Falcon (comics) 1417360 226056880 2008-07-16T17:10:10Z Rau J 3794538 /* External links */ S.H.I.E.L.D. {{Superherobox| <!--Part of Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics--> image=[[Image:Falcon (comics).jpg|250px]] |caption=The Falcon<br>Art by Joe Bennett |comic_color=background:#ff8080 |character_name=Falcon |real_name=Samuel Thomas "Sam" Wilson |publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] |debut=''Captain America'' #117 (Sept. 1969) |creators= [[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Gene Colan]] |alliance_color=background:#ffc0c0 |alliances=[[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] |partners=[[Captain America]] |aliases="Snap" Wilson |powers=Empathic link with pet falcon<br>Ability to see through the eyes of nearby birds<br>Flight<br>Skilled martial artist and gymnast }} The '''Falcon''' ('''Sam "Snap" Wilson''') is a [[fictional character|fictional]] [[comic book]] [[superhero]] in the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Marvel universe|universe]] who [[first appeared]] in ''[[Captain America]]'' #117 (Sept. 1969). Created by writer-editor [[Stan Lee]] and artist [[Gene Colan]], the Falcon most frequently works with Captain America, and became a member of the superhero team the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]. The Falcon is mainstream comics' first [[African American]] superhero; Marvel's previously introduced [[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]] is an [[African]] native. The Falcon follows the company's first African-American co-starring character, the non-superpowered [[World War II]] soldier [[Gabe Jones]], and first regular supporting character, ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'''s [[Joe Robertson]]. The Falcon debuted nearly three years before [[Luke Cage]], Marvel's first African-American series star, and is also the first superhero of African descent not to have the word "black" as part of his superhero name, preceding the [[John Stewart (comics)|John Stewart]] [[Green Lantern]] by over two years. (The first black starring character in comics is [[Dell Comics]]' [[Old West]] [[gunfighter]] [[Lobo (Dell Comics)|Lobo]], introduced in 1965.) The Falcon's deceased nephew was the [[Incredible Hulk]]'s sometime-sidekick [[Jim Wilson (comics)|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]]. Gideon would presumably be Sam's older brother. ==Fictional character biography== ===Early Life=== Samuel Thomas Wilson was born in [[Harlem]], [[New York|New York City]], to Darlene Wilson, and Paul Wilson, a prominent minister. Wilson has a happy childhood and finds he has a natural affinity for birds. He takes up training pigeons, and has the largest pigeon coop in Harlem<ref>Lee, Stan ''Captain America'' #117-119 (Sept.-Nov. 1969)</ref>. In his teens, however, encounters with racism leave him jaded.<ref>Englehart, Steve. Captain America 186</ref> When he is 16, Wilson refuses to join the church, believing his deeply religious parents to be ignorant for their faith. To his surprise, rather than put up a fight, his parents provide him with books on different religions and comparative theology. The next night, however, Sam's father is killed trying to break up a neighborhood fight. Two years later, his mother is shot and killed by a mugger one block from their apartment. Consumed by grief and "angry at the world" Sam turns his back on his past as a respected community volunteer. He moves to [[Los Angeles]] and creates a new persona: "Snap" Wilson, a professional criminal, gang member, and pimp.<ref>Johns, Geoff. Avengers volume 3, #64</ref><ref>Priest, Christopher J. Captain America and the Falcon, #7</ref> While "Snap" is on his way to "a big score in [[Rio de Janeiro]]", his plane crashes on Exile Island (years later, he would say "I actually loved this place quite a bit. It's where I met my two best friends," referring to Captain America and Redwing)<ref>Priest, Christopher J. Captain America and the Falcon, #11</ref>. The once-peaceful island had been taken over by the [[Exiles (Red Skull allies)|Exiles]], a group of would-be world conquerors who had collaborated with the [[Nazi]] [[supervillain]] the [[Red Skull]] during [[World War II]]. More recently, they had been betrayed by the Red Skull, and were forced to remain in hiding on the island, enslaving the natives. Wilson