Falcon (Samuel Thomas "Sam" Wilson) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 (Sept. 1969). As the superhero Falcon, Wilson uses mechanical wings to fly, granting him limited telepathic and empathic control over birds. Following Steve Rogers' retirement, Wilson becomes the newest Captain America and leader of the Avengers. Wilson's deceased nephew was the Incredible Hulk's sometime-sidekick Jim Wilson, one of the first openly HIV-positive comic-book characters. Jim Wilson's father Gideon Wilson would go on to join the Gamma Corps. Sam also has parents named Paul and Darlene Wilson, a sister named Sarah Casper, a nephew named Jody Toby Casper, and an unnamed niece.