An Action Figure Unboxing
The high-flying Avenger has one of the most groundbreaking backstories in the Marvel Universe, and is a fan favorite among adult collectors. Marvel’s FALCON is featured this month in this profile and unboxing.
Among the pantheon of characters in the Marvel Universe, there are few that have as storied a history and legacy as that of the winged wonder, The Falcon. Sam Wilson arrived on the scene in the late 1960s. Introduced on the cover in the landmark issue Captain America #117, illustrated by the legendary Gene Colan, co-created by Stan Lee, he wasn’t the imprint’s first black Super Hero [that honor goes to The Black Panther introduced three years prior], but The Falcon made an immediate impression with fans and readers alike.
His origins were clouded in mystery, as Sam Wilson, the son of a prominent minister in Harlem, was used as a pawn of notorious Nazi criminal, The Red Skull, against his arch nemesis, Captain America. Using the Cosmic Cube, the Skull super-heightened Sam’s already innate ability to handle, train, and communicate with avians, cultivating the dual identity of a costumed adventurer, The Falcon. Hoping that Captain America would partner up with The Falcon, and that he could manipulate Sam into betraying the hero, The Red Skull’s plan is ultimately thwarted by the pair.
Under the tutelage of Captain America, Sam Wilson begins to recognise his own potential and that he could do some good as The Falcon. The King of Wakanda, T’Challa, the Black Panther, also takes an interest in Sam’s heroics and provides him with the technology, an advice flight pack with aerodynamic wings, that enable The Falcon to take to the air. Over the years, the Wakandas have refined and advanced the flight back, allowing The Falcon to reach speeds of up to 250 miles per hour at an altitude of nearly 24,000 feet.
When the character took flight on the big screen in Marvel Studios’ 2014 Captain America: The Winter Soldier, he was brought to life by Anthony Mackie. Cast alongside Chris Evans [as Steve Rogers/Captain America] and Scarlett Johansson [Natasha Romanoff/The Black Widow], Mackie’s Sam Wilson would ascend to full Avengers status [following the events of Captain America: Civil War], battling several world threats and galactic menaces, ultimately inheriting the role of Captain America at the conclusion of the “Infinity Saga.”
His Own Legacy
For a character that had largely been intended as a sidekick to Captain America, The Falcon quickly moves out from under the watchful eye of his mentor and soars into the spotlight as his own. Stan Lee and Gene Colan’s creation, controversial for its time, proved Marvel Comics’ dedication to social consciousness, giving rise to a community of heroes reflective of the world they seek to protect. With his faithful feathered friend, Redwing, always by his side, Sam’s legacy as The Falcon and as an Avenger reaches all-new heights when the hero is tapped to assume the mantle of Captain America.
Steve Rogers has never let his country down, but personal tragedies have forced him to lay down his shield. Confronted with a world largely divided and an America politically charged, without a Captain America to turn to, Sam realizes he has some big boots to fill. The man doesn’t hesitate and emerges as the hero, a new Captain America, to meet the challenges of the time, and fights for all our freedoms. Even after Rogers resumes his role as the Star-Spangled Avenger, Sam remains in the fight, as both captains defend America from tyranny and corruption.
UnBoxing
Perfectly priced, the classic cardbacked action figure released by Hasbro as part of their Marvel Legends “Retro” series, features the hero in one of his more contemporary suit designs before he adopts his Captain America identity. The cardboard graphics are a great throwback and are designed to evoke the look of action figures as they were originally released under the Toy Biz banner, before Hasbro inherited the Marvel Universe product license. The art is dynamic and collectible.
The Retro Packaging…
The Falcon with his “wings” extended.
Perfect addition to your collection.
The photonotic wings clip easily into the slots on the figure’s arms to replicate the hero in full flight! The wings can be removed if The Falcon is on the ground, ready for hand-to-hand combat against any dangerous adversary. The most obviously missing accessory that would have completed this package is The Falcon’s feathered sidekick, Redwing. Although mentioned in the cardback descriptor, Redwing (which has been included in previous releases of Falcon and is packaged with the hero in the upcoming commemorative “Secret Wars” reissue) does not include his winged right wing.
This shouldn’t be a deterrent to the collector. This version of The Falcon’s uniform is one of the most popular and completes a contemporary line-up of Avengers. Celebrate Black History Month with Marvel Legends action figures.
Hasbro’s MARVEL LEGENDS Retro Series | Marvel’s THE FALCON Action Figure is available on Amazon, and the upcoming “Secret Wars” commemorative edition is available for pre-order through Hasbro Pulse.
Product Description
Inspired by Marvel Comics: Collectible Marvel’s The Falcon figure is inspired by the character’s appearance in Marvel Comics.
Character-Inspired Accessories: This Marvel action figure set comes with several accessories, including two alternate hands and photonic flight wings
BUILD A MULTIVERSE OF MARVEL COLLECTIBLES: Look for more Marvel Legends figures to build your own Marvel Comics Multiverse (Each sold separately. Subject to availability)
Ages 4 and up
⚠️ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under three years.
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