Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Lemar Hoskins (Battlestar) ====== ===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary ===== * **Core Identity: Lemar Hoskins is a former soldier who, after being empowered by the Power Broker, became the loyal partner to John Walker, serving first as the new Bucky and later as the hero Battlestar, forever defined by his immense strength, unwavering loyalty, and his unique position as a Black superhero navigating the complex legacy of American patriotism.** * **Key Takeaways:** * **Role in the Universe:** Originally conceived as a modern-day Bucky Barnes for [[john_walker_us_agent|John Walker's Captain America]], Lemar Hoskins evolved into the independent hero Battlestar. He serves as Walker's conscience, a brother-in-arms, and a critical figure in the deconstruction of the Captain America mantle, exploring themes of legacy, race, and nationalism. * **Primary Impact:** Hoskins' most significant impact was in the landmark "The Captain" storyline, where his presence forced a conversation, both in-universe and among readers, about the racial implications of a Black man adopting the codename "Bucky." His transformation into Battlestar marked a powerful step toward self-defined heroism, and his journey highlights the struggles and triumphs of heroes operating outside the A-list spotlight. * **Key Incarnations:** The fundamental difference lies in empowerment and fate. In the [[earth_616|Earth-616]] comics, Lemar is a super-soldier with immense strength gained from the [[power_broker]], who serves as a costumed hero and has a complex history including a temporary death and resurrection. In the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|Marvel Cinematic Universe]], he is a non-powered but highly skilled soldier whose tragic death serves as the primary catalyst for John Walker's psychological breakdown and fall from grace. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== Lemar Hoskins first appeared as an unnamed member of the Bold Urban Commandos in ''Captain America'' #323, published in November 1986. He was created by the prolific writer [[Mark Gruenwald]] and artist Paul Neary during their seminal run on the title. Gruenwald's tenure on ''Captain America'' is renowned for its deep exploration of political and social themes, questioning the very definition of patriotism in a modern context. Hoskins was an integral part of this exploration. He was formally introduced as a character and given the codename **Bucky** in ''Captain America'' #334 (October 1987), stepping into the role of sidekick for John Walker, who had just been appointed the new Captain America by the Commission on Superhuman Activities. The intention was to directly parallel the classic Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes dynamic. However, this creative choice quickly sparked controversy. Writer Dwayne McDuffie, then working at Marvel, pointed out to Gruenwald and the editorial staff the historical context of the word "buck" as a derogatory and dehumanizing term for Black men, particularly during the era of slavery in the United States. Recognizing the unintended and deeply problematic racial undertones, Marvel and Gruenwald acted swiftly and responsibly. In-universe, this concern was voiced by another Black character, who explained the term's history to Lemar. This led to a canonical name change in ''Captain America'' #341 (May 1988), where Lemar Hoskins adopted the new, self-chosen codename **Battlestar**, complete with a new costume and his own iconic shield. This moment remains a significant example of creators listening to and addressing cultural feedback, weaving the correction directly into the character's narrative arc and strengthening his journey toward self-identity. ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== The origin of Lemar Hoskins differs significantly between the prime comic universe and his cinematic adaptation, reflecting the different narrative goals of each medium. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === Lemar Hoskins' journey to becoming a superhero began in the United States Army. It was there that he met and befriended John Walker, a fellow soldier with an intense and uncompromising sense of patriotism. After their military service, Walker developed a belief that the country had lost its way and that the original [[captain_america_steve_rogers|Captain America]] was no longer a suitable symbol for the nation's ideals. To promote his own brand of patriotism, Walker enlisted Hoskins and two other army buddies, Hector Lennox and Jerome Johnson, to form the "Bold Urban Commandos," or "BUCkies." They would perform staged attacks at Walker's public appearances as the "Super-Patriot," allowing Walker to defeat them and