A Celebration Of Sam Wilson

Sam Wilson is notable as the first African-American superhero in mainstream comics. (Black Panther was the first Black superhero at Marvel, but hails from the fictional African nation of Wakanda.) Wilson was introduced in the comics back in 1969 by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan as the Falcon. He became Captain America’s crimefighting partner for an extended run, getting his name on the cover of the series as Captain America and the Falcon for most of the 1970s.

If you loved the film, check out some of Sam Wilson’s comics highlights:

Captain America #117 (Sept. 1969)

We are first introduced to Sam Wilson on a tropical island, which is under the thumb of villains who the Red Skull has exiled. Sam is doing his best to rally the island’s people against them when he meets Cap, who encourages him to take on a heroic costumed persona to use his skills and the trained bird, Redwing, to inspire the people as the Falcon. (Facsimile edition: AUG247724)

Falcon #1-4 (1983) 

The team of Jim Owlsley (later Christopher Priest) and pencilers Paul Smith and Mark Bright tackle the Falcon’s first solo miniseries, featuring the Falcon trying to intervene in gang activity that escalates when the president is kidnapped. 

Captain America Vol. 7 #25 (2012 series) 

Sam takes on the mantle of Captain America in this issue written by Rick Remender with art by Carlos Pacheco. This issue is collected as Captain America: The Saga of Sam Wilson (SEP240964), which features his first run as Captain America in the first All-New Captain America 1-6 in 2014-2015, his 2017 solo Falcon series, and the 2022 Captain America #0. Sam also stars in Captain America: Sam Wilson in 2015-2017, and is a key member of the “All-New, All-Different Avengers” at about the same time. He has important roles in the “Avengers Standoff” and “Secret Empire” storylines. In 2022-2023, Sam starred in 14 issues of Captain America: Symbol of Truth, written by Tochi Onyebuchi, with art by R.B. Silva and others. (Vol. 1: SEP221126; Vol. 2: MAR230972.) On Jan. 2, Sam kicked off a Sam Wilson: Captain America limited series, co-written by Greg Pak and Evan Narcisse and drawn by artist Eder Messias. (issue #1: OCT240834).

Sam is a great character, with a long history in the Marvel Universe. If the film has you wanting more, talk to your local shop for recommendations!