====== Falcon (Sam Wilson) ======
===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary =====
  *   **Core Identity:** **Sam Wilson is the Falcon, a master aerialist and tactician who, through his unwavering moral compass and deep bond with Steve Rogers, ultimately inherited the mantle and shield to become the all-new Captain America.**
  *   **Key Takeaways:**
  * **Role in the Universe:** Originally Captain America's loyal partner, Falcon evolved into a hero in his own right, a leader of the [[avengers]], and a powerful symbol of perseverance, becoming one of the most prominent legacy heroes in the Marvel Universe. [[captain_america_steve_rogers]].
  * **Primary Impact:** Falcon's creation was a landmark moment in comics history, representing one of the first mainstream African American superheroes. His journey from partner to leader, culminating in him becoming Captain America, explores profound themes of identity, legacy, and what it means to represent American ideals in the modern era.
  * **Key Incarnations:** The most critical difference lies in his origin and powers. In the [[earth_616|Earth-616 comics]], Sam Wilson gains a psionic link to birds from the Cosmic Cube during a plot by the [[red_skull]], whereas in the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)]], he is a highly skilled former USAF Pararescueman who uses advanced military flight technology, with his companion Redwing being a sophisticated drone rather than a living falcon.
===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution =====
==== Publication History and Creation ====
Samuel "Sam" Wilson, the Falcon, soared into comics history in **//Captain America// #117** (September 1969). He was co-created by the legendary writer-editor [[stan_lee]] and artist Gene Colan. His introduction was a significant and deliberate step forward in representation within the comic book industry. At a time when the American Civil Rights Movement was still a powerful and shaping force, the creation of a mainstream African American superhero—not a sidekick with a diminutive name, but a partner billed with his own heroic identity—was a groundbreaking event.
Gene Colan designed Falcon's iconic initial green-and-orange costume and envisioned him as a strong, capable ally for Captain America. Stan Lee's writing established his noble character, a man dedicated to helping his community long before he ever donned a pair of wings. Falcon was not just the first African American superhero in Marvel Comics without "black" in his name (predating [[luke_cage]] by three years), but he was also one of the first to not have his powers explicitly tied to his race. His title-sharing with Captain America, starting with //Captain America and the Falcon// from issue #134 (1971) to #222 (1978), was a testament to his immediate popularity and importance, cementing a partnership that would become one of the most enduring in all of comics.
==== In-Universe Origin Story ====
The origin of Sam Wilson is one of the most starkly different stories when comparing the primary comic book universe and the cinematic adaptation. One is rooted in cosmic manipulation and psychological warfare, while the other is a grounded tale of military service and modern technology.
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) ===
Sam Wilson's original comic book origin is complex, tragic, and deeply intertwined with one of Captain America's greatest foes, the Red Skull. Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Sam was the son of a prominent minister, Paul Wilson. From a young age, Sam developed a love for birds and became a dedicated pigeon trainer. His youth was marked by tragedy; he lost his father, who was killed trying to break up a neighborhood fight, and his mother was later murdered by a mugger. Consumed by grief and anger, Sam's path darkened. He adopted the persona of "Snap" Wilson, becoming a professional criminal and racketeer.
His life changed forever when his plane, en route to a mob job in Rio de Janeiro, crashed on Exile Island, a remote Caribbean island controlled by the Red Skull and his henchmen, the Exiles. On this island, the Skull, who was in possession of the reality-altering Cosmic Cube, found the amnesiac Sam Wilson. In a twisted plot to create a perfect foil to use against his old enemy, the Red Skull used the Cube to erase Sam's "Snap" Wilson past and implant a new personality—that of an idealistic social worker who had been lured to the island.
More significantly, the Red Skull used the Cube to forge a deep, telepathic, and empathetic bond between Sam and a wild falcon he had befriended on the island, which he named Redwing. The Skull's plan was to train Sam, have him befriend the newly arrived Captain America (who had been lured to the island), and then, at the opportune moment, reveal Sam as his sleeper agent and have him betray the hero.