finds and befriends '''Redwing''', a falcon which he feels a remarkably strong bond with. ===Becoming The Falcon=== At this time Red Skull has possession of the [[Cosmic Cube]], a weapon which allows its user to alter reality itself, but which also causes mental instability. The Skull uses the Cube to switch bodies with his archnemesis [[Captain America]] (Steve Rogers, often referred to as "Cap"), wishing to torture his long-time foe. The Skull next uses the Cube to place Cap on Exile Island, knowing that the Exiles will attack Cap, believing him to be the Red Skull. While exploring the island, Skull comes across Wilson and sees yet another way to torture Cap. He uses the Cosmic Cube to mentally fuse Wilson with Redwing, creating a "super-normal mental link" (which would, with time and concentration give Wilson broad powers over all birds) <ref>Englehart, Steve. ''Captain America #186''. Marvel Comics, 1975</ref> <ref>Johns, Geoff. ''Avengers volume 3 #60''. Marvel Comics, 2003</ref> Next, the Skull uses the cube to alter reality, rewriting the past and removing the years Wilson had spent angrily living as "Snap". In the new history that the Red Skull created, Wilson was a morally upright and cheerful Social Worker. In this rewritten history, Sam is lured to the Island by the Exiles, who promise him a job while intending to enslave him. But rather than submit, he decides to try and organize the natives - "band them together and get them to fight for the freedom that they've lost!" Thus, when Captain America (still in Red Skull's body, but disguised) meets Sam Wilson, he sees a kindred spirit and the two become fast friends - as the Red Skull intended. Cap convinces Wilson to adopt a persona to inspire the natives in their rebellion. The two create the costumed persona '''The Falcon''', and train together extensively before attacking and defeating the Exiles. After the battle, however, they are attacked by the Skull, who gives Captain America back his real body (much to the surprise of The Falcon, who had not realized his new friend's real identity). Together they are able to defeat the Red Skull. <ref>Lee, Stan ''Captain America'' #117-119 (Sept.-Nov. 1969)</ref> The Falcon later becomes Captain America's regular partner in crime-fighting,<ref>''Captain America'' #133</ref> and briefly even takes on the "Captain America" costume and identity (when Steve Rogers had apparently been killed).<ref>''Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty'' #8-9 (April-May 1999)</ref> Later, again as the Falcon, Wilson receives help from the [[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]], who creates a harness for Wilson which allows him to fly.<ref>''Captain America and the Falcon'' #170</ref> When his faith in the government was broken by the [[Secret Empire]], Captain America abandons his costumed identity. Others attempted to take up the identity, including a young man named Roscoe. Falcon attempts to talk Roscoe out of the clearly dangerous decision. Seeing Roscoe will not be dissuaded, Falcon tries to mentor him, hoping to keep him alive long enough to see he was making a mistake. Unfortunately, the Red Skull kills Roscoe, driving Steve Rogers to once again become Captain America<ref>Captain America 181-183</ref>. Soon afterward, the Red Skull finally springs his trap and reveals Falcon's true past as "Snap" Wilson, and attempts to use the Cosmic Cube to make Falcon kill Captain America, but is thwarted<ref>''Captain America and the Falcon'' #186</ref> Now aware of his past but deciding to continue as a hero, The Falcon is eventually named head of the Super Agents at the [[espionage agency]] [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]].<ref>''Captain America and the Falcon'' #218</ref> ===Avenger=== US government superhero liaison [[Henry Peter Gyrich]] then recruits the Falcon, one of the few active African-American superheroes, to fill a mandated racial quota for the venerable team the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]].<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 1 #184 (June 1979)</ref> Resentful of being a "token", the Falcon quits at the first opportunity. He debuts a new costume when he fights the supervillain [[Taskmaster]].