The Original Black Nerd Collection

The Original Black Nerd Collection

1969 - Falcon AKA Captain America AKA Sam Wilson

     The Falcon made his first appearance in Captain America #117 (Sept. 1969), created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan. He was introduced as a social worker who had a special bond with a falcon named Redwing, and who was recruited by Captain America to help him fight against the Red Skull and his minions on a tropical island. The Falcon learned how to use a costume and a mask as symbols of heroism, and became an inspiration for the island’s oppressed inhabitants. He also discovered that Captain America was actually Steve Rogers, who had been swapped with the Red Skull by the Cosmic Cube. Together, they managed to defeat the Red Skull and restore their true identities.

     At first, the Falcon did not have any means of flying, and relied on his agility and martial arts skills to fight alongside Captain America. However, in Captain America #170 (Jan. 1974), he decided that he needed to upgrade his abilities, and sought out the help of the Black Panther, the king of Wakanda and a fellow superhero. The Black Panther designed a pair of mechanical wings for the Falcon, which allowed him to soar through the air and perform various aerial maneuvers. The wings also had other features, such as jet propulsion, retractable talons, and a built-in camera. The Falcon debuted his new wings in Captain America #171 (Feb. 1974), and became one of the most formidable flyers in the Marvel Universe.

     Another unique power that the Falcon possesses is his telepathic and empathic link with all birds. This power was originally explained as a result of his natural affinity with Redwing, his falcon companion. However, in Captain America #186 (May 1975), it was revealed that his power was actually enhanced by the Cosmic Cube, which had been manipulated by the Red Skull to create an ideal partner for Captain America. The Red Skull also implanted false memories into the Falcon’s mind, making him believe that he was a former criminal named “Snap” Wilson, who had reformed after meeting Captain America. The Falcon eventually learned the truth about his past and his powers, and decided to embrace them as part of his identity.

One of the most significant moments in the Falcon’s history was when he became Captain America himself. After Steve Rogers lost his super-soldier serum and aged rapidly in Captain America (vol. 7) #25 (Dec. 2014), he chose Sam Wilson as his successor to wield the shield and carry on his legacy. Sam Wilson accepted the honor and responsibility of being Captain America in All-New Captain America #1 (Jan. 2015), and led a new team of Avengers in fighting against Hydra and other threats. He also faced criticism and opposition from some people who did not accept him as Captain America because of his race or his political views. He eventually returned the shield to Steve Rogers after he was restored to his prime in Captain America: Sam Wilson #25 (Nov. 2017), but continued to be a hero as the Falcon.

– Falcon has been involved in many important storylines in Marvel Comics, such as:

  • The Secret Empire saga, where he helped expose a conspiracy that reached the highest levels of the U.S. government.
  • The Nomad saga, where he supported Captain America when he renounced his identity and became Nomad.
  • The Serpent Society saga, where he infiltrated a group of snake-themed villains and foiled their plans.
  • The Avengers: Under Siege saga, where he fought against Baron Zemo and the Masters of Evil when they attacked the Avengers Mansion.
  • The Streets of Poison saga, where he helped Captain America overcome his addiction to a drug called Ice.
  • The Infinity War saga, where he joined forces with other heroes to stop Thanos from conquering the universe with the Infinity Gauntlet.
  • The Heroes Reborn saga, where he was one of the few heroes who remembered the original reality after Franklin Richards recreated it.
  • The Civil War saga, where he sided with Captain America against Iron Man over the Superhuman Registration Act.
  • The Death of Captain America saga, where he mourned the loss of his friend and mentor after he was assassinated by Crossbones and Sharon Carter.
  • The Captain America: Reborn saga, where he helped rescue Captain America from being trapped in time by the Red Skull.
  • The Heroic Age saga, where he became the new Captain America after Steve Rogers retired from the role.
  • The AXIS saga, where he was inverted by a spell that reversed the moral alignment of heroes and villains.
  • The All-New Captain America saga, where he fought against Hydra and the new Red Skull as the new leader of the Avengers.

– Falcon has appeared in various media adaptations of Marvel Comics, such as:

  – Animated shows like *Spider-Man*, *The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes*, *Avengers Assemble*, *Ultimate Spider-Man*, *Marvel’s Spider-Man*, and *Marvel Super Hero Adventures*.

  – Video games like *Marvel: Ultimate Alliance*, *Marvel: Avengers Alliance*, *LEGO Marvel Super Heroes*, *Marvel Heroes*, *Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes*, *Marvel Future Fight*, *Marvel Contest of Champions*, *Marvel Puzzle Quest*, *Marvel Strike Force*, *Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order*, and *Marvel’s Avengers*.

  – Live-action films like *Captain America: The Winter Soldier*, *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, *Ant-Man*, *Captain America: Civil War*, *Avengers: Infinity War*, *Avengers: Endgame*, and the upcoming *Captain America: Brave New World*.

  – Live-action TV shows like *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, where he is one of the main protagonists.

From the OBN Collection

Falcon complete collection - Copy
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