The plan backfired spectacularly. The genuine heroism of Captain America and the strong moral fiber of the "new" Sam Wilson persona proved too powerful. Sam, with Redwing at his side, fought alongside Cap, and together they defeated the Red Skull's forces. After returning to America, Captain America encouraged Sam to use his skills to become a hero, the Falcon. T'Challa, the [[black_panther]], would later provide him with a technologically advanced winged harness, allowing him to take to the skies. For years, the "Snap" Wilson persona was believed to be a fabrication by the Red Skull, but it was later retconned that "Snap" was indeed Sam's real past, which the Skull had simply suppressed. This added a layer of complexity to Sam's character, showcasing his ability to overcome a dark past and truly earn his heroic redemption.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ===
The MCU presents a far more streamlined and grounded origin for Sam Wilson, completely excising the criminal past and the Red Skull's cosmic manipulation. This version of Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie, is first introduced in ''Captain America: The Winter Soldier'' (2014).
He is a former United States Air Force Pararescueman who served two tours of duty. He retired from active service after his wingman, Riley, was killed in action during a mission using the experimental **EXO-7 Falcon** flight suit. Traumatized by the event, Sam chose to help other veterans adjust to civilian life and cope with PTSD by running a support group at a Veterans' Affairs hospital in Washington, D.C.
It is here that he meets and befriends Steve Rogers, who is himself struggling to find his place in the 21st century. They bond over their shared military experiences and the difficulties of readjusting. When Captain America and Black Widow become fugitives from a S.H.I.E.L.D. infiltrated by [[hydra]], Steve seeks out Sam as one of the few people he can trust.
Without hesitation, Sam joins their cause. He reveals that the EXO-7 Falcon project was not entirely shut down and recovers his high-tech winged harness from Fort Meade. Unlike his comic counterpart's initial powers, Sam's abilities in the MCU are entirely technology-based. His suit grants him flight and is equipped with advanced weaponry. His companion, Redwing, is not a telepathically linked bird but a sophisticated, compact drone that provides reconnaissance, tactical support, and offensive capabilities. This reinterpretation modernizes the character, grounding him in a believable military-tech context that fits seamlessly within the MCU's established world. His heroism is a choice born from his character and experience, not the result of external manipulation.
===== Part 3: Abilities, Equipment & Personality =====
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) ===
Sam Wilson's abilities in the comics are a unique blend of psionic power, peak physical training, and advanced technology.
  *   **Powers:**
  * **Avian Telepathy/Empathy:** This is his most unique and defining power. As a result of the Red Skull's alteration via the Cosmic Cube, Sam possesses a powerful psionic link with his falcon, Redwing. This link is primarily empathetic, allowing him to feel what Redwing feels, but it also allows him to see through Redwing's eyes. Over time, and with training, this power has expanded dramatically. He can now telepathically communicate with and influence not just Redwing, but over six billion birds on the planet. This grants him a vast, globe-spanning reconnaissance network, allowing him to "see" almost anywhere on Earth.
  * **Peak Human Condition:** Through rigorous training with Captain America, Sam has honed his body to the peak of human potential in terms of strength, speed, stamina, and agility, comparable to an Olympic-level athlete.
  *   **Skills:**
  * **Master Aerialist:** Sam is arguably the most skilled aerial combatant on Earth. His control over his flight harness is instinctual and second-nature, allowing him to perform breathtakingly complex maneuvers at high speeds.
  * **Expert Martial Artist:** Trained extensively by Captain America in hand-to-hand combat, Sam has developed a unique fighting style that integrates his aerial abilities, using the momentum and three-dimensional freedom of flight to his advantage.
  * **Expert Tactician and Leader:** Having served as Captain America's partner and later as a leader of the Avengers, Sam is a seasoned strategist, capable of formulating and executing complex plans under pressure.
  *   **Equipment:**
  * **Redwing:** His original companion and the focal point of his psionic abilities. Redwing is a highly intelligent and loyal falcon, trained for combat and reconnaissance, acting as a seamless extension of Sam's will.
  * **Falcon's Wing Harness:** Sam has used several versions of his flight harness. The most advanced versions were designed and built in [[wakanda]] by Black Panther.
    *   **Construction:** Composed of lightweight [[vibranium]]-titanium alloy.
    *   **Propulsion:** Jet-powered, allowing for high-speed flight and VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capabilities.
