The following contains major spoilers for Captain America #750, on sale now from Marvel Comics.
One of the most divisive topics over the last few years at Marvel has been Sam Wilson as Captain America. Sam assumed the mantle in the Marvel NOW! relaunch after Steve Rogers got aged up over a decade ago. Since then, Sam’s wielded the shield, lost it, and then had to share duties with Steve himself.
Through it all, he’s faced tremendous adversity in the Marvel Universe, with racists thinking it wasn’t befitting of him. Sadly, this permeated through to the real world, with xenophobes somehow thinking a Black man shouldn’t or couldn’t be Captain America. That said, Sam persevered, rising above the hate, a slew of villains, and his own self-doubts. However, come Captain America #750, seeds have been planted where, as much as Sam loves the role, he may not want it for much longer.
Sam Wilson Initially Refused His Shield
In “Cup of Tea” (by Tochi Onyebuchi, R.B. Silva, Jesus Aburtov, and VC’s Joe Caramagna), Sam’s visiting the graves of his parents, Paul and Darlene. Sam is still reeling from the Cold War against the racist White Wolf — someone who tried to enact a genocide against Sam and other Black people. While Sam stopped his nemesis, Sam reveals via flashback he didn’t want his new shield, or the mantle.
Misty Knight made it for him, affirming other Avengers like Iron Man and Thor contributed to the metallurgy and making. Simply put, Sam is their Cap: someone worthy, who earned it from way before when he was the Falcon. Sam rebuked it, though, admitting at the graves that he was reluctant because of an existential crisis. He felt complete without it, but he wasn’t sure how whole he could be with it. He knew there was a Steve running point as Cap, plus in the past, there was immense pressure on even Bucky Barnes in the suit.
As a result, Sam just didn’t want the scrutiny anymore. Of course, being a Black man whose every move got criticized (often unfairly) frustrated him. He didn’t care about seals of approval thereafter; Sam just wanted peace of mind. It’s why he’s confessing everything to his parents, especially because he couldn’t do it all with Misty. Sure, he loves her, but he just doesn’t know if she’d understand and relate to his struggles. Seeing the weight of what being Cap means, whether it’s from Sam’s perspective as a sidekick or when he took the symbol up, has left an indelible mark. Unfortunately, it feels like these scars aren’t conducive to healthy emotions, making Sam ready to walk away.
Sam Wilson’s Biggest Critic is Himself
Now, a major part of why Sam is wary about being Cap is he doesn’t want to feel token. This isn’t a mere appointment to him — it’s a way of life. If he feels temporary and like he doesn’t own the role, his heart and soul won’t be in it. Yes, he’ll perform his duties above board, as any military man would. But being Cap is way beyond checking off missions. Sam wants to live it, breathe it and create tangible change in a world that has oppressed minorities and people of color.
So with every slip he makes, or every time someone thinks a White Captain is the “real” one, Sam comes down on himself. He questions if he’s making the world better, if he’s truly inspiring people, and if he’s changing the minds of close-minded folks. As a result, what’s seen as a blessing can also be a curse, damaging Sam’s mental health. On top of that, Sam is scared to embrace the shield as his own, because there’s a fear of how he’ll live if he loses it. He can tell the separation after such a powerful attachment will be tough, all because part of him will feel like a failure. Ironically, Sam battled through these issues with his deeply religious parents, who ended up losing their lives to criminals. This hurt Sam terribly, but he worked through that crisis of conscience and faith, realizing his parents weren’t bigoted or ignorant — they just wanted a better world.
Him being at their memorial site speaks to how much good he wants to do to honor them and why this shield enables the mission. If it’s plucked away, however, he will struggle to move on. It’s much more cerebral than Bucky occupying the mantle when Steve was lost in time, knowing he was a placeholder ready to give it back to Steve. Sam, though, wants to be a permanent fixture, no matter how many Captain Americas are around. But his self-doubt, self-loathing and the tall metrics he sets for his own appraisal inject panic into him. To that point, Sam prefers to deny, deflect and avoid the mantle, so he doesn’t have to live through the anguish of losing this iconic role.
Sam Wilson Trudges On… For Now
While many may think Sam is overanalyzing the situation, he has valid points. As a Black man, the very world he’s fighting for will turn on him at the drop of a hat. He’s experienced it before, and it’s also something The Falcon and the Winter Soldier brought up with Isaiah Bradley. He warned Sam in the Disney+ series that Black heroes on a pedestal will easily be forgotten. It’s why he was discarded and ended up languishing in poverty.
They don’t fit the molds and stereotypes of blue-eyed, blonde hair poster boys. Being used like this has Sam cautious and cynical, making him even more human. He’s even more frightened of placing faith in people who won’t in him. However, while he’s being proactive about potential superhero heartbreak, these grounded, genuine and virtuous principles are why Carol Danvers wants Sam as her Captain America. It’s why Black Panther respects Sam despite their differences, and why Steve will always hold Sam up as the gold standard.
Recently, Sam called Steve out on his personal issues, helping the team to beat White Wolf, free Ian Rogers and emerge victorious over in Dimension Z. It’s the kind of strategy, poise and resilience the mantle needs. Ironically, terrorists attacking Sam and Misty at home, only to lose, reminded Sam why he has to stand up for the minority and be this superhero. He’s the Captain America for people who’d never see themselves in this position. One who’s responsible, capable and selfless. But ultimately, as Sam tells his parents he’ll trudge on, the hesitant part of him feels like time’s counting down until the naysayers call for his resignation because he just doesn’t embody their vision. And no matter what, this very thought has Sam second-guessing, continuing to fester doubt within.