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.
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.
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.
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.
Sam Wilson's abilities in the comics are a unique blend of psionic power, peak physical training, and advanced technology.
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.
The MCU's Sam Wilson is a non-superpowered human whose formidable capabilities come entirely from his training and technology.
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.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.
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.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.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.Avengers: Age of Ultron and plays a key role in the team's conflicts, including the Civil War and the war against Thanos.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Secret Wars tie-in.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.The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to have been designed by a specialist at the Air Force's 118th Special Ops Wing.Captain America #117 (Sept. 1969). Creators: Stan Lee and Gene Colan.Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).