Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) will face an international incident pitting him against Red Hulk (Harrison Ford) and The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson) — some of Hulk’s most dangerous villains — in Captain America: Brave New World. It’ll be Anthony Mackie’s first movie as Cap, which makes it even more interesting. Marvel can tackle a handful of interesting themes, making the movie even deeper and more complex. And there are many incredible comics that explore those ideas, through the lens of Sam Wilson.
Sam started off as the Falcon, working as Steve Rogers’s partner, but he has always been a hero. Even without the suit, he combats the inequality and violence in his community as a social worker. It’s hard to think of a better candidate to assume the Captain America mantle. Moreover, he is a powerful source of representation and brings different ideologies and discourses to the stories.
Let’s dive deep and discover his impact together through 12 Sam Wilson comics you’ll want to check out before (and after) the movie!
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1. The Falcon (1983)
Writer: Christopher Priest
Artist: Paul Smith
Before becoming Cap, he was the Falcon. This was an important milestone for the character, as it was his first chance to shine on his own. Also, it reveals Sam as a mutant, but that’s retconned later, so no need to worry.
2. Captain America (2012) “The Tomorrow Soldier”
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Carlos Pacheco
“The Tomorrow Soldier” is a four-chapter arc following Steve Rogers right after returning to his original age and dealing with an attack by Arnim Zola. But most importantly, this is Sam’s origin story as Captain America.
Buy The Captain America By Rick Remender Omnibus on Bookshop.org
3. All-New Captain America
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Stuart Immonen
What better way to start his new life as Captain America than fighting all of Rogers’s Big Bads? Hydra gathers a legion of villains for their new plan, and the new Cap won’t let them do as they please.
4. Captain America and the Mighty Avengers
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Luke Ross
Captain America assembles the Mighty Avengers, the Avengers of the people, for a new mission. But even if they succeed, what will they do in Marvel’s last days? Prepare yourself for a very emotional reading set right before Secret Wars.
5. Captain America: Sam Wilson
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Daniel Acuña
Nick Spencer brings on an interesting political drama as Sam Wilson continues his work as Cap in a country that doesn’t seem to want him there most of the time. He also introduces new important characters, like Joaquín Torres, the new Falcon, who appears for the first time in Captain America: Brave New World.
6. All-New, All-Different Avengers
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Adam Kubert
During the All-New, All-Different branding, Marvel gave us an innovative Avengers lineup with heroes like Sam, Jane Foster’s Thor, Miles Morales, and Kamala Khan. Even though it brought mixed reactions at the time, it’s a pretty interesting roster with fun dynamics.
7. Secret Empire
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Speaking of mixed reactions, Secret Empire started with one of comics’ most controversial moments — the whole Steve Rogers “Hail Hydra” ordeal — but soon gained many fans. Here, we see Sam assuming an essential role in the battle against the villains and receiving plenty of deserved recognition.
Buy Secret Empire on Bookshop.org
8. Falcon & Winter Soldier
Writer: Derek Landy
Artist: Federico Vicentini
One of Sam’s most important relationships in the MCU is with Bucky, the Winter Soldier. Falcon & Winter Soldier forces them to explore a new intricate mystery together, complete with banter and spy shenanigans.
9. Generations: Sam Wilson Captain America & Steve Rogers Captain America
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Paul Renaud
It’s not only the best Generations book but one of the greatest Sam Wilson stories ever. He is sent back in time and fights with Captain America during World War II, and we get to see a whole new version of his life.
10. Captain America: Symbol of Truth
Writer: Tochi Onyebuchi
Artist: R. B. Silva
Onyebuchi builds a captivating ride that explores Sam’s relationship with his community and involves Wakanda and Captain America’s history. Besides, his dynamic with Misty Knight is perfect, and we need to see that in the MCU, too.
Buy Captain America: Symbol of Truth on Bookshop.org
11. The Avengers (2023)
Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Carlos Fabian Villa
MacKay creates a solid Avengers team and has a good grasp on every character, never disappointing with characterization or their dynamics. It’s a slow burn, but these aspects make it worth it.
Buy Avengers By Jed MacKay Volume 1: The Impossible City on Bookshop.org
12. Sam Wilson: Captain America
Writer: Greg Pak, Evan Narcisse
Artist: Valentine De Landro, Eder Messias
Sam’s newest solo adventure! Investigating an evil, deceptive company sees him face its security guard, the Red Hulk. If you want to prep for the movie, there’s no better place to start.
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