10 Essential Sam Wilson Comics to Prepare for Captain America: Brave New World

Posted on February 14, 2025

by Eric S

Captain America has had a rather impressive track record when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (not so much with non-MCU films, though). The fourth entry, Brave New World, will hopefully continue the tradition of quality, albeit this time with Sam Wilson (the former Falcon, played by Anthony Mackie) in the role of everyone’s favorite star-spangled Avenger.

Introduced by comic legends Stan Lee and Gene Colan in 1969’s Captain America #117, Wilson was a much-needed response for more African American representation in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement. With the aid of his trusty bird Redwing—with whom he shares a telepathic connection—Sam would fight alongside Captain America (Steve Rogers, that is) during some of his biggest adventures of the 1970s, eventually joining the Defenders, the Avengers, and ultimately taking up the mantle of Captain America years later. Since making his film debut in 2014’s excellent Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam has become a fan favorite and staple of the MCU. Before you see Brave New World on the big screen, peruse the stories that made Sam Wilson the character he is today. We’ve selected ten of our favorites, and they’re all available to read right now on Libby with your Toledo Library card.