The Marvel hero’s origin and powers, explained

As the MCU slowly approaches the release of Captain America: Brave New WorldNow is a better time than ever to familiarize yourself with Sam Wilson’s book Captain America. Although the character has been around for nearly 60 years, his tenure as Captain America was comparatively short but significantly more impactful. Despite the overwhelming and unfair criticism Wilson receives, he still serves as a perfect Captain America.

Sam Wilson has significant historical importance to Marvel Comics. Debuting just a year after Black Panther, Falcon was Marvel’s second black superhero. When Stan Lee first introduced Wilson, the prolific writer expressed a desire to keep his stories up to date with significant social movements.

Decades later, Sam Wilson serves a new purpose by showing people on and off the page a different perspective on an American hero with their own unique struggles and dreams. But before readers can fully explore Captain America’s modern values, they must first get to know the character.

Sam Wilson’s origin as a Marvel hero and his role as Steve Rogers’ successor, explained

Sam’s debut as Falcon: Captain America #117 – Written by Stan Lee; Art by Gene Colan

Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson doesn’t have Super Soldier serum coursing through his veins. Instead, most of Sam’s physical enhancements come from cybernetic and mechanical enhancements to his suit. However, this does not minimize his refined physical prowess and mastery of martial arts and acrobatics. Of course, his trapeze skills are by far his greatest skill; Interestingly, it was also retconned that Sam has a telepathic connection to all birds – although this has had a limited impact on the character, especially in his role as Captain America after taking up the mantle as Steve Rogers’ successor.

After earning the Star-Spangled costume and shield, Part of Sam Wilson’s initial arc as Captain America involved learning how to use his new powers and adapt to his new responsibilities, the way Steve Rogers did. Sam realized he wasn’t Steve, instead deciding to use his suit’s momentum and maneuverability to get out. Precise attacks while in the air. Wilson’s physical power and apparent grace make him a fun character to watch in a fight, but what makes this hero more important is what he represents.

Sam Wilson fights threats to democracy with even more urgency as the original Captain America

Sam’s Captain America Debut: Captain America #25– Written by Rick Remender; Art by Carlos Pacheo, Mariano Taibo and Dean White

Both in the comics, the MCU, and the real world, Sam Wilson has been overly scrutinized for his tenure as Captain America. Unlike Steve Rogers, the courageous poster boy for the traditional American dream, Sam Wilson is the face of a marginalized community, often deprived of access to that same dream. Wilson is held to a different standard, always having to prove himself. It represents the struggle that an overwhelming number of Americans must face to prove that they are “worthy” of being citizens.

That being said, Wilson proves himself every day, facing the same threats to democracy that Rogers has been fighting for years. Currently, Sam’s attention has been drawn to international affairs. After persevering for Blood HuntIn the endless night, Captain America must now lead the Avengers in the rise of Doctor Doom’s global dominance. Notably, Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers, the two greatest Captain Americas, had to team up not long ago to defeat Nomad and the White Wolf.

Sam Wilson as Captain America means much more than Steve Rogers in the modern era

The future of America

Sam is more than just “Black Captain America,” he is a symbol of America’s potential, just like Steve Rogers. Rogers’ Captain America represented an idealized version of his country that protected its people from the cruelties of the world. Wilson’s Captain America reflects the modern state of America, guiding his fellow citizens through an era of unprecedented hatred and systematic oppression. Sam Wilson had to work harder than Rogers ever did, overcoming his lack of powers and public scrutiny; he is what Captain America should be, a symbol of hope.

Fortunately, the overall fan reception of Wilson’s run as Captain America is as close to the positive reception of Miles Morales as Spider-Man. Sam Wilson isn’t just an inclusive replacement, he’s an exceptional hero with the same brilliance and talent as any other Avenger. He has been a respected leader and one who the other Avengers can trust. He has successfully led his teams through atrocities and apocalypses, remaining ever strong as a symbol of hope and inspiration for those who feel they have no power. As Captain America: Brave New World As he nears his debut, expect even bigger things from Sam Wilson.