It's important for new fans to really get to grips with Falcon's time as Captain America. Sam Wilson is perhaps one of the most well respected heroes in all of comics. He has had a long and complex career and his stories will certainly have some renewed interest.

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With his time with the shield starting to begin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems appropriate to visit the key stories that will come to influence that show. From his initial debut, which informs fans to where he has come from, to the rise of a brand new Captain America, Falcon has gone on a significant journey since he was first introduced to the Marvel Universe.

10 Falcon's Debut

Falcon Marvel Debut

Falcon's debut is just as important as any other hero's. Originating as a criminal working for a gang, before becoming a pilot, it was ret-conned that Wilson's time on the other side of the law was actually fabricated by the Red Skull.

Sam helped Captain America defeat the head of Hydra and thus he became his new partner. The character of Falcon is historically very important for the comics industry and he went from being a sidekick to being an equal very quickly.

9 Gyrich's Avengers

Falcon Marvel

Falcon's original introduction into the Avengers is also an important part of his story and one that will influence the rest of his career and outlook. Henry Gyrich would create his own form of the Avengers, bankrolling the team.

Falcon was brought in as a "token" member essentially, which Sam was completely unhappy with. He quickly left the group, but would later be welcomed in again on account of his abilities, rather than the color of his skin.

8 The Zolas

Jet Zola Marvel

Fast forward to Sam's debut as the new Captain America and a significant story that influences this part of his career is the link to the Zola family. Arnim Zola actually has children, Jet and Ian Zola. Their allegiances were complex.

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Ian went by the name of Nomad and appeared to be an ally. Jet seemed confused as to the role she would play. She and Sam started up a relationship, but she would ultimately be deemed a traitor when Zola showed a small amount of affection for her.

7 Passing The Mantle

Sam Wilson Captain America Marvel Comics Sun

This would lead to the passing of the mantle as during this conflict and the arrival of The Iron Nail, Steve Rogers was aged up and could no longer take on the role of Captain America. Conflicted by the events but swearing to do his duty, Sam Wilson took up the shield.

The former Falcon had a number of allies during this period of time, including Nomad. He was called the All New Captain America and really earned the mantle when he was willing to give up his life to defeat Zola.

6 Hydra's Trap

Hydra All New Captain America

The very first issues of The All New Captain America saw Sam Wilson actually walking straight into a trap. It seemed that his arrival as the new Cap meant that Hydra had put a significant target on his head.

To prove his worth, Wilson was pitted against a number of foes that have worked with Hydra over the years, including the Red Skulls, Crossbones, Baron Zemo and Sin. Their plot to poison the Earth was foiled, with the help of Misty Knight.

5 SHIELD Opposition

Shield Captain America Marvel Falcon

Usually Captain America is known to work with SHIELD and the U.S. Government, but Sam quickly decided that they stood against many of his core principles. Leaked information confirmed to him that they were acting irresponsibly in regards to the cosmic cube.

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He therefore charted his own path alongside his newfound allies. While some other heroes like USAgent tried to convince him to give up the shield and he was deemed the Socialist Captain America, a lot of new supporters flocked to his side too.

4 All New Avengers

All New Avengers Marvel

Captain America has always been a significant part of the Marvel trio and it seems that the former Falcon would also fill that role. A conflict with the villain Warbringer would create an all new Avengers team, with Cap at the helm of leadership.

With the new Thor and Iron Man joining him in the team, the future of the Marvel universe were also given roles, with heroes like Ms. Marvel, Nova and Miles Morales getting membership.

3 The Return Of Cap

Steve Rogers return as Captain America in Marvel Comics

The return of Steve Rogers is a significant story for Sam Wilson as a debate was started over who should really wield the shield now the original had returned. The two agreed that Wilson would continue on with the mantle.

However, this was not the Steve Rogers that Sam once knew, but instead an alternate one. Tension therefore built between the two, as Steve amassed more power thanks to his role as a significant part of the Earth's security.

2 Rage For Rage

Rage Marvel

The Rage storyline echoed back to Falcon's past and allowed a lesser used character to be brought to the forefront once again. Rage had been deemed a criminal for some of his actions and was treated unfairly by the superhero community.

Sam took a stand, siding with Rage and calling out the institutional prejudice within the system. This caused huge uproar with the now fascist Steve Rogers standing against him. This was a turning point for the character.

1 Secret Empire

Secret Empire Marvel

This new Captain America has faced many opponents over the years, but no one expected him to face the original Cap. Now the Hydra Supreme, thanks to meddling from the cosmic cube, a Secret Empire was born.

During the Hydra reign Sam went undercover, helping to smuggle Inhumans and Mutants out of dangerous cities. He was a symbol of hope when all seemed lost and the way he had stuck to his principles in the past made him a believable leader.

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