<ref>''Captain America Annual'' #11</ref> Eventually, a new team of Avengers is assembled to fight the international menace [[Scorpio (comics)|Scorpio]]. Afterwards, the United Nations offers to make this new team of Avengers an international peacekeeping agency. Having been called on for his talent, and not for the color of his skin, Falcon decides to stay as a member of this Avengers team. By this point, Falcon had discovered that he could extend his telepathic bond with Redwing, allowing him to control other birds and "see" through their eyes. He uses this ability to spy on Henry Gyrich (now the Avengers' liaison with the United Nations) and discovers that the United States' Secretary of Defense, Senator Dell Rusk, has been pressuring Gyrich to spy on the Avengers and turn over their secrets. Although initially hostile to one another, Falcon convinces Gyrich to help the Avengers spy on Rusk, feeding him false information while gathering evidence to expose him. They discover that Rusk is actually the Red Skull, who has launched a biological weapon attack on America, intending to use the ensuing panic to gain control over America's government and start a war with other countries. Falcon is instrumental in defeating the Red Skull<ref>Johns, Geoff. Avengers, Volume 3, #57-70</ref>. It is around this period of time that, a new "Captain America" secretly created by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] (O.N.I.) goes rogue and begins eliminating anything and anyone he sees as a source of terrorism. To draw this agent (dubbed "The [[Anti-Cap]]") out, O.N.I. leaks information about their involvement in a [[biological weapons]] project with the notorious Rivas Family, powerful Cuban druglords. Reporter and Social Activist Leila Taylor investigates this rumor and attempts to smuggle a sample of the virus into America, but she is arrested by U.S. forces in Cuba. Falcon, who is a friend of Taylor, breaks her out of prison and investigates her claims, destroying the Rivas Family's biological weapons lab and obtaining a sample of the mysterious virus they were developing for O.N.I. Falcon is able to fly Leila back to America (although his flying harness is destroyed in a hurricane) while Captain America follows Falcon's directions and retrieves the virus sample. The Anti-Cap kills the head of the Rivas family, and pursues Leila, Falcon, and Cap, intent on obtaining the virus sample. After reuniting, Falcon and Captain America are able to barely defeat the Anti-Cap. Realizing that O.N.I.'s goal was to draw out their rogue agent to execute him, Captain America arranges to have the Anti-Cap be secretly imprisoned in the Wakandian embassy, until O.N.I. agrees not to kill him. Since Captain America and Falcon now possess both O.N.I.'s rogue agent and the last remaining sample of O.N.I.'s virus, O.N.I. begins to put increasing amounts of pressure on the heroes. Falcon is especially targeted - he had broken Leila out of Federal Custody, and his criminal history makes it easier for O.N.I. to create further false charges against him. Falcon soon finds himself on the run from O.N.I. Meanwhile the superheroine the [[Scarlet Witch]], having gone insane, begins using her powers to recreate many of the Avengers' greatest trials and tragedies. She destabilizes the Falcon's mind, causing him to act increasingly like his "Snap" persona. He begins carrying a gun, keeps secrets from his friends, assaults Leela's boyfriend '''Norman''' when he protests they go into hiding, and uses a high power rifle to shoot at his friend [[Joseph "Robbie" Robertson]] (to fool Robbie into thinking O.N.I. was threatening to kill him). Although they succeed in exposing the illegal activities of O.N.I. and clear Wilson's name, Sam's methods cause his relationship with Captain America to become strained. Cap confronts Falcon about his recent actions, and Falcon, angered at what he sees as an "Ultimatum" terminates their partnership. As they are walking away, Norman (who blames Falcon for the end of his relationship with Leila) appears and shoots at Falcon. Captain America is seriously injured by the stray bullets, and even appears to die. The shock of watching his best friend seemingly die because of his actions has a powerful affect on Sam, who briefly gives up being Falcon and reexamines his life. <ref>Priest, Christopher J. Captain America and the Falcon, #1-14</ref> ===Civil War/Initiative=== Sam Wilson reappeared as Falcon without explanation,<ref>''[[House of M]]'' #1, ''Captain America'' vol. 5, #12, ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' #1</ref> and supports Captain America against the [[Registration acts (comics)#2006 Superhuman Registration Act|Superhuman Registration Act]]. When the Captain becomes incapacitated, Falcon temporarily assumes leadership of the "Secret Avengers" rebel group.