Falcon (comics)

The Falcon (Samuel Thomas "Sam" Wilson) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was introduced by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan in Captain America #117 (Sept. 1969).

Samuel Wilson, known by his superhero alias Falcon, uses mechanical wings to fly, defend, and attack. He also has limited telepathic and empathic control over birds. After Steve Rogers retired, Wilson became Captain America in All-New Captain America #1 (Jan. 2015) and the leader of the Avengers. Wilson's deceased nephew was the Incredible Hulk's sometime sidekick Jim Wilson, one of the first openly HIV-positive comic-book characters. Jim Wilson's father Gideon Wilson would go on to join the Gamma Corps.

In a significant move for representation in American comics, the Falcon became the first African American superhero and the second Black superhero to debut in a mainstream monthly publication, following Marvel's Black Panther. The character's prominence grew significantly in February 1971 with the release of Captain America #134. For the first time, the comic’s cover title was officially changed to Captain America and The Falcon. This issue marked a historic moment as an African American hero received co-billing on a major comic book, signaling a direct marketing effort to an even wider mainstream American audience.

Sam Wilson as Falcon and Captain America has made several media appearances, including in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where the character is portrayed by Anthony Mackie in the films Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014); Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015); Ant-Man (2015); Captain America: Civil War (2016); Avengers: Infinity War (2018); Avengers: Endgame (2019); the television miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) as Falcon; and in Captain America: Brave New World (2025) as Captain America.