build his public profile as a new American hero. To gain the power necessary for these performances and for Walker's ambitions, all four men sought out the infamous [[power_broker|Power Broker]], Dr. Karl Malus, subjecting themselves to his dangerous and unpredictable strength-augmentation process. The procedure was a success, granting them all superhuman levels of strength, durability, and stamina. Their plan worked better than they could have imagined. When Steve Rogers resigned as Captain America due to a conflict with the [[commission_on_superhuman_activities|Commission on Superhuman Activities (CSA)]], the government-appointed Walker as his replacement. Walker insisted that Hoskins join him as his official partner. The CSA agreed, and Lemar was given a costume and the codename "Bucky" to replicate the original heroic duo. During a training session, Lemar was confronted about his codename. A fellow operative pointed out the name's racist history, a fact Lemar, who grew up in Chicago, was unaware of. Deeply affected, Lemar renounced the "Bucky" identity. He designed a new costume and adopted the name "Battlestar." In a gesture of respect and solidarity, [[black_panther_t'challa|T'Challa]], the king of Wakanda, gifted him a triangular shield forged from pure Vibranium, solidifying his new identity. As Battlestar, he fought alongside Walker's Captain America, serving as his more level-headed and strategic partner, often tempering Walker's aggressive tendencies. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === In the MCU, Lemar Hoskins' story is introduced in the Disney+ series ''[[the_falcon_and_the_winter_soldier_mcu|The Falcon and the Winter Soldier]]'', where he is portrayed by actor Clé Bennett. This version is a more grounded and tragic figure whose story is intrinsically tied to the immense pressure placed upon his best friend, John Walker (played by Wyatt Russell). Lemar Hoskins is established as a highly decorated, non-super-powered soldier and the devoted partner of Captain John Walker. They served multiple tours together in Afghanistan, earning Medals of Honor for their bravery. This shared military history forms an unbreakable bond between them. When the U.S. government chooses Walker to be the new Captain America, Lemar is assigned as his official support, fighting by his side under the callsign "Battlestar," though he never wears a costume. Unlike his comic counterpart, this Lemar possesses no superhuman abilities. His role is that of a skilled tactician, a proficient marksman, and most importantly, Walker's moral anchor. He constantly advises Walker, helps him strategize, and attempts to guide him through the impossible task of living up to Steve Rogers' legacy. He understands the immense psychological toll the shield is taking on his friend and is the only person Walker truly confides in. The critical divergence from the comics is his fate. During a confrontation with the [[flag_smashers|Flag Smashers]] in Riga, Latvia, Lemar is killed. Karli Morgenthau, empowered by the Super Soldier Serum, strikes him with such force that he collides with a stone pillar and dies instantly. Witnessing the murder of his best friend shatters John Walker's already fragile psyche. Enraged and grieving, Walker—who had secretly taken the serum himself—publicly murders a captured Flag Smasher with the iconic shield, an act witnessed and recorded by the world. Lemar's death is the definitive turning point for the MCU's John Walker, the catalyst that leads to his disgrace, the loss of the Captain America title, and his eventual recruitment by [[contessa_valentina_allegra_de_fontaine|Valentina Allegra de Fontaine]] as the [[john_walker_us_agent|U.S. Agent]]. The adaptation used Lemar's death to provide a deeply personal and emotionally resonant motivation for Walker's fall, making his story a tragedy about a good soldier broken by grief and pressure. ===== Part 3: Abilities, Equipment & Personality ===== The capabilities and personality of Lemar Hoskins vary dramatically between his comic book and cinematic portrayals, reflecting his different roles as a super-powered hero versus a grounded soldier. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === **Powers and Abilities:** * **Superhuman Strength:** As a result of the Power Broker's augmentation process, Battlestar's primary power is immense physical strength. He is classified as being able to lift (press) approximately 10 tons under optimal conditions. This places him far above peak human levels and allows him to trade blows with formidable opponents, shatter concrete, and bend steel. * **Superhuman Stamina:** His augmented musculature produces considerably fewer fatigue toxins than an ordinary human. He can exert himself at peak capacity for several hours before the build-up of fatigue toxins in his blood begins to impair him. * **Superhuman Durability:** His body is harder and more resistant to physical injury than that of an ordinary human. He can withstand great impact forces, such as falls from great heights and powerful blunt force trauma, that would severely injure or kill a normal person. While not invulnerable, he is exceptionally tough. * **Enhanced Agility and Reflexes:** While not on par with acrobats like [[captain_america_steve_rogers|Steve Rogers]] or [[spider-man_peter_parker|Spider-Man]], his agility, balance, and bodily coordination are enhanced to levels beyond the natural physical limits of the finest human athlete. * **Expert Combatant:** Lemar's time in the U.S. Army provided him with extensive training in unarmed combat and military tactics. He is a formidable hand-to-hand fighter, blending his military training with brawling techniques that take full advantage of his superhuman strength. **Equipment:** * **Battlestar Costume:** His costume is made of a bullet-resistant synthetic stretch fabric, offering him protection against small-arms fire and conventional blades. * **The Battlestar Shield:** His signature weapon is a triangular, kite-shaped shield. This shield was a personal gift from King T'Challa of Wakanda. While its exact composition has been described inconsistently over the years, it was originally stated to be forged from pure [[vibranium]].((There has been some canonical ambiguity regarding Battlestar's shield. While its origin story in ''Captain America'' #341 explicitly states it is a gift from Black Panther and made of Vibranium, later handbooks and official sources have sometimes misidentified it as Adamantium or a steel alloy. The original Vibranium origin is generally considered the primary canon.)) This makes it incredibly durable, lightweight, and capable of absorbing and redirecting massive amounts of kinetic energy, much like Captain America's iconic circular shield. He is highly proficient in using it for both defense and offense. **Personality:** Lemar is defined by his loyalty and pragmatism. He is far more grounded and level-headed than his friend John Walker. Where Walker is driven by passion and a volatile temper, Lemar is the voice of reason, often playing strategist and trying to de-escalate situations. He possesses a strong moral compass but is also a realist, understanding the grim necessities of their work. He is proud of his identity as a Black superhero and carries himself with a quiet dignity, refusing to be a mere sidekick or shadow. His journey is one of self-actualization, moving from "Bucky" to the self-defined hero, Battlestar. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === **Powers and Abilities:** * **Peak Human Condition:** This version of Lemar Hoskins has no superhuman powers. He is a soldier in peak physical condition due to his rigorous military training. * **Master Tactician and Strategist:** As Walker's partner, he is the primary strategist for their unit. He is shown coordinating their attacks, providing intelligence, and adapting their plans on the fly. * **Expert Marksman:** He is highly proficient with a wide array of military firearms, serving as the team's primary fire support. * **Advanced Hand-to-Hand Combatant:** As a decorated special forces soldier, he is an expert in close-quarters combat, capable of holding his own against multiple opponents, though he is clearly outmatched by Super Soldiers like the Flag Smashers. **Equipment:** * **Standard Military Gear:** Lemar utilizes standard-issue U.S. military equipment, including tactical body armor, communication devices, and various firearms such as assault rifles and sidearms. He does not carry a shield or wear a distinctive costume. **Personality:** The MCU's Lemar is the heart and conscience of his partnership with John Walker. He is patient, supportive, and empathetic. He fully understands the weight of the shield and the psychological burden it places on his friend. He constantly tries to provide perspective and encouragement, reminding Walker of the rules of engagement and the moral lines they cannot cross. He is fiercely loyal and protective, willing to lay down his life for his friend, which he ultimately does. His personality is designed to be the grounding force for Walker, and his death signifies the moment Walker becomes unmoored from his own morality. He is a tragic hero whose character is defined by his profound and ultimately fatal friendship. ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== ==== Core Allies ==== * **John Walker (U.S. Agent):** Lemar's most defining relationship. They are brothers-in-arms, forged in the crucible of military service. Lemar is one of the few people who truly understands the complex, often contradictory, man beneath Walker's aggressive exterior. He served as Walker's partner, confidant, and conscience during their tumultuous tenure as Captain America and Bucky. Even after they were stripped of their titles and went their separate ways, a deep-seated bond remained. Walker was devastated by Lemar's apparent death during the Civil War and has always held him in the highest regard. * **Steve Rogers (Captain America):** The relationship between Battlestar and Steve Rogers was initially one of opposition. Rogers saw Walker and Hoskins as government-sanctioned usurpers of a legacy they didn't understand. However, after Walker's public fall from grace and Rogers' return to the mantle, they developed a mutual respect. Rogers recognized Lemar's genuine heroism and his attempts to guide Walker in the right direction. * **Sam Wilson (Captain America):** In more recent comics, particularly during Sam Wilson's time as Captain America, he and Lemar have found common ground. As two prominent Black heroes who have operated under the star-spangled banner, they share a unique perspective. Lemar worked with Sam during the "Captain America: Sam Wilson" series, helping him navigate the political and social challenges that came with the shield. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== * **The Power Broker (Curtiss Jackson):** The man directly responsible for Lemar's powers is also one of his greatest foes. The Power Broker Corporation preyed on ambitious and desperate individuals, offering them superhuman abilities at a great physical and moral cost. Lemar and many others were victims of his unethical experiments and exploitative contracts. Battlestar has clashed with the Power Broker's organization on several occasions, fighting to free others from his grasp. * **The Watchdogs:** This right-wing, reactionary terrorist group was a frequent adversary for Walker and Hoskins. The Watchdogs sought to enforce their own puritanical moral code on America through violence and intimidation. As the official government-sanctioned heroes, Walker and Hoskins were often tasked with stopping them, representing a clash between state-sanctioned nationalism and extremist vigilantism. * **The Flag-Smasher:** In the comics, the original Flag-Smasher (Karl Morgenthau) and his organization ULTIMATUM were ideological opposites to Captain America, believing all nationalism was inherently evil. Walker and Hoskins fought him as a primary foe. In the MCU, this role is adapted for Karli Morgenthau, whose anarchistic goals clash with the new Captain America. Tragically, in this version, she becomes Lemar's killer, making the Flag-Smasher his ultimate, albeit posthumous, antagonist. ==== Affiliations ==== * **United States Army:** The institution where his journey began and where he formed his lifelong bond with John Walker. * **Bold Urban Commandos (The "BUCkies"):** His first super-powered team, a group of mercenaries hired by John Walker to stage public fights and build his reputation as the Super-Patriot. * **Commission on Superhuman Activities (CSA):** The government body that oversaw his official appointment as "Bucky" and later recognized his role as Battlestar, sanctioning his activities alongside Captain America. * **Silver Sable International:** For a time, Lemar worked as a freelance mercenary, taking his skills to the private sector and joining Silver Sable's Wild Pack, a group of highly skilled operatives for hire. * **The Jury:** He briefly served with The Jury, a group of armored vigilantes funded by General Orwell Taylor, whose son was killed by the symbiote [[venom_eddie_brock|Venom]]. The group was dedicated to bringing Venom to justice through any means necessary. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== === The Captain (Captain America Vol. 1 #333-350) === This is the quintessential Lemar Hoskins storyline, chronicling his origin and defining his character. The arc begins with Steve Rogers resigning as Captain America, leading the CSA to select John Walker as his replacement. Lemar joins him as the new Bucky, and the story meticulously details their training, their first missions, and the immense pressure they face. The most crucial part of the arc for Lemar is his personal evolution. The storyline directly addresses the racial insensitivity of his codename, giving him the agency to reject it and redefine himself as Battlestar. It establishes his role as Walker's moral center, showcasing his attempts to rein in Walker's violent tendencies, particularly after Walker's parents are murdered by terrorists, leading to a brutal and vengeful rampage. The arc culminates with a confrontation between Walker and Rogers, resulting in Walker relinquishing the shield and Lemar solidifying his place as a hero in