The Origins and Evolution of Falcon’s Wings: From Comic Books to MCU

Introduction

The iconic character Falcon, one of the most powerful and versatile heroes in the Marvel Universe, earned his aerial prowess through unique and interesting means, both in the comic books and in the streaming series.
In this article, we explore the journey of how Falcon received his wings, focusing on key events in the comic books and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Comics: The First Set of Wings

In the 1970s, the comic books depicted a momentous exchange where Black Panther (T’Challa) gifted Falcon (Sam Wilson) his first set of wings. This event transpired in Captain America and the Falcon Vol. 1 No. 170, marking the debut of his aerial abilities. Falcon immediately put these wings to use in issue 171, showcasing their transformative power and versatility.

MCU: Military Flight Suit and Wakandan Upgrade

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the origin story of Falcon’s wings is quite different. In the 2014 film Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Falcon’s first set of wings were part of an experimental military flight suit. Stewart’s character, Sam Wilson, obtains these wings for the first time, further enhancing his combat effectiveness.

After the events of the Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a significant upgrade took place in the The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. Sam’s wings were part of a new Captain America suit, designed and possibly upgraded by the Wakandans. This newer version of the wings operates on a higher technological and tactical level, better suited for dynamic combat and espionage.

Sharon Carter: The Fugitive and Wings

The character Sharon Carter, a member of the secret service, played a crucial role in Falcon’s possession of his wings. After being released from captivity and escaping with Sam Wilson, she took the wings and shield to work with Captain America. This act of defiance led to Sharon being branded as an enemy of the state due to violating the Sokovia Accords. She was forced into hiding, eventually settling in Madripoor.

In the third episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it is explained that Sharon Carter used her position in the CIA to acquire the wings and return them to Sam. This illegal act not only strengthened Falcon’s powers but also set the stage for his future stories.

Beyond Civil War: Acquiring New Wings

The subsequent acquisition of a new set of wings by Falcon in the MCU can be explained through multiple factors. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the final battle took place in a secure location with heavy security measures. Given Falcon’s association with the Avengers, it is highly plausible that he acquired another wing suit shortly after the film’s events.

Another consideration is the revival of SHIELD and the return of Nick Fury, who brought an old school Helicarrier during the evacuation of Sokovia. It is possible that SHIELD distributed advanced equipment, including wings, to key figures, such as Falcon. Additionally, the evacuation of Sokovia mentioned in Captain America: Civil War could have led to the retrieval of Falcon’s original equipment, which would explain the ease with which he obtained the new wings.

Conclusion

The journey of Falcon’s wings is not merely a story of obtaining new equipment; it is also a testament to the power of alliances, technological advancements, and personal heroism. From the initial investment from Black Panther to Sharon Carter’s daring heist and ultimately to the technological upgrades in the MCU, Falcon’s wings have played a significant role in his career as a superhero, allowing him to soar through the skies and protect the world from threats old and new.