Battlestar first appeared as an unnamed member of the “Bold Urban Commandos” in Captain America #323 (November 1986). He was created by writer Mark Gruenwald and artist Paul Neary. His full identity as Lemar Hoskins was established later in the storyline. Gruenwald's run on Captain America was a deep, political exploration of what the title and shield truly represented. The creation of John Walker as a government-sanctioned replacement for Steve Rogers was a central pillar of this examination. Lemar Hoskins was introduced as part of Walker's entourage, designed to be his parallel to Bucky Barnes. Initially, Lemar adopted the moniker of “Bucky.” However, this decision was met with criticism. The term “buck” has historically been used as a derogatory and dehumanizing slur for Black men. Upon realizing the offensive historical connotations, which writer Dwayne McDuffie brought to Marvel's attention, Gruenwald and his editor, Ralph Macchio, acted swiftly. In Captain America #341 (May 1988), they retconned the character's codename. In the story, Lemar himself explains that he learned of the name's racist implications and chose a new identity: Battlestar. This change was a significant moment, reflecting a real-world course correction and adding a layer of thoughtful character development for Lemar. He was no longer just a reflection of a past sidekick but a hero forging his own identity.
The origin of Lemar Hoskins is a tale of ambition, patriotism, and the different paths one can take to gain power. His journey is markedly different between the primary comic continuity and his adaptation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Lemar Hoskins' story begins not in a government lab, but in the world of professional wrestling. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Lemar enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he met and befriended John Walker, Jerome Johnson, and Hector Lennox. After their military service, the group felt adrift, possessing skills and a drive to serve but lacking a direction. It was Walker who conceived of a plan to gain superhuman abilities to become heroes. Their path led them to Power Broker, Inc., a clandestine corporation run by Curtiss Jackson that offered superhuman strength for a price. The Power Broker's process was notoriously dangerous and addictive, but Lemar and his friends willingly underwent the augmentation. The procedure was a success, granting all of them immense physical strength and durability. Initially, they used these powers as professional wrestlers in the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation (UCWF), a league specifically for augmented individuals. When John Walker decided to become a public hero, branding himself as the “Super-Patriot” to challenge Captain America's perceived outdated ideals, Lemar and the others joined him. They became the Bold Urban Commandos, or “BUCkies,” acting as Walker's backup during staged public battles and rallies designed to make Walker look like a superior patriot. Lemar was Walker's most prominent and loyal supporter. Their campaign was a stunning success. When Steve Rogers resigned as Captain America after a dispute with the Commission on Superhuman Activities (CSA), the U.S. government, impressed by Walker's manufactured popularity, offered him the mantle. Walker accepted, and in a move to replicate the classic patriotic duo, he requested that Lemar Hoskins serve as his partner. The CSA agreed, and Lemar was given a costume and a codename: Bucky. As the new Bucky, Lemar trained extensively with Walker, becoming a formidable hand-to-hand combatant to complement his superhuman strength. He was a moderating influence on the hot-headed Walker, often trying to de-escalate situations and provide a more measured perspective. It was during this period that a fellow African-American man informed Lemar of the racist history of the term “buck.” Deeply disturbed, Lemar designed a new costume and adopted the name Battlestar, presenting his new identity to the Commission and Walker, who supported his decision. As Battlestar, he wielded a custom-made triangular shield forged from Adamantium, a gift from T'Challa, the Black Panther. He continued to serve as Walker's loyal partner until Walker's increasingly violent and unstable behavior led to a tragic public confrontation, culminating in Walker being stripped of the Captain America title.
