Battlestar

• Core Identity: Lemar Hoskins is Battlestar, a superhumanly strong patriot and the steadfast partner of John Walker, serving as his moral compass and right-hand man through Walker's tumultuous tenures as Captain America and U.S. Agent.
• Key Takeaways:
  • The Unwavering Partner: Battlestar's defining role across all media is his unshakeable loyalty to John Walker (U.S. Agent). He is not merely a sidekick but a strategic partner, confidant, and the voice of reason that attempts to ground Walker's more aggressive tendencies.
  • Product of the Power Broker: In the comics, his powers are not the result of a super-soldier serum but a strength-augmenting process from the infamous Power Broker, Inc., a storyline that explores themes of ambition and the high cost of power for aspiring heroes and villains.
  • Comic vs. MCU Divergence: While his core partnership with John Walker remains, the MCU version of Lemar Hoskins is a non-superpowered, highly decorated U.S. Army soldier whose tragic death serves as a critical catalyst for Walker's dark turn, a stark contrast to his long-surviving comic counterpart.

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.

• Superhuman Strength: As a result of the Power Broker's augmentation process, Battlestar possesses superhuman strength. He is able to lift approximately 10 tons. This places him well above peak human levels and allows him to contend with a wide variety of super-powered threats, easily bending steel bars and punching through brick walls.
• Superhuman Durability: His body's tissues are significantly harder and more resistant to physical injury than an ordinary human's. He can withstand impacts, such as falls from great heights or being struck by super-strong opponents, that would severely injure or kill a normal person. He is also resistant to high-caliber bullets, though not completely invulnerable.
• Superhuman Stamina: Battlestar's augmented musculature produces considerably fewer fatigue toxins than an ordinary human. As a result, he can exert himself at peak capacity for several hours before the onset of fatigue.
• Expert Combatant: Lemar received extensive training in hand-to-hand combat from the Commission on Superhuman Activities. He was trained by Taskmaster, a master of combat mimicry, and has honed his skills through countless battles. His fighting style integrates his superhuman strength with formal techniques, making him a formidable brawler. He is particularly skilled in using his shield for both offense and defense.
• Military Training: His time in the U.S. Army provided him with a strong foundation in military tactics, strategy, and discipline.

• Battlestar's Shield: For most of his career, Battlestar wielded a triangular shield. While often depicted as being made of high-density steel or other durable alloys, its most notable incarnation was a shield constructed from a block of Vibranium. ¹⁾ The shield is virtually indestructible and, like Captain America's, is capable of absorbing immense kinetic impact and can be thrown as a devastating projectile weapon.

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.

• Peak Human Condition: This version of Lemar has no superhuman powers. He is, however, a soldier at the absolute peak of human physical and mental conditioning. His strength, speed, stamina, and reflexes are honed to the highest levels possible for a human without chemical enhancement.
• Master Marksman & Tactician: Lemar is a highly decorated soldier with years of combat experience. He is an expert marksman with a wide variety of firearms and a brilliant military strategist. He is shown to be highly capable of assessing combat situations, coordinating movements, and providing tactical support for Walker.
• Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: As a top-tier special forces operator, he is highly skilled in armed and unarmed combat, capable of holding his own against multiple opponents. However, he is demonstrably outclassed by super-soldiers like the Flag Smashers or Bucky Barnes in terms of raw physical power.

• Standard Military Gear: Battlestar utilizes standard-issue U.S. military equipment, including tactical body armor, communications gear, and a variety of firearms such as assault rifles and sidearms. He does not use a shield in this incarnation.

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.

• John Walker (Captain America / U.S. Agent): This is the single most important relationship in Lemar's life. In both the comics and the MCU, Lemar is John's most trusted friend and partner. In the comics, their relationship is one of equals; two men who gained power together and sought to serve their country. Lemar often acts as the brake to John's accelerator, challenging his brutal methods and reminding him of the ideals they are meant to uphold. In the MCU, the dynamic is more of a soldier and his brother-in-arms. Lemar provides the emotional support Walker desperately needs to cope with the impossible standards of being Captain America. In both realities, Lemar's presence is what keeps John Walker grounded; his absence is what often causes Walker to spiral into violence and despair.
• Steve Rogers (Captain America): While they were initially on opposite sides of an ideological divide, Lemar came to deeply respect Steve Rogers. During the “Captain” storyline, Battlestar and Rogers found themselves working together against the Serpent Society and other threats. Rogers, in turn, recognized Lemar's genuine heroism and integrity, distinguishing him from the more volatile John Walker. They developed a professional respect based on their shared commitment to doing good.
• Silver Sable and the Wild Pack: After his initial partnership with Walker dissolved, Battlestar sought work as a mercenary. His skills and powers brought him to the attention of Silver Sable, the leader of the elite mercenary group known as the Wild Pack. He served as a member for a time, lending his strength and tactical knowledge to their international operations. This period demonstrated his ability to operate independently of Walker and further honed his combat skills.

• The Watchdogs: This right-wing, domestic terrorist group was a major antagonist during the time Walker and Hoskins served as Captain America and Bucky. The Watchdogs sought to enforce their own puritanical moral code on America through violence and intimidation. Battlestar fought them fiercely, finding their brand of vigilante “patriotism” to be a grotesque perversion of the values he held.
• Flag-Smasher (Karl Morgenthau) and ULTIMATUM: In the comics, the original Flag-Smasher and his anti-nationalist terrorist organization, ULTIMATUM, were the philosophical opposites of Captain America. As Walker's partner, Battlestar frequently clashed with them. The conflict was ideological as well as physical, pitting Battlestar's belief in national identity and order against ULTIMATUM's goal of a world without borders.
• Karli Morgenthau and the Flag Smashers (MCU): In the MCU, the Flag Smashers are Lemar's primary antagonists. While he may sympathize with their plight as displaced refugees, he fundamentally disagrees with their violent methods. His conflict with them is direct and brutal. It is Karli Morgenthau who, in a moment of rage, accidentally kills Lemar by punching him with superhuman force into a concrete pillar. His death becomes a pivotal moment in the series, serving as the catalyst for John Walker's public execution of another Flag Smasher and his subsequent disgrace.

• Bold Urban Commandos (BUCkies): Lemar's first team, formed to support John Walker's campaign to become a public hero.
• Commission on Superhuman Activities (CSA): The U.S. government agency that appointed Walker and Hoskins as the new Captain America and Bucky, providing them with training, equipment, and official sanction.
• Silver Sable's Wild Pack: A world-renowned team of mercenaries-for-hire based in the nation of Symkaria, led by Silver Sable.
• U.S. Army: The foundation of his and Walker's bond, providing the training and discipline that defined their lives.

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.

• Earth-199999 (Marvel Cinematic Universe): As detailed throughout this entry, this is the most well-known version of Lemar Hoskins to the general public. This non-powered, military-focused interpretation serves a different narrative purpose. He is not a long-term partner but a tragic figure whose death is the primary catalyst for John Walker's fall from grace and eventual rebirth as the U.S. Agent. His character arc is compressed but incredibly impactful, exploring themes of brotherhood, the trauma of war, and the human cost of the super-heroic world.
• What If…?: In the comic series What If? vol. 2 #104, a reality is explored where the Commission on Superhuman Activities never forced Steve Rogers to resign. In this world, John Walker remained the Super-Patriot and Lemar Hoskins presumably remained his partner in the Bold Urban Commandos, operating as a popular but independent hero without ever taking on the mantle of Bucky or Battlestar.

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