<ref>''Civil War #4''</ref>. Following Captain America's assassination by the machinations of the Red Skull, the Falcon registers with the government and is made responsible for Harlem, although he continues to be in contact with the underground [[New Avengers]]. Falcon is one of the pallbearers carrying Captain America's coffin, and gives an inspirational speech at the funeral.<ref>''Fallen Son: Death of Captain America''</ref> Afterward, S.H.I.E.L.D. recruits the Falcon and agent [[Sharon Carter]] to investigate the Captain's assassination by locating the [[Bucky|Winter Soldier]] and tracking down the Red Skull. ==Powers, abilities, and equipment== ===Powers=== In his earliest appearances Falcon exhibits a close bond with his bird Redwing, which in Captain America 174 [[Professor X]] confirms as being a paranormal empathic link. The [[Red Skull]] later reveals that he had used the [[Cosmic Cube]] to create a "super-normal mental link" between Sam Wilson and Redwing.<ref>Englehart, Steve. ''Captain America #186''. Marvel Comics, 1975</ref> Falcon later recalled the experience, stating "Hurt like ''hell''. Being mentally ''fused'' with that falcon. Able to ''see'' through ''his'' eyes."<ref>Johns, Geoff. ''Avengers volume 3 #60''. Marvel Comics, 2003</ref> Recently, Falcon revealed that he has been able to extend this empathic link. "I'm always psychically connected with Redwing, but through concentration I've recently tapped into another ability -- I'm able to link-up with other birds. ... I have over six ''billion'' pairs of eyes in the United States alone." He used this ability to quickly search New York City when the criminal [[Scarecrow (Marvel Comics)|Scarecrow]] kidnapped two children<ref>Johns, Geoff. ''Avengers volume 3 #64''. Marvel Comics, 2003</ref>, as well as to spy on Senator Dell Rusk (actually the Red Skull in disguise) and Henry Peter Gyrich <ref>Johns, Geoff. ''Avengers volume 3 #61-69''. Marvel Comics, 2003-2004</ref>. He is also apparently able to access the memories of birds, and see things they had witnessed in the past (although birds have a different concept of the passage of time, which makes it difficult for him to know when any events they witnessed occurred).<ref>Brubaker, Ed. ''Captain America volume 5 #35''. Marvel Comics, 2008</ref> [[Image:Falcon avengers 64.jpg|180px|thumb|Falcon attacking Scarecrow, accompanied by a large flock of birds. Art by [[Ivan Reis]].]] Falcon has shown some ability to apparently control birds, as shown when he enlisted their aid in attacking Scarecrow, and when (badly injured and manacled to a wall) he telepathically summoned a large number of different birds from the surrounding area to smash through a window and attack the Red Skull. ===Uniform and flight harness=== The Falcon's original wing harness featured detachable jet-powered glider wings made of lightweight titanium ribbing and Mylar. The wings were covered with wafer-thin solar power receptors that convert sunlight into electricity to power miniature high-speed electric turbine fans in his uniform and boots. The wings detached and reattached to his uniform cybernetically. The harness was destroyed in ''[[Captain America and the Falcon]]'' #2 (2004). The uniform was made of synthetic stretch fabric lined with a steel-alloy mesh.{{Fact|date=June 2008}}. After the original flying harness's destruction,<ref>Priest, Christopher ''Captain America and the Falcon #2'', Marvel Comics (2004)</ref> the [[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]] supplied Falcon with a new costume and wings. An emitter array on Falcon's back creates holographic "hard light" wings with a maximum wingspan of up to 50 feet. Controlled by a cybernetic link, the wings can be instantly reconfigured into "dozens of different cruise configurations". A "magnetic drive", in turn, provides the thrust needed to get Falcon airborne. The emitter also possesses GPS Jamming Devices that prevent [[satellite]] tracking, while the hard-light wings interfere with infra-red tracking. A [[Vibranium]] microweave was added to the costume itself, making Falcon resistant to small arms fire. <ref>Priest, Christopher ''Captain America and the Falcon #6'', Marvel Comics (2004)</ref> The entire system is controlled mentally through cybernetic circuitry in the Falcon's mask. The costume has in the past featured a hidden "talon," a cybernetically controlled grappling line built into the gauntlets of his costume which he uses to entangle opponents, hook objects, or for swinging and climbing when his wings are detached. The costume's visors come equipped with various capabilities, including infrared lenses, giving him the ability to see objects by their infrared signature at night, magnification capabilities, and remote imaging sensors that allow a full 360 degree of vision when activated. The cowl also has a wide band receiver and transmitter with an unspecified range. The suit was originally built by [[Wakanda (Marvel)|Wakandan]] scientists, with costume modifications by Desmond Burrell. {{Fact|date=June 2008}} ===Abilities=== The Falcon is an excellent trainer of wild birds, and has been trained in gymnastics and hand-to-hand combat by Captain America. Redwing is a highly trained hunting falcon who responds to the Falcon's verbal and mental commands and joins him in battle against his adversaries. At one point, a [[Sentinels (comics)|Sentinel]] chased him, believing him to be a [[Mutant (Marvel comics)|mutant]], but this was later debunked and the Sentinel is presumed to have been malfunctioning.{{issue}} ==Other versions== ===MC2=== In ''Amazing [[Spider-Girl]]'' #7 Falcon was revealed to be dead. However, the [[Ladyhawk]] twins wear attire strikingly similar to his first costume (Before he got his wings). ===Ultimate Falcon=== Samuel Wilson is an explorer, adventurer, and scientist who uses a backpack with high-tech folding wings to fly. Wilson first appeared in ''[[Ultimate Galactus trilogy#Ultimate Nightmare|Ultimate Nightmare]]'' and then worked on the Vision, demonstrating a high level of technological understanding. He is an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. rather than an official member of the Ultimates or Reserves. Not much is known about the Ultimate version of Falcon, except that he appears to have an entirely different origin than the original Falcon, has served with or under General Nick Fury. This version appears to be an accomplished combatant, especially when using the sharp edge of the metal wings he wears as a weapon. His wings are controlled through the help of [[nanotechnology]] with which he can communicate and which can also send and retrieve computer information. Ultimate Falcon also appears in the second [[Ultimates]] annual, where he teams up with Captain America, and in the [[Ultimate Vision]] miniseries. ===''U. S. War Machine''=== In Marvel's [[MAX (comics)|MAX]] [[imprint]] series ''[[War Machine|U.S. War Machine]]'', Falcon appeared alongside [[Captain America]] and [[Hawkeye (comics)|Hawkeye]]; he and [[Hawkeye (comics)|Hawkeye]] served as [[Captain America]]'s backup and wore no costumes, only being addressed by their real names. In this reality, [[Captain America]] was actually [[Bucky]] wearing the Captain's uniform as here the Captain had died in [[World War II]] in his stead. ===What If?=== In the 2006 comic ''[[What If? (comics)|What If Captain America had fought in the Civil War?]]'', the [[Earth-717]] version of Wilson was an orphan raised by a [[Shawnee]] [[medicine man]], and grew up to fight in the [[American Civil War]] as part of an Indian volunteer regiment. He performs a ritual to give Steven Rogers the power of We-Pi-Ahk, the Eagle Spirit, and has a red eagle painted on his chest for this ceremony. He is killed by [[Bucky Barnes|Colonel Barnes]], the White Skull. <!