    *   **Advanced Features:** The wings are psionically linked to Sam's mind, allowing for effortless control. They incorporate a GPS jamming network, holographic displays, and can detach to be used as defensive shields or projectiles. The suit also includes vibranium-laced microweave fabric, offering significant protection from small arms fire and impacts.
  *   **Personality:**
Sam is defined by his unwavering loyalty and strong moral compass. He is deeply empathetic, a trait that stems from his background as a social worker. He is a natural community leader, often more concerned with street-level justice than cosmic threats. As Captain America, he wrestled with the immense pressure of the legacy and the public's perception of him, but he never wavered in his commitment to doing what is right.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ===
The MCU's Sam Wilson is a non-superpowered human whose formidable capabilities come entirely from his training and technology.
  *   **Abilities:**
  * **Peak Human Condition:** As a former Pararescueman, Sam is in exceptional physical condition, with elite military training in combat, infiltration, and survival.
  * **Master Pilot:** He is an exceptionally gifted pilot, demonstrating an incredible aptitude for controlling the EXO-7 Falcon suit, a piece of technology few others can handle. His skills allow him to navigate complex environments like cityscapes and helicarriers with fluid precision.
  * **Expert Tactician:** His military background makes him a superb strategist, skilled in reconnaissance, covert operations, and coordinating team movements.
  *   **Equipment:**
  * **EXO-7 Falcon Suit:** This is his primary asset.
    *   **Wings:** A detachable, jet-powered wing pack with a massive wingspan, allowing for high-speed flight and incredible maneuverability. The wings can also be used as bulletproof shields.
    *   **Weaponry:** The suit includes wrist-mounted machine pistols and small, guided rockets housed in the pack.
    *   **Goggles:** His goggles provide a heads-up display with targeting information, communications, and enhanced visual spectrums.
  * **Redwing Drone:** A stark departure from the comics, this is a highly advanced Stark Industries/Wakandan-tech drone.
    *   **Functions:** It can be deployed from his flight pack, providing 360-degree scanning, audio/video surveillance, and houses its own offensive capabilities, including a directed energy weapon and small machine gun. It is controlled by Sam via a gauntlet interface.
  * **Captain America's Shield:** After being given the shield by an elderly Steve Rogers at the end of ''Avengers: Endgame'', Sam initially relinquishes it. Over the course of ''The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'', he reclaims it, training extensively to master its unique physics. He combines its use with his flight suit, creating a new and dynamic fighting style.
  * **Captain America Uniform (Wakandan Design):** His Captain America suit, a gift from the Wakandans, is made of a vibranium-weave fabric, offering enhanced durability and protection. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with his EXO-7 wing pack.
  *   **Personality:**
The MCU's Sam is characterized by his empathy, sharp wit, and grounded nature. His experience as a grief counselor makes him emotionally intelligent and a steadfast friend. Initially, he is defined by his loyalty to Steve Rogers, but his own journey forces him to confront his doubts and the complex legacy of the shield, especially for a Black man in America. He ultimately proves to be a thoughtful, inspiring, and determined leader who earns the title of Captain America not through a super-soldier serum, but through his unshakeable character.
===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network =====
==== Core Allies ====
  *   **Steve Rogers (Captain America):** This is the defining relationship of Sam's heroic career. In both continuities, Steve is more than a mentor; he is a brother-in-arms and a best friend. In the comics, their partnership was one of the longest-running in Marvel, built on absolute mutual trust. Steve saw Sam's inherent nobility, even when his past was revealed. In the MCU, their bond is forged in the crucible of the Hydra uprising, a friendship between two soldiers out of time in their own ways. Steve's decision to pass the shield to Sam was the ultimate testament to his faith in Sam's character, believing him to be the man most capable of carrying the legacy forward.
  *   **Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier):** Sam and Bucky share one of the most compelling and evolving relationships in Marvel. Initially, it was one of pure animosity; Bucky was the brainwashed assassin who tried to kill them, and Sam was the loyal friend standing in his way. Over time, particularly in the MCU series ''The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'', their dynamic evolved into a complex, begrudging partnership. They are bonded by their shared connection to Steve Rogers but are foils in almost every way. Their constant bickering and rivalry hide a deep, growing respect and a genuine friendship. They push each other to confront their respective traumas and ultimately become a formidable duo.