his own right. === Civil War: Front Line #3 === During the first superhero [[civil_war_event|Civil War]], a conflict erupted between heroes over the Superhuman Registration Act. Lemar, along with a group of other heroes, joined forces to try and de-escalate the conflict and apprehend rogue supervillains taking advantage of the chaos. While battling a group of fugitives in Stamford, the battle was interrupted by the arrival of Ragnarok, a cyborg clone of [[thor_odinson|Thor]] created by [[iron_man_tony_stark|Tony Stark]] and Reed Richards. The unstable clone went on a rampage, and in the ensuing chaos, it struck Battlestar with a blast of lightning, seemingly killing him instantly. This shocking death was a major moment in the event, highlighting the terrible cost of the war and the danger of the pro-registration side's methods. John Walker was deeply affected by the loss of his best friend. === Captain America: Sam Wilson #15-17 === Years later, it was revealed that Lemar Hoskins had not died. He had been critically injured by the Ragnarok clone and was left in a state of suspended animation/coma under the care of S.H.I.E.L.D. He eventually recovered and returned to a very different world. This storyline saw him re-enter the heroic community, now grappling with severe injuries including the loss of a limb, which was replaced by a bionic prosthetic. He allied himself with Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, providing his veteran experience and perspective. He became a security expert and a mentor, proving that his spirit of heroism was unbroken. This arc served as a powerful resurrection for the character, bringing him into the modern Marvel era and allowing him to interact with a new generation of heroes while dealing with the physical and emotional scars of his past. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== While Lemar Hoskins has not been a major multiversal character with numerous distinct variants like Spider-Man or Captain America, his adaptation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe stands as his most significant and influential alternate version. * **Marvel Cinematic Universe (Earth-199999):** As detailed extensively, the MCU version of Lemar is the most prominent variant. This non-powered, purely human soldier serves to ground John Walker's story in a gritty, emotional reality. His death is arguably more impactful to the overarching narrative of ''The Falcon and the Winter Soldier'' than his comic counterpart's temporary death was to ''Civil War''. He exists not as a superhero partner, but as a symbol of the human cost of the super-powered world and the breaking point of a flawed man trying to be a hero. This version emphasizes the themes of friendship and loss over superheroics. * **Legacy:** While not a direct variant, the //idea// of Lemar Hoskins as the "new Bucky" created a precedent. It opened the door for the Captain America mantle and its associated roles to be held by different people, directly foreshadowing Sam Wilson becoming Captain America and Joaquin Torres becoming the new Falcon. Lemar's journey proved that the symbols of American heroism could be adopted, adapted, and redefined by individuals from all backgrounds, a theme that has become central to the modern Captain America mythos. ===== See Also ===== * [[john_walker_us_agent]] * [[captain_america_mantle]] * [[power_broker]] * [[commission_on_superhuman_activities]] * [[the_falcon_and_the_winter_soldier_mcu]] * [[sam_wilson_captain_america]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((Lemar Hoskins' first name is a tribute to Mark Gruenwald's childhood friend, Lemar Chase.)) ((The in-universe decision to change his codename from "Bucky" to "Battlestar" in ''Captain America'' #341 was a direct response to real-world feedback from writer and editor Dwayne McDuffie, who educated the creative team on the term's racist history.)) ((Battlestar's original shield, a gift from T'Challa, is one of the few Vibranium objects in the Marvel Universe not directly controlled or owned by Wakanda or Captain America.)) ((In the comics, Lemar's parents were supportive of his heroic career, a stark contrast to the tragic fate of John Walker's parents, which was a key factor in his psychological decline.)) ((Key Reading Chronology: ''Captain America'' #323 (First Appearance), ''Captain America'' #334 (First as Bucky), ''Captain America'' #341 (First as Battlestar), ''Civil War: Front Line'' #3 (Apparent Death), ''Captain America: Sam Wilson'' #15 (Revealed to be Alive).)) ((Despite being created in the 1980s, Lemar Hoskins' MCU adaptation in 2021 brought the character to mainstream prominence for the first time, introducing him to millions of fans who were previously unfamiliar with his comic book history.))