A new hero has taken up the mantle of Captain America, and his name is Sam Wilson. While MCU fans witnessed Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers pass the shield to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, Sam’s journey in the comics is just as compelling. His character development began with his first appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where he quickly became one of Steve’s closest allies.

However, Sam’s path to becoming Captain America started long before his live-action debut. While moviegoers first saw him in 2014, comic book readers saw him wield the iconic Vibranium shield that same year in Captain America #25, written by Rick Remender with art by Carlos Pacheco and Stuart Immonen. Understanding Sam’s comic book history is essential to fully appreciating his role as the new Captain America in the MCU.
“From Falcon to Captain America: Sam Wilson’s Incredible Journey Explained”

Sam Wilson’s path to becoming Captain America began with his first appearance in Captain America #117, created by Stan Lee, Gene Colan, Joe Sinnott, and Sam Rosen. His introduction happened during a chaotic moment when the villainous Red Skull used the Cosmic Cube to switch bodies with Steve Rogers. Stranded on Exile Island, Steve found himself under attack by the Exiles—until a mysterious falcon and its owner, a young man from Harlem named Sam Wilson, came to his rescue. This marked the beginning of a legendary partnership.

Sam’s love for birds extended beyond his bond with Redwing—he was a true falconry enthusiast and even had the largest pigeon collection in Harlem. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he responded to a misleading advertisement, supposedly recruiting volunteers to teach falconry. In reality, it was a trap set by the Exiles to capture potential prisoners. Instead of being a victim, Sam took action, helping the island’s inhabitants resist their oppressors. Seeing his potential, Steve Rogers encouraged Sam to embrace a larger role—not just as a mentor to the people of Exile Island but as an inspirational figure for all. This pivotal moment led to Sam adopting the heroic identity of Falcon, setting him on the path to eventually carrying the shield as Captain America.
“How Sam Wilson Officially Took Over as Captain America”

Sam Wilson’s journey to becoming Captain America took a major turn during Captain America #25, written by Rick Remender and illustrated by Carlos Pacheco and Stuart Immonen. The shift began when Steve Rogers found himself trapped in Dimension Z by Arnim Zola, where he spent 12 years (in that dimension’s accelerated time) raising Zola’s test-tube-born son, Ian Rogers. After finally escaping, Steve faced a devastating battle with the villain Iron Nail, who drained the Super Soldier Serum from his body. As a result, Steve rapidly aged into a frail old man, rendering him unable to continue as Captain America.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Sam Wilson wore the Captain America costume. In Captain America #126, he briefly donned the suit to evade authorities after being wrongfully accused of a crime. He also took up the mantle temporarily in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #8 when Steve was presumed dead.

Back in the present, as Iron Nail nearly delivered a fatal blow to Steve, Sam swooped in just in time, rescuing his longtime ally. With Steve in a weakened state, Arnim Zola launched a full-scale attack, even planting a deadly bomb. In an act of ultimate heroism, Sam flew the explosive device out of Earth’s atmosphere, fully expecting not to survive. However, his Falcon wings saved him, proving his resilience and determination. Witnessing Sam’s bravery, Steve Rogers knew his legacy was in good hands, officially passing the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson.

“Why Sam Wilson Was Always Destined to Be Captain America”

With age catching up to him, Steve Rogers made the tough decision to retire from active duty as Captain America. Stepping into a new role as a mission strategist for the Avengers, he used this moment to publicly endorse Sam Wilson as his rightful successor. While some may have been surprised, Sam himself acknowledged that this transition had been unfolding naturally. The previous story arcs had already set the stage for this passing of the shield, and his deep-rooted bond with Steve only reinforced why he was the perfect choice.
Sam had already proven himself long before his near-sacrificial act cemented Steve’s decision. Among all of Steve’s allies, Sam stood out as one of his longest-lasting and most trusted partners. While friendships with heroes like Iron Man gained more depth after Civil War, Sam had been by Steve’s side for over five decades. His evolution from Falcon to Cap wasn’t just about stepping into a new role—it was the culmination of years of heroism, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. Steve knew there was no one better to carry on his legacy.
“The Real Reason Sam Wilson Gave Up—and Reclaimed—the Captain America Mantle”
After Steve Rogers regained his youthful strength, he and Sam Wilson briefly shared the title of Captain America. However, during this time, an impostor—created as a Hydra-loyal clone of Steve—worked behind the scenes to undermine Sam’s role as Cap. Manipulated and disheartened, Sam ultimately stepped down, unintentionally aiding the clone’s rise to power. Even after the real Steve returned and defeated the Hydra version during the Secret Empire event, Sam chose to revert to his Falcon identity, feeling at peace with his decision.
Years later, Sam quietly resumed the role in The United States of Captain America (2021), but the true reason behind his return wasn’t revealed until Captain America #750 (2023). In a flashback, Misty Knight presents Sam with a newly forged shield, reminding him of the people who still need him as Cap’s—not just those he saves but also those who believe in him, including Steve. Inspired by her words and his late parents’ legacy, Sam embraces the title once more. He now continues to share the mantle with Steve in an ongoing dynamic that reshapes what it means to be Captain America.