 lbs (136 kg) after his skeleton was coated with this metal in the Weapon X program. In contrast, MCU’s vibranium is identified as weighing only one-third as much as steel, although it is still very durable and advanced.
Adamantium can be utilized in various fields
In Ross’s presentation, if we consider the practical applications of adamantium, it can be seen that this metal can be used to create advanced technologies in various fields, such as medicine or defense. Ross even claims that this is the most flexible resource on Earth, meaning it surpasses vibranium – a metal that has had numerous applications in the MCU for many years.
Specifically, vibranium has been used to create Captain America’s shield, Falcon’s wings, various suits for Black Panther, and is widely utilized in everyday life of the Wakandan people. It is embedded in many of their clothing, used to power ships, shields, and other technological advancements in Wakanda. Similarly, the city of Talokan has also actively exploited vibranium in different ways, primarily to provide energy for its artificial sunlight sources.
Adamantium is not controlled by any nation
Another significant difference between adamantium and vibranium in the MCU, as mentioned in Ross’s presentation, is that adamantium is not under the control of any nation in the world. In contrast, vibranium is almost considered the “exclusive property” of Wakanda. In the blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, many nations expressed a desire to independently exploit vibranium, as this substance is wholly controlled by Wakanda.
This is why the introduction of adamantium is a major event for the global community within the MCU, especially when this metal is also more abundant and has more applications than vibranium.
Adamantium has many applications but is harder to control
In Brave New World, Ross confirmed that Japan is the only country currently able to refine a sample of adamantium from the celestial source. This indicates a complicated and challenging process, similar to the previous X-Men films by 20th Century Fox. In the comics, adamantium can only be bent when heated to over 1500 degrees Celsius, and it will take 8 minutes for it to return to its original form.
Details show that the MCU’s adamantium is much harder to refine and control compared to vibranium – a substance that has been widely utilized since its first appearance on screen. However, it is essential to note that the adamantium of Marvel Studios has a different origin, and regarding its nature, it is not a metal alloy. Therefore, in the future, it might “adapt” in a way that does not adhere too closely to its original concept.
Adamantium is mined from celestial sources
In the comics, adamantium is a substance derived from vibranium. Instead of being a pure element, adamantium is an alloy created from the combination of vibranium, steel, and a lesser-known chemical compound.
However, in the cinematic version, as seen in Captain America: Brave New World, adamantium originates from celestial sources – specifically from the Tiamut celestial being. In other words, it emerges and is formed from cosmic matter, similar to vibranium – which fell from a celestial object and landed in what later became Wakanda.
Source: ScreenRant