--PER WIKIPROJECT COMICS GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS, and [[WP:POV]], no "Significant Issues" section allowed. If issues are significant, editorial guidelines are to incorporate them into "Publication history" and "Fictional character biography". PLEASE READ EDITORIAL GUIDELINES BEFORE ATTEMPING TO RV ==Significant Issues== * ''Captain America'' (vol. 1) #117 (September 1969) - First appearance of the Falcon, and his first encounter with Captain America. * ''Captain America'' (vol. 1) #126 (June 1970) - "The Fate of the Falcon". * ''Captain America'' (vol. 1) #133 (January 1971) - Captain America and the Falcon become partners. * ''Captain America'' (vol. 1) #170 (February 1974) - The Black Panther and Wakandan scientists create artificial wings for the Falcon, providing him with the power of flight. * ''Avengers'' (vol. 1) #181 (March 1979) - The Falcon is drafted into the Avengers under orders from Henry Peter Gyrich, in order to satifsy a racial quota. * ''Marvel Premiere'' #49 (August 1979) - "Sound of the Silencer" (first solo Falcon story) * ''Falcon'' #1-4 (November 1983-February 1984) - four issue miniseries by Jim Owsley (a.k.a. Christopher Priest); falsely implied that Sam Wilson is a mutant. * ''Onslaught: Marvel Universe'' (October 1996) - Bruce Banner (minus his Hulk persona), Dr. Doom, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers (including the Falcon) are presumed to have been killed by Onslaught. In reality, they begin a year-long sojourn on an alternate "Counter-Earth" subconsciously created by Franklin Richards, where they have no memory of previous lives. * ''Captain America'' (vol. 2) #1-12 (November 1996-October 1997) - On Counter-Earth, Sam Wilson is shot and gravely wounded, but Captain America saves his life by giving him a transfusion of the Super-Soldier's own blood. Consequently, Wilson gains superhuman abilities comparable to those of Captain America. His military nickname, "The Falcon", becomes his superhero code name ("Heroes Reborn" series). * ''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #1-3 (February-April 1998) - The Falcon and every other living Avenger (past or present) are part of a medieval reality ruled by Morgan le Fay (his Super-Soldier powers from "Heroes Reborn" are gone). * ''Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty'' #9 (May 1999) - In a flashback tale that predates his receipt of the artificial wings from the Black Panther, the Falcon temporarily replaces a seriously wounded Steve Rogers as Captain America. * ''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #64 (April 2003) - Spotlight on the Falcon, who confronts Henry Peter Gyrich after years of resentment; power to see through the eyes of avian lifeforms is revealed. * ''Avengers'' (vol. 3) #65-70 (May-September 2003) - "Red Zone" - The Falcon and the Avengers foil the Red Skull's plot to frame the nation of Wakanda for a biological terrorist attack upon the United States. * ''Captain America and the Falcon'' #1-14 (May 2004-June 2005) - ongoing series by Christopher Priest; marks the first time that the Falcon shares equal billing with Captain America in both name and importance to the plot. * ''Ultimate Nightmare'' #1 (October 2004) - first appearance of the Ultimate Universe version of Sam Wilson, a brilliant scientist who has served in the intelligence community with Nick Fury. * ''Ultimate Vision'' (January-February 2006) - In the Ultimate Universe, the sentient extraterrestrial robot known as "The Vision" explains the history of Gah Lak Tus to Sam Wilson, and warns of its approach toward Earth (presented as a six-part back-up story in ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #86-88, ''Ultimate X-Men'' #65, and ''Ultimate Fantastic Four'' #25-26). * ''New Avengers'' #21 (August 2006) - The Falcon becomes Captain America's first ally against the Superhuman Registration Act.--> ==In other media == The Falcon (along with his bird Redwing) appeared as a member of the Avengers in the television series ''[[The Avengers: United They Stand]]'' voiced by [[Martin Roach]]. Falcon appears in the ''[[Robot Chicken]]'' episode "The Deep End" voiced by [[Seth Green]]. He is seen in the segment called "The Real World: Metropolis." ==See also== * [[List of S.H.I.E.L.D. members]] *[[List of African-American firsts]] ==References== <div class="references-small"> <references /> </div> ==External links== *http://www.marvel.com/universe/Falcon_%28Sam_Wilson%29 {{Captain America}} {{S.H.I.E.L.D.}} [[Category:Black superheroes]] [[Category:Fictional African-Americans]] [[Category:Fictional characters from New York City]] [[Category:Marvel Comics characters who can fly]] [[Category:Marvel Comics martial artists]] [[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]] [[da:Falken (superhelt)]] [[fr:Le Faucon]] [[it:Falcon (fumetto)]] [[hu:Sólyom (Marvel Comics)]] [[nl:Falcon (Marvel)]] [[pt:Falcão (Marvel Comics)]]