Summary

Warning: contains spoilers forBlood Hunt#3!Sam Wilson recently ascended to the role ofCaptain Americaand now Marvel has confirmed why he was the perfect person for the job. Earth’s heroes are facing one of their darkest moments, literally. A vampire uprising has cast the planet into darkness, and the heroes need a rallying point. EnterSam Wilson, who, inBlood Hunt#3, does Steve Rogers proud with a rousing call to arms.

InBlood Hunt#3, written by Jed MacKay and drawn by Pepe Larraz, a legion of vampires, led by Blade, who has seemingly turned his back on his former friends. Using the Dark Force, they have blackened out Earth’s sun. Now, Earth’s heroes are overrun and Doctor Strange, who could be key to stopping the invasion, is off the table. Captain Marvel asks Sam Wilson to give a pep talk.

Two panels of Sam Wilson gearing up to give a speech

Sam protests, but Carol brushes these concerns off, telling Sam he is an “icon.”

Blood HuntShows Steve Rogers Was Right About Sam Wilson

Sam Wilson Is More Than a Shield and a Uniform

Sam Wilson’s path to becoming Captain America has been a long one. Initially known as the Falcon, Sam Wilson has been one of Captain America’s biggest allies since his debut over 50 years ago. So closely intertwined are their legacies that Sam was a natural choice to replace Steve Rogers.The two now share the title of Captain America, but for Sam, it has proven a difficult legacy to live up to,but his actions inBlood Hunt#3, show Steve made the right choice.

Being Captain America is more than putting on the uniform and slinging the shield. Captain America was created during some of the 20th century’s darkest days, and during that time, became a focal point for a weary nation. These qualities served Captain America well upon his return to the modern world. Thanks to his extended periods leading the Avengers,Captain America has becomethe de facto leader of the entire Marvel Universe. As such, Cap is often the one encouraging and lifting his teammates, and this includes delivering great speeches that stir the spirit.

Three panels of Sam Wilson Captain America rallying the troops

One Surprising MCU Hero is the Avengers’ Perfect Replacement for Captain America

Captain America is one of Marvel’s most inspirational leaders. Those are big shoes to fill, but one hero proves they’re up to the task in Blood Hunt.

Sam Wilson’s Speech Would Have Made Steve Rogers Smile

Sam Wilson’s “No” Became a Rallying Point for the Heroes

And after Sam Wilson’s actions inBlood Hunt#3, Marvel has erased all doubt about his leadership abilities. Sam’s speech hits all the right notes, and echoes across a world plunged into darkness. Captain America’s speech radiates with empathy and understanding, telling the vampires “no.” Sam had serious doubts about his ability to do what Steve Rogers can do almost seamlessly, but as Captain Marvel points out, people still look at him asCaptain America. And just like Steve, Sam Wilson is a great leader–and a worthy choice as successor.

Sam Wilson giving his first speech as Captain America at the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s finale

An older Captain America from Avengers: Twilight with the MCU Avengers behind him.

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson in a promo for Captain America: Brave New World

Comic book cover: Spider-Man Miles Morales crouches as a vampire.