The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has been one of the most anticipated and loved shows in the Marvel Universe since WandaVision. It is perhaps because it marked the shift from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. However, there is one mysterious and rebellious character in the franchise that does not fail to grab audience attention, and that character is John Walker, a.k.a U.S. Agent.
He's a patriot without a cause, an army man, and someone who has been termed as a "villain" more times than he's been termed as a "hero." Although it remains debatable if John Walker is really worthy of the Captain America shield, there have been some instances in the comics where he made a pretty decent Captain America.
10 When He Shared The Same Ambition Of Being A Patriotic Hero As Steve Rogers
Walker grew up in the company of Mike, his older brother, who was a pilot for the US army. When Mike served in Vietnam and fell in battle, John Walker became more passionate about growing up and serving his country. Both John Walker and Steve Rogers shared the sentiment that one own's country comes above oneself at all times.
John never forgot this collective aim and made decisions keeping in mind what would be best for his country. This moralistic belief is perhaps what makes John Walker similar to Steve Rogers (the original Captain America) in many ways.
9 He Has Better Physical Capabilities Than Captain America Himself
Since his inception as the Super Patriot, John Walker has not only shown that he match Steve Rogers in strength, speed, and agility, but at times can also be better than him. He can lift 11 tons, whereas Steve could only lift 3-4 tons. Walker can also leap 20 feet into the air. His potential was enough to make Steve Rogers question his own ability from their first fight.
After assuming the position of Captain America, he went under intensive training, which in turn only made him stronger. Not only did the training enhance his physical abilities, but also gave him new-found respect for Steve Rogers, having seen for himself the skills and practice it requires to live up to the prestige of Captain America.
8 When He Acknowledged That The Uniform Of Captain America Is Meant To Inspire, Not Terrify
One of John Walker's early assignments was to extend support to the democratic allies in South America. During this mission, he teamed up with Tarantula. However, he looked down on his methods (which included interrogating and terrorizing immigrants in detention centers).
The said mission also involved a fight with Spider-Man, after which Walker noticed that the immigrants, as well as Spider-Man, looked at him and his uniform in fear. This prompted him to step down, stating that the uniform he wears is meant to inspire, not terrify. This was perhaps one of the first instances where he resembled the spirit of Captain America.
7 When He Didn't Join The Scourge And Chose His Country Before Family
While attempting to infiltrate Scourge of the Underworld, Walker is caught, tormented, and questioned. The masked agent inflicting the torture turns out to be none other than Mike, who was thought to have passed away in the Vietnam War. Mike tries to persuade John to join the Scourge.
John refuses to do so even after looking up to Mike his whole life. It is later revealed that Mike was a well-formulated illusion that was created to entice John. However, John chose his country over his brother, even before realizing that he (Mike) was an illusion.
6 When He Faced The Reality Of His Parent's Death Instead of Hiding Away From It
Two of John Walker's colleagues, Left Winger and Right Winger, were rejected from being his partners after failing their background tests. They crashed the press conference where Walker was to ascend to the role of Captain America, and revealed his name, address, and identity, which led the Watchdogs to kill his parents. To solve Walker's psychosis caused by the incident, he was hypnotized into believing that his parents were still alive.
When Walker reconciles with his previous partner, Battlestar, he learns about the reality of his parent's death. Instead of running away from it, he chooses to face this bitter reality, and even encourages Hawkeye to the same. John Walker's choice showcased bravery, which in itself is a pretty important aspect of being Captain America.
5 When He Put His Country Above Everything Else
On Walker's first mission (after joining New Invaders), he teamed up with Namor and the Atlantean forces. This was to overthrow the Mazikandar government as they were sinking oil tankers and polluting seas, whilst also attempting to take control of the oil supply to America. As they were about to invade the Capitol building, they were forced to face the Avengers.
Captain America called Walker a disgrace to the uniform, however, Walker states that Steve Rogers is the true traitor as he never fully grasped the responsibility he has to this country and the responsibility that comes with being a patriotic symbol for the nation. Walker always put his duty towards his country above the orders that were given to him, and this incident is proof of it.
4 For Consistently Stepping Up When Steve Rogers Couldn't
John Walker has never been afraid to take up an opportunity. He constantly rose up to the occasion and proved that he could be relied on, time and again. When Steve Rogers is asked to report to the Commission on Superhuman Activities, he abandoned the position of Captain America as he did not want to be associated with a political agenda.
John Walker puts aside his opinion, and steps up to the position of Captain America, even though he had previously criticized Captain America. A similar incident to this was when he took the proposal of leading the New Invaders when Captain America didn't. Walker states that he only took up the responsibility as he wanted to show that Captain America shouldn't be afraid of a fight.
3 For The Way He Earns Respect, Rather Than Demanding It
Although John Walker may react explosively to certain situations, he has proven that he would never want something spoon-fed to him or given to him as an obligation. Despite being unpopular with his allies, he has always managed to earn their approval and respect through his actions.
In his first mission as a part of the New Invaders, he won over Namor, an unreliable ally of Captain America. He even managed to get a personal note of appreciation from Namor for saving him from a brainwashed Wolverine.
2 For His Level Of Patriotism
It's no secret that John Walker has wanted to be a patriotic hero his entire life. Through the course of the comic, his level of patriotism has only increased.
He has consistently proven his love, admiration, and sense of allegiance that he has for his country. Whether it is going against orders, family, or even his own allies, if it is better for the country, he will do it.
1 For His Dedication And Loyalty
John Walker is not only loyal to his country, but he is also loyal to the Avengers. After defeating Chthon, he bids adieu to the Omega Flight team, with their support. He leaves the team stating that it was an honor to work for them, however, "once an Avenger, always an Avenger." Soon after, he joins the team of superheroes. More importantly, John Walker has proven to the comic book readers that he values his friendship with Battlestar.
Battlestar and him have been together since their army days, and John shows his loyalty to the bond that they share. The comics also present readers with several instances where his dedication to the Avengers team is portrayed.