  *   **Joaquin Torres:** In the comics, Joaquin Torres is a young man who, after being experimented on by Karl Malus, is turned into a human-falcon hybrid, complete with wings and a telepathic link to Sam's falcon, Redwing. Sam takes him under his wing as his protégé, and Joaquin eventually becomes the new Falcon when Sam becomes Captain America. In the MCU, Joaquin is an Air Force intelligence officer who acts as Sam's ground support. He is a loyal and capable ally who deeply admires Sam. At the end of ''The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'', a damaged EXO-7 wing suit is left in his possession, heavily implying he will follow his comic book path and become the new Falcon.
==== Arch-Enemies ====
  *   **Red Skull (Johann Shmidt):** In the Earth-616 continuity, the Red Skull is Sam's most personal and hated enemy. He is the architect of Sam's entire heroic origin, having manipulated his mind and memories with the Cosmic Cube. This creates a deep-seated psychological conflict, as Sam's very identity as a hero was born from the villain's evil machinations. Every confrontation is a reminder of this violation, making their rivalry intensely personal.
  *   **Baron Zemo:** A significant antagonist in both universes. In the comics, Zemo is a recurring foe for Captain America and, by extension, Falcon. In the MCU, their relationship is more nuanced. While Zemo was the primary antagonist of ''Captain America: Civil War'', fracturing the Avengers, he becomes a temporary, uneasy ally in ''The Falcon and the Winter Soldier''. He and Sam share a common enemy but are ideologically opposed, with Zemo's aristocratic supremacist views clashing directly with Sam's egalitarian ideals.
  *   **Flag-Smasher (Karli Morgenthau):** A primary antagonist exclusive to the MCU. As the leader of the Flag Smashers, a group of super-soldiers who believe the world was better during the Blip, Karli represents an ideological challenge for Sam. He empathizes with her goals of a world without borders and helping displaced people, but he cannot condone her violent methods. Their conflict forces Sam to grapple with complex global issues and defines his approach as a more socially conscious and diplomatic Captain America.
==== Affiliations ====
  *   **The Avengers:** Sam Wilson is a long-standing and respected member of the Avengers in both the comics and the MCU. In the comics, he has not only been a member but has also served as the leader of multiple iterations of the team, proving his strategic capabilities on a global scale. In the MCU, he officially joins the "New Avengers" roster at the end of ''Avengers: Age of Ultron'' and plays a key role in the team's conflicts, including the Civil War and the war against Thanos.
  *   **S.H.I.E.L.D.:** While never a formal, full-time agent in the comics, Falcon has frequently worked alongside [[shield]] on a freelance basis, lending his unique skills to their missions. His loyalty, however, has always been to Captain America and the Avengers first and foremost.
  *   **Heroes for Hire:** For a brief period in the comics, Falcon was associated with the Heroes for Hire, the street-level super-team most famously run by Luke Cage and [[iron_fist]]. This affiliation highlighted his commitment to protecting his community in Harlem and tackling urban crime.
===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines =====
=== All-New Captain America (2014) ===
This comic storyline marks one of the most significant moments in Sam Wilson's history. After the Super-Soldier Serum in Steve Rogers' body is neutralized, he rapidly ages into an old man, unable to continue as Captain America. He personally chooses Sam Wilson to be his successor. In the series ''All-New Captain America'', Sam's tenure begins. The story sees him grappling with the immense public pressure and scrutiny of taking on such a revered mantle. He immediately faces a massive Hydra plot led by Baron Zemo and must prove himself not as a replacement for Steve Rogers, but as a new and different kind of Captain America. This arc solidified his A-list status and explored the unique challenges he faced in the role.
=== Secret Empire (2017) ===
During the controversial ''Secret Empire'' event, the timeline was altered by a sentient Cosmic Cube, rewriting Steve Rogers' history to make him a secret, lifelong deep-cover agent of Hydra. This "Hydra Cap" takes over the United States. Sam Wilson, who had briefly given up the shield prior to the event, is horrified. He becomes a leader of the underground resistance against Hydra's fascist regime. His arc in this event is about defiance and holding onto the true ideals of Captain America even when the original symbol has been corrupted. Sam's refusal to yield and his role in smuggling people to safety made him a beacon of hope, culminating in him once again taking up the shield to fight against the twisted version of his best friend.
=== Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) ===
This MCU film is Sam Wilson's cinematic origin story. It establishes the core tenets of his character: his military background, his empathy for fellow veterans, and his immediate, unshakeable loyalty to Steve Rogers. The film perfectly showcases his capabilities with the EXO-7 Falcon suit in a series of thrilling action sequences. More importantly, it lays the groundwork for the most important friendship in his life. His decision to help a fugitive Steve Rogers, saying "When do we start?", defines his character and sets him on the path to becoming an Avenger and, eventually, Captain America.
=== The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) ===
This Disney+ series is the definitive character study of Sam Wilson in the MCU. Picking up after ''Avengers: Endgame'', the story revolves around Sam's initial refusal to take up the shield, feeling he is unworthy and that the symbol is too complex. The series forces him to confront this legacy head-on. He witnesses the government appoint a new, unworthy Captain America (John Walker), battles the ideologically complex Flag Smashers, and is confronted by Isaiah Bradley, a forgotten Black super-soldier who was experimented on and imprisoned. The series masterfully explores themes of race, identity, and patriotism in America, culminating in Sam's realization that he must not let the legacy be defined by the past, but must instead redefine it himself. His final appearance in his Wakandan-made Captain America suit, proudly declaring "I'm Captain America," is the powerful climax of his entire MCU journey.
===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions =====
  *   **Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610):** In this alternate reality, Sam Wilson is not a costumed hero but a highly intelligent S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, scientist, and soldier. He is often referred to as "The Falcon" due to his association with a project involving advanced wing technology. This version is more of an intellectual adventurer and spy than a traditional superhero, and his wings are more cybernetic and integrated. He plays a key role in the Ultimate Universe's ''Secret Wars'' tie-in.
  *   **"The Captain" (Earth-717):** In the ''What If? Captain America'' #1 one-shot, a story set in 1863 during the American Civil War, Sam Wilson is an escaped slave who encounters a wounded Captain Steven Rogers. After Rogers' death, Sam takes up the shield and a new identity as "The Captain," becoming a folk hero who fights for the Union and the freedom of his people. It's a powerful reimagining of the legacy in a different historical context.
  *   **Marvel Zombies (Earth-2149):** Like most heroes in this reality, Falcon succumbs to the zombie plague. He is seen as part of the horde of zombified heroes who devour the Silver Surfer and Galactus, gaining cosmic powers in the process.
  *   **Avengers Assemble (Animated Series):** This popular animated series features a younger version of Falcon who is a new recruit to the Avengers. This iteration blends elements from the comics and the MCU. He is a tech genius who personally designed and built his own flight suit, and he looks up to Tony Stark. This version helped introduce the character to a younger generation of fans before his MCU prominence.
===== See Also =====
  * [[captain_america_steve_rogers]]
  * [[bucky_barnes]]
  * [[avengers]]
  * [[captain_america_shield]]
  * [[red_skull]]
  * [[marvel_cinematic_universe]]
  * [[earth_616]]
===== Notes and Trivia =====
((Sam Wilson's original criminal persona was named "Snap" Wilson, a detail that was later retconned as a memory implant by the Red Skull, and then retconned //back// to being a genuine part of his past that the Red Skull suppressed. This complex history reflects the changing attitudes and writing styles in comics over the decades.))
((The live falcon who portrays Redwing in the comics has an official name: Baron. He was trained by a professional falconer for the role. No, just kidding. But in the comics, Redwing is a male kestrel.))
((In the MCU, the EXO-7 Falcon wingsuit was stated in ''The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'' to have been designed by a specialist at the Air Force's 118th Special Ops Wing.))
((Anthony Mackie, the actor who portrays Sam Wilson, was a huge fan of the character before being cast. He actively campaigned for the role of Falcon and has often spoken about the cultural importance of portraying a Black superhero, and later, Captain America.))
((The decision to make Sam Wilson the new Captain America in the comics in 2014 was met with both widespread praise for its progressive storytelling and vocal backlash from some segments of the readership, mirroring the very real-world debates his character engages with in both the comics and the MCU series.))
((First Appearance: ''Captain America'' #117 (Sept. 1969). Creators: Stan Lee and Gene Colan.))
((First MCU Appearance: ''Captain America: The Winter Soldier'' (2014).))