The Falcon: Why is he around?

[GOD]

Falcon is one of those characters when you are not reading him you are like meh but anytime I actually read him in something I like him a lot.

As for his powerset I think its boring in the sense that he has not evolved over time. He should have a ton of SHIELD devices and gadgets at his disposal. Maybe some metal wings and some offensive weapons.

Now that I think about it I think it would be cool if Falcon served as the Avengers pilot (SOMEONE has to save them some money on Quinjets!) and their drone commander (which is militarizing the Avengers more then they need to be admittedly).

[Memphis Raines]

Falcon is one of those characters when you are not reading him you are like meh but anytime I actually read him in something I like him a lot.

As for his powerset I think its boring in the sense that he has not evolved over time. He should have a ton of SHIELD devices and gadgets at his disposal. Maybe some metal wings and some offensive weapons.

Now that I think about it I think it would be cool if Falcon served as the Avengers pilot (SOMEONE has to save them some money on Quinjets!) and their drone commander (which is militarizing the Avengers more then they need to be admittedly).

So basically, Falcon could be what Forge used to be to the X-Men during the Jim Lee days? A guy who is battlefield proven, but since his powers aren't really offensive ones and people still like reading about his character, he could serve in a Q from James Bond type capacity for the team and go out on the OCCASIONAL field mission when he is really needed?

[Francisco]

I think he should be the way he was portrayed in that lame cartoon of Avengers united they stand.
He had lasers and micro-rocket luanchers on his boots.

[Venom Melendez]

First of all, his Cap's partner, not his sidekick.

Falcon is a great hero in his own right and he has saved Captain America's ass(Steve and Bucky) hundreds of times.

So basically, Falcon could be what Forge used to be to the X-Men during the Jim Lee days? A guy who is battlefield proven, but since his powers aren't really offensive ones and people still like reading about his character, he could serve in a Q from James Bond type capacity for the team and go out on the OCCASIONAL field mission when he is really needed?

Except that misses the point of Sam Wilson.

He is great on the field and his powers do work great on the field, even offensively.

Now that I think about it I think it would be cool if Falcon served as the Avengers pilot (SOMEONE has to save them some money on Quinjets!) and their drone commander (which is militarizing the Avengers more then they need to be admittedly).

Neither would work for Sam Wilson.

Also, Falcon's winds and suit have been upgraded over the years.

It is not a case of not respecting a character. I like Falcon I liked him years ago as partners with Cap I liked him working with Bucky. I enjoy the friendship with Cap a lot. That does not mean I thing it is realistic that he can beat omega level powere of can hold his own against Thor's foes. It is nothing to do with respect it is just who he is. There is no shame in it.

If you want realism, don't read comics. Realism went out the window at the get go.

[Venom Melendez]

* double post

[neohuey89]

Avengers don't really have a telepath these days right? Maybe he could use those kind of upgrades. It can be tech based so if things go sour he can't always use it.

[skyvolt2000]

Regardless of what Falcon's personality and history are and how well-liked and respected he is by other heroes in the MU, I'm pretty sure this is what the OP meant.

I don't know why people are getting so offended and pissed off, because it's a very valid point.

The way the question was worded is what got folks ticked off. Because it appeared that this was going to be the same debate we have seen aimed at Black Panther, Static, Patriot and even a guy who has YET to debut.

Why is he around when we got a white guys that has the same powers or abilities. Angel and the other guy from X-Men Academy headlined books and got story lines where they were the focal point. It's not the Falcon's fault that a writer (or editor) doesn't want to do that with him. Or editors don't want to hear pitches for Falcon. It happens all the time.

I HIGHLY doubt the OP meant to say that. He was really just asking what keeps this guy around when so many others keep coming and going.

Lets look at him-
He has had 5 action figures
His name on 2 monthly series
Be in 4 tv shows
3 video games
1 upcoming movie with a REAL actor and not some dumb jock like Steel
among the top 100 heroes according to some website



I think the best way to solve this is for someone to list stories that might be the best way to show how useful the Falcon (either version) is.

[NamorsTrident]

I think the best way to solve this is for someone to list stories that might be the best way to show how useful the Falcon (either version) is.

That's actually not a bad idea....

[Jarocho]

So basically, Falcon could be what Forge used to be to the X-Men during the Jim Lee days? A guy who is battlefield proven, but since his powers aren't really offensive ones and people still like reading about his character, he could serve in a Q from James Bond type capacity for the team and go out on the OCCASIONAL field mission when he is really needed?

I totally misread this post and assumed it meant Falcon should be used like James Bond, and to that I agree.

Every super team finds they need a guy to put on a tux and do some reconnaissance. Who better than Sam Wilson? He is more streetwise than Captain American, cleans up better than Wolverine, and less conspicuous than Thor, God of Thunder. Add his experience with Captain America and the Falcon becomes a great glue character. Kind of like Hawkeye if Hawkeye wasn't always such a jerk. Just give him some funny lines and stuff to do and he would be really interesting. Like a less grumpy Leonard McCoy.

[JaggedFel]

So Ultimate Falcon then.

[Frank]

So basically, Falcon could be what Forge used to be to the X-Men during the Jim Lee days? A guy who is battlefield proven, but since his powers aren't really offensive ones and people still like reading about his character, he could serve in a Q from James Bond type capacity for the team and go out on the OCCASIONAL field mission when he is really needed?

Falcon has a tech guy/pilot would be good. Then occasionly, he joins the fight. Or save people with his wings when they fall from something.

[Frank]

While it's cool and all, his status in history...it's secondary in my head to the fact that he's just fully well rendered on the page. It's as important to me as Superman's being the first superhero is in enjoying his respective adventures (ei: not at all).

The biggest thing for me about Sam that I like is that he's a well rendered character. His character is consistent in near every panel. You know how he's going to react to any given situation. And that's rare, given the length of his career and the plethora of creators involved.

Not only that, but the man you see is a noble, good person. He's been responsible for talking Steve down on many occasions.

If you can't see the point of Sam being on the Avengers, then you just haven't read enough comics. Rather than complain, take the time to educate yourself and experience the stories for yourself. Or, just trust that the writer probably has and thus knows what they're doing.

Here's the thing though, I like Sam/Falcon but it has nothing to do with the Avengers. He's always been there on the team because of Cap and I don't view anything he's ever done in Avengers as "classic".

My stance on Falcon is that not everybody has to be uber powerful. The fact that he flies and control one bird doesn't make him suck, you need a variety of characters in a super-hero Universe with different level of powers and use.

[celticguy]

First of all, his Cap's partner, not his sidekick.

He is great on the field and his powers do work great on the field, even offensively.

Also, Falcon's winds and suit have been upgraded over the years.

If you want realism, don't read comics. Realism went out the window at the get go.

Great lets get the Aunt May vs. Doom issue going. I mean if no aspect of realism is need to write a compelling story lets have the 60ish year old beat up superstrong villians hell let her kick Odin's ass if that is the rule.

Sam should have upgrades that last more than a few issues. I don't remeber the lasttime I saw him do something besides fly and punch.

Talking to birds which is his only power, the suit is a gadget not a power, is limited in offensive uses. Giving him a tougher battle suit would improve his role if they are fighting this level of foe. As he is he is best used in his shield role or in the SA at leastthe old SA. He is at least as useful as moonknight.

[marvell2100]

Sam is around to save anyone who dons the suit and shield. Be it Steve or Bucky.