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Captain America is a heavy burden to bear, yet Steve Rogers carried it for most of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s runtime. Come the character’s retirement in Avengers: Endgame, Sam Wilson, formerly known as the Falcon, inherited the mantle from his mentor.
The events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier depict the trials that come along with that, reinforcing the notion that the star-spangled man is more than just a mascot: he’s a symbol of American goodness, pride, and ultimately, imperialism. All of this weighs heavy on Sam Wilson as he dons his own style of stars and stripes. A brand new film starring the character is on the way and understanding what makes Sam a different (and better) version of Captain America is vital to the enjoyment of that movie.
10 He’s Not From New York
Several episodes of FATWS focus on Sam’s return to his hometown of Delacroix, Louisiana. This setting is in stark contrast to the common superhero setting of New York City. Steve Rogers hailed from Brooklyn, making Sam the first Captain America not from the crowded metropolis.
This grounds him a little more in reality and makes him relatable to a part of the country that often feels underrepresented in superhero fiction. Not to mention it’s always good to mix things up and have a variety of setting for superhero fiction.
9 He’s Got Gadgets
Redwing is a small nod to Falcon’s trust sidekick in the comics, which was an actual bird. Unlike his comic counterpart, the MCU’s Sam Wilson is much more familiar with the technology of the modern world.
He was a paratrooper who wielded experimental wings that earned him his superhero moniker. With his goggles able to display critical targeting information, it’s clear why Sam has an advantage as the new shield-bearer. He’s got more data at his disposal and is able to strategize on a level Steve was just beginning to reach by the time he passed the torch.
8 He’s Not Enhanced
Sam Wilson is undeniably human, with no physical enhancements or superheroic gifts. He’s a regular American man from the South who wants nothing more than to do the right thing in his life. Steve was given a new set of muscles via the supersoldier serum he was injected with.
Having a Captain America closer in capability to regular people accentuates Sam’s true draw and humanizes an otherwise abstract figure. It makes his work as the Captain exceedingly more impressive given he’s just like everyone else.
7 He’s Got Family
Steve Rogers had Bucky and Peggy Carter in the ’40s but otherwise has no family to speak of. He seemed to only know Bucky back in Brooklyn prior to his enlisting. In contrast, Sam has an entire extended family back in Louisiana, potentially giving him more stakes in what he’s fighting for.
Further, he likely inherited his moral character from his upbringing which is another advantage he has over Steve. It certainly prepared him for his days as an Avenger looking out for his team.
6 He Learned From Another Captain America
Steve Rogers became the first Captain America back in his prime but had no other guide on what that meant. Being the inaugural shield-bearer meant not having a previous model to base his behavior and character on.
Sam Wilson, having served alongside Steve in the Avengers’ numerous conflicts, has the benefit of learning what it means to don the stars and stripes, the implications for the life of the said holder. Sam was given a starting point and will only go up from this point.
5 He’s Able To See The Funny Side
Sam Wilson is still an earnest guy trying to do what he believes to be right; nevertheless, the same can be said of Steve Rogers, and yet he doesn’t seem to be having nearly as much fun as the former.
A potential product of each man’s respective time, Sam is a version of Captain America much more prone to grinning during his heroics. This will undoubtedly make him a lighter presence and general joy to be around, potentially increasing the joy of watching his team up with other heroes.
4 He’s Got A Sane Bucky
By the time Steve Rogers awoke in the modern world, Bucky Barnes was already active as the Winter Soldier. His life since Steve last knew him had changed dramatically and enveloped the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War.
Sam didn’t initially get along with Barnes, but the two have developed a mutual respect thanks to their shared respect for Steve. Whereas Rogers didn’t really have Bucky by his side that long, Sam has the benefit of having him there sane and ready to assist.
3 He’s Got Wings
Sam’s time as the Falcon should not be downplayed in its impact on his potential as Captain America. Steve was restricted to ground assault status, therefore limiting his ability to assist the Avengers in their original titular team up in 2012. Sam will prove to be a much more active and aware leader on the battlefield thanks to his ability to move so swiftly.
This even lends him the power to extract injured teammates or civilians, as well as assess his enemy from vastly different vantage points.
2 He’s Of The Modern World
Steve Rogers is a product of the wartime ’40s, whereas Sam is born and bred in the world most viewers are familiar with. He’s used to the world of wizards and aliens, adjusting his perspective and capabilities accordingly. Steve eventually adapted pretty well, though he still returned to his time to live out the rest of his life.
Once Sam retires from the mantle of Captain America, he will still reside in the modern world, therefore making him a distinct Cap for this time. He’s only known the world he’s attempting to improve.
1 He’s More Representative
The demographics of the United States have been shifting for a while: the country is becoming more and more diverse, exemplifying the idea of a “melting pot” of cultures. To reflect this, Marvel’s decision to hand the shield to Sam shows their awareness of the importance of representation.
A white man had led the Avengers and deployed the shield in his fight for justice. Now, America’s champions should look like the people who build and maintain the integrity of the country—Sam’s elevation to superhero demonstrates that the country is ready for it.
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