The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has come and gone. The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe series on Disney+ has officially wrapped up its run. Now, fans are left to wait until Loki debuts, followed by Black Widow, for their MCU fix. In the meantime, we have some reading suggestions for those who are coming down from the latest round of adventures with Sam and Bucky. So, here are five comics to read after watching The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Captain America #117
While The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was a two-hander for Sam and Bucky, it truly was Sam Wilson’s time to shine. Not only did Falcon get some much-deserved time in the spotlight but we finally get to see Sam take up the shield. He is our new Captain America now. As such, it might be worth revisiting Falcon’s debut in the pages of Marvel Comics. Published in 1969, this is where it all started.
Synopsis – With Captain America away, the Red Skull will play. Captain America is stranded on Exile Island with the Red Skull’s murderous minions, while the red-faced devil ruins his reputation with the world. Will the Red Skull finally win?
Captain America #312
The Flag Smashers wound up being the primary antagonists in the show. Zemo had his fun but the terrorist group led by Karli Morgenthau was at the heart of it all. But in the comics, it was a single villain named Flag-Smasher, who debuted in Captain America #312 back in 1985. Now that the show is over, it might be worth seeing how the villain in the comics differs from what we ultimately got.
Synopsis – Introducing: Flag-Smasher, the freedom-fighter gone mad! His goal: liberate Earth from the oppression of national rule! His target: The UN!
Captain America #354
John Walker became our new Captain America when Sam gave up the shield. In the end, that didn’t go all too well. John lost his cool and killed a man while the world watched. By the show’s finale, he had redeemed himself – somewhat – and assumed the mangle of U.S. Agent. For those interested, U.S. Agent debuted in the pages of Captain America #354, which initially hit stands in December 1985.
Synopsis – Captain America takes on the Red Skull’s merciless minion, the Taskmaster!
Falcon & Winter Soldier
For those who are looking for another round of adventures with Sam and Bucky, look no further than 2020’s Falcon & Winter Soldier miniseries. Written by Derek Landy with art from Federico Vicentini, the book was timed to help promote the show. But for those who haven’t read it yet, it might be the perfect follow-up for fans.
Synopsis – An office of dead government agents. A gifted new killer. Two ex-Captain Americas…When a dramatic attempt on the life of Bucky Barnes reunites him with Sam Wilson, the two old friends are plunged headlong into a race to uncover the new leader of Hydra before a mass casualty event announces the terror group’s resurgence to the world. The clock is ticking…
Captain America: Sam Wilson
Last, but certainly not least, Captain America: Sam Wilson is likely the comic to read after watching The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In the end, Sam fulfilled what Steve Rogers saw in him at the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. He took the shield and became our new Cap. There is, perhaps, no better way to follow that finale than by reading 2015’s Captain America: Sam Wilson, the first solo series with Sam as Cap in Marvel Comics. Written by Nick Spencer, this book ultimately served as the inspiration for one of the biggest moments in MCU history.
Synopsis – When Steve Rogers was restored to his natural age, he chose one of his closest and most trusted allies to take up his shield. Now Sam Wilson, formerly the Avenger known as Falcon, carries on the fight for liberty and justice as the all-new, all-different Captain America!
What do you think? Did you like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier? Are you hoping for a second season? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