The MCU, as seen in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, presents a significantly different and more grounded origin for Lemar Hoskins. In this continuity (designated Earth-199999), Lemar is a highly decorated, non-superpowered soldier and the long-time friend of John Walker. Lemar and John served together in the U.S. Army, forging an unbreakable bond in the crucible of combat. They were both part of the same unit and fought side-by-side in Afghanistan. Their military record was exceptional; Walker became the first person in American history to receive three Medals of Honor, and Lemar's own record was similarly distinguished. This shared history of intense military service is the foundation of their relationship, built on mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding of the pressures and traumas of being a soldier. When the U.S. government decides to name a new Captain America following Sam Wilson's initial refusal to take up the shield, they choose John Walker for his impeccable record and all-American image. Understanding the immense pressure of the role, Walker insists that Lemar be his partner. Lemar Hoskins is given the codename “Battlestar” from the start and serves as Walker's tactical support and closest confidant. Unlike his comic counterpart, this version of Lemar possesses no superhuman abilities. He is an expert marksman, a skilled tactician, and a highly capable soldier who relies on conventional weapons and his military training. He acts as Walker's “wingman,” providing overwatch, coordinating with authorities, and serving as a crucial sounding board for Walker's frustrations and doubts. He is deeply pragmatic and understands the political and public relations aspect of their mission to stop the Flag Smashers. While he supports Walker unequivocally, he also recognizes Walker's growing obsession with matching the physical power of super-soldiers like Bucky Barnes and Karli Morgenthau. He encourages Walker to take a sample of the recovered Super-Soldier Serum, believing it's the only way for them to effectively complete their mission and save lives. This fundamental difference—lacking powers from the start—makes his ultimate fate all the more tragic and impactful. His role is not to be a physical equal to Walker, but an emotional and strategic anchor.
Lemar Hoskins is defined by his loyalty and strong moral compass. He is pragmatic but fundamentally decent. While he initially sought power and fame alongside John Walker, he quickly matured into a heroic figure who understood the responsibility that came with his abilities. He is the quintessential “good soldier”—disciplined, reliable, and fiercely protective of his partner. He is often the voice of reason that reins in Walker's more extreme impulses. Lemar is not afraid to question orders or Walker's judgment when he feels a line is being crossed, but his challenges always come from a place of deep-seated friendship and concern. He is a hero because he chooses to be, striving to do the right thing even when it's difficult.
The MCU's Lemar Hoskins shares his comic counterpart's loyalty but is portrayed with a harder, more pragmatic edge forged by modern warfare. He is fiercely loyal to John Walker, viewing their bond as a brotherhood. He is Walker's anchor, constantly providing encouragement and validation as Walker struggles under the immense pressure of being Captain America. He is more of a pragmatist than an idealist; he sees the Super-Soldier Serum not as a moral compromise, but as a necessary tool to level the playing field and win the fight. He is less of a moral compass questioning Walker's actions and more of a supportive confidant who believes in the man, not just the mission. This unwavering support, while born of friendship, inadvertently enables Walker's descent, making his eventual death a devastating blow that removes the last restraint on Walker's rage.
This is Battlestar's defining storyline. Running from Captain America #333-350, it saw Steve Rogers resign in protest, leading the U.S. government to install John Walker as the new Captain America and Lemar Hoskins as the new Bucky. The arc explored the immense pressure of living up to a legend. Lemar's role was crucial; he was the steady hand trying to guide the increasingly unstable Walker. His decision to abandon the “Bucky” name in favor of “Battlestar” was a key moment of self-actualization. The storyline culminated in a confrontation with a vengeful Red Skull (in a cloned body of Steve Rogers), which ultimately proved Walker was not suited for the role. Lemar's loyalty was tested to its limits, as he was forced to reconcile his friendship with Walker's violent actions.
During the “Streets of Poison” storyline in Captain America #372-378, which dealt with a designer drug epidemic, U.S. Agent (John Walker) and Battlestar investigated a powerful drug lord. In the conflict that followed, Battlestar was captured and brutally crucified by the villain's henchmen, seemingly bleeding to death. This apparent death sent U.S. Agent on a dark and violent quest for revenge. However, it was later revealed in Silver Sable and the Wild Pack #25 that Lemar had survived his ordeal. The Commission on Superhuman Activities had faked his death and sent him to a German hospital to recover, hoping his “martyrdom” would motivate Walker. This revelation was a bitter pill for Lemar, who felt used by the very government he had served.
In the 2021 limited series, The United States of Captain America, Lemar Hoskins played a significant role. When Captain America's shield is stolen, Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, and John Walker team up to retrieve it. They discover a network of ordinary people who have been inspired by the shield to become local “Captains.” Battlestar joins the mission, reuniting with Walker and providing his strength and tactical acumen. His presence is a welcome one, showing him fully recovered and once again operating as a hero on a national stage. He serves as a bridge between the more volatile Walker and the other Captains, showcasing his maturity and enduring commitment to the ideal of Captain America.
While Battlestar has not had as many prominent alternate-reality versions as characters like Spider-Man or Wolverine, his MCU counterpart stands as his most significant variant.