Marvel’s Falcon, originally introduced in 1969, is often recognized as the first African-American superhero. Created by Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, Falcon has evolved from a sidekick to a leading character, now portrayed by Anthony Mackie as Captain America in the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World.
The late 1960s marked a pivotal time in American history, with the Civil Rights Act enacted and a growing demand for representation in media. In response, Marvel began to introduce Black characters into their comics. The Falcon’s debut came as a reaction to an article in an underground newspaper that criticized the lack of Black characters in comic books.
According to Sean Howe’s book, Marvel Comics: The Untold Story, the Falcon was hastily added to Captain America #117 after the public outcry. Colan, who sought to create a Black superhero, drew inspiration from O.J. Simpson, a prominent athlete at the time.
Simpson’s athleticism and appeal made him a fitting model for the Falcon’s design. He was a star player for the University of Southern California and later the Buffalo Bills, embodying the heroic qualities that Colan aimed to capture. However, Simpson’s legacy has since been overshadowed by his notorious trial in the 1990s.
In a nod to this history, Falcon’s character has also referenced the O.J. Simpson trial in various Marvel films. The upcoming Captain America: Brave New World is set to be released on February 14, 2025.
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