As the MCU slowly nears the release ofCaptain America: Brave New World, now is a better time than ever to familiarize oneself with Sam Wilson’sCaptain America. While the character has been around for nearly 60 years, his tenure as Captain America has been comparatively short but significantly more impactful. Despite the overwhelming and unjust critiques Wilson gets, he still serves as a perfect Captain America.
Sam Wilson has a significant amount of historical importance to Marvel Comics. Debuting just a year after Black Panther, the Falcon wasMarvel’s second-ever black superhero. When Stan Lee first introduced Wilson, the prolific writer expressed a desire to keep his stories up to date with significant social movements.
Decades later,Sam Wilson serves a new purpose, showing people both on and off the page a different perspective of an American herowith their own unique struggles and dreams. But before readers can fully explore Captain America’s modern values, they must get to know the character first.
Sam Wilson’s Origin As A Marvel Hero & His Role As Steve Rogers' Successor, Explained
Sam’s Debut As Falcon:Captain America#117 – Written By Stan Lee; Art By Gene Colan
Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson doesn’t haveSuper-Soldier serum coursing through his veins. Instead, most of Sam’s physical augmentations come from cybernetic and mechanical enhancements in his suit. However, that’s not to downplay his well-refined physical prowess and mastery of martial arts and acrobatics. Of course, his aerialist abilities are by far his greatest skill; interestingly, it was also retconned that Sam has a telepathic connection to all birds – though this has had limited impact on the character, especially in his role as Captain America, after taking on the mantle as Steve Rogers' successor.
Enjoying Sam Wilson As Captain America? Check Him Out in These Comic Series
Mini-Series (Completed)
Sam Wilson: Captain America
Written by Greg Pak & Evan Narcisse; Art by Valentine De Landro & Eder Messias
Full Length Series (Releases January 1)
One World Under Doom
Written by Ryan North; Art by R.B. Silva; Coloring by David Curiel
Full Length Series (Releases February 12)
After earning the Star-Spangled suit and shield,part of Sam Wilson’s early arc as Captain America involved learning how to use his new powers, and adapt to his new responsibilities,the way Steve Rogers had. Sam realized that he wasn’t Steve, instead leaning into using the momentum and maneuverability of his suit to pull offpowered pinpoint strikes while in the air. Wilson’s physical power and apparent grace make him an entertaining character to watch in a fight, but what makes this hero more important is what he stands for.
Sam Wilson Fights Threats To Democracy With Even More Urgency As The Original Captain America
Sam’s Captain America Debut:Captain America#25– Written By Rick Remender; Art By Carlos Pacheo, Mariano Taibo, & Dean White
Both in the comics, the MCU, and the real world, Sam Wilson has been overly scrutinized forhis tenure as Captain America. Unlike Steve Rogers, the plucky poster boy of the traditional American Dream, Sam Wilson is the face of a marginalized community, one that is often deprived of access to that same dream. Wilson is put to a different standard, always having to prove his worth. He represents the struggle that an overwhelming number of Americans must face to prove themselves “worthy” of being a citizen.
Sam Wilson officially became the next Captain America inCaptain America #25.After thwarting Armin Zola’s plot to unleash a nuclear weapon, Wilson was celebrated as a hero while Steve Rogers was left aged and too weak to hold his shield. Rogers officially dubbed Sam Wilson “Captain America,” leaving his once-sidekick to handle the rampant levels of corruption buried deep with government agencies like SHIELD. Just like his appearance inCaptain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson’s greatest enemy has always been institutionalized oppression and conspiracy.
That said,Wilson proves his worth every day, taking on the same threats to democracy that Rogers has been fighting for years. Currently, Sam’s attention has been pulled toward international matters. After persevering through theBlood Hunt’s endless night, Captain America must now lead the Avengers through the rise ofDoctor Doom’s global rule. Notably, Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers, the two greatest Captain Americas, had to team up not too long ago, in order to take down the Nomad and the White Wolf.
Sam Wilson As Captain America Means A Lot More Than Steve Rogers In the Modern Era
The Future Of America
Sam is more than just “Black Captain America,” he’s a symbol of America’s potential, just like Steve Rogers is. Rogers' Captain America represented an idealized version of his country that shielded his people from the cruelties of the world. Wilson’s Captain America reflects the modern state of America, guiding his fellow citizens through an era of unprecedented hate and systematic oppression. Sam Wilson has had to work harder than Rogers ever has, overcoming his lack of powers and public scrutiny;he is what Captain America is supposed to be, a symbol of hope.
“If You Want Our Blood, You’ll Pay for Every Drop”: Marvel Just Confirmed Why Sam Wilson is the Perfect Captain America
Steve Rogers hand-picked Sam Wilson to be Captain America, and now in Blood Hunt #3, Marvel has confirmed this was the perfect choice.
Fortunately, overall fan reception to Wilson’s career as Captain America is as close to their positive reception toMiles Morales as Spider-Man. Sam Wilson isn’t just an inclusive stand-in, he’s an exceptional hero with all the same flash and flair as any other Avenger. He’s been a well-respected leader and one thatthe other Avengers can rely on. He’s successfully led his teams through atrocities and apocalypses, each time standing strong as a symbol of hope and inspiration for those who feel they have no power. AsCaptain America: Brave New Worldnears its debut, expect even greater things from Sam Wilson.
Captain America
TheCaptain Americafranchise is a crucial pillar of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), chronicling the journey of Steve Rogers, a frail young man transformed into the super-soldier Captain America during World War II. The franchise follows his battles against HYDRA, his adaptation to modern times, and his leadership in the Avengers. The trilogy is praised for its political intrigue, character development, and significant contributions to the overarching MCU narrative.
