With Captain America: Brave New World set to hit theaters, Sam Wilson’s tenure as Captain America is about to receive its first major cinematic spotlight. While he was introduced as Cap in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this upcoming film marks his first solo outing wielding the shield. In anticipation, let’s dive into Sam Wilson’s history as Captain America in the comics, exploring how he took on the mantle, his major storylines, and what makes his version of the Star-Spangled Avenger unique.
Sam Wilson Becomes Captain America
Sam Wilson officially became Captain America in Captain America Vol. 7, Issue #25 (December 2014), but his journey began a few issues earlier in Issue #20. During this arc, Steve Rogers lost the Super Soldier Serum after a battle with the villain Iron Nail, causing him to rapidly age into an elderly man. As a result, Steve was no longer able to serve as Captain America and needed a successor.
In the climactic moment of Issue #25, Steve assembled the Avengers and announced his retirement. He then named Sam Wilson as his successor, formally passing him the shield. The transition mirrored the Avengers: Endgame scene in which an elderly Steve Rogers handed Sam the shield, showing the MCU’s respect for this moment from the comics.
Key Storylines of Sam Wilson’s Captain America
Not My Captain America (Captain America: Sam Wilson, Vol. 1, Issues #1-6)
Sam’s tenure as Captain America was not without controversy. Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam faced social and political struggles, dealing with issues such as systemic racism, immigration, and government corruption. This made him a divisive figure, leading to some in the public rejecting him as the new Cap, coining the phrase “Not My Captain America.” This storyline explored the weight of the mantle and the expectations placed upon him.
Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill (Captain America: Sam Wilson, Vol. 2)
In this crossover event, Sam discovered a secret S.H.I.E.L.D. project in Pleasant Hill where the agency used fragments of the Cosmic Cube to brainwash villains, transforming them into ordinary citizens. When the villains regained their memories and revolted, Sam teamed up with Bucky Barnes and a temporarily rejuvenated Steve Rogers to stop the chaos. Despite regaining his youth and powers, Steve reaffirmed Sam’s role, telling him, “You are Captain America.”
Secret Empire and the End of His First Run
Eventually, Sam faced increasing public and political pressure, leading him to relinquish the title. This coincided with Secret Empire, where a brainwashed Steve Rogers (Hydra Cap) turned against the world. Seeing the need for a true hero, Sam temporarily reclaimed the Captain America mantle to fight Hydra Cap. Once the crisis was over, he stepped away from the role, allowing Steve to reclaim it.
Return as Captain America: Symbol of Truth (2022-2023)
In a significant comeback, Sam returned as Captain America in Captain America: Symbol of Truth, operating alongside Steve Rogers. This time, Sam’s approach was more global, tackling geopolitical issues, including a conspiracy involving Wakanda and stolen vibranium. His story reflected real-world debates about America’s role in international affairs, adding depth to his character.
Powers and Abilities
Unlike Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson is not a Super Soldier, but he is still a formidable fighter with several unique strengths:
- Peak Human Conditioning: Like heroes such as Daredevil and the Punisher, Sam has trained his body to the peak of human ability.
- Expert Martial Artist: Trained by Steve Rogers and S.H.I.E.L.D., Sam is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
- Aerial Combat Mastery: His Falcon training gives him unparalleled aerial maneuverability, giving him an advantage in battles.
- Advanced Vibranium Suit and Wings: His Captain America suit, designed by Wakanda, features retractable vibranium wings that provide flight, defense, and offense.
- Master Shield Combatant: Though not as adept as Steve, Sam has learned to effectively wield the vibranium shield.
- Weapon and Firearms Expert: A skilled marksman, Sam incorporates various weapons into his combat strategy.
Reading Recommendations
For those wanting to explore Sam Wilson’s Captain America in the comics, check out these essential issues:
- Captain America (2012) Issues #20-25
- Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 1 (Not My Captain America)
- Captain America: Sam Wilson Vol. 3 (Civil War II)
- Captain America: Symbol of Truth Vol. 1 & 2 (Pax Mundi)
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