Battlestar (character)

Battlestar was created by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary, and was originally introduced as a nameless member of the Bold Urban Commandos in Captain America #323 (1986).{{Cite web |last=Dodge |first=John |date=2021-04-11 |title=Falcon and Winter Soldier: Who Is Battlestar - and What's His Link to Taskmaster? |url=https://www.cbr.com/falcon-winter-soldier-battlestar-taskmaster-comics/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=CBR |language=en-US}} In Captain America #327 he is called "Lemar" for the first time, but generally is still treated as interchangeable with the other BUCs. He rises from anonymity in Captain America #334, in which his full name is revealed and he adopts the identity of Bucky. Gruenwald later explained:

{{blockquote|I get several letters every month asking when Bucky's coming back. And I said, "Well, if the government's getting a new Captain America, maybe they'd want to get a new Bucky." I had previously introduced three Buckies as the friends and partners of the Super-Patriot, the Bold Urban Commandos, and rather than create someone new, I decided one of them would be the Bucky. There were two white guys and a black guy, and I said why not the black guy. He at least stood out in the group. Cap had a black partner before in the Falcon, but he's had three other white partners so I said it's time for another black one. Thus, Bucky was black. Now I'm getting a lot of bad mail, and deservedly so, for my ignorance.{{Cite news |last=Zimmerman |first=Dwight Jon |date=January 1988 |title=Mark Gruenwald |pages=5–23 |work=Comics Interview |publisher=Fictioneer Books |issue=54}}|author=|title=|source=}}

Writer Dwayne McDuffie informed Gruenwald that "Buck" is considered a derogatory term among African-Americans, as it was a term used before the American Civil War to refer to male slaves, and said that it was also racially offensive to have an adult black man taking on the identity of a teenage sidekick.{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2018 |title=Comic Legends: How Dwayne McDuffie Saved Captain America From Racism |url=https://www.cbr.com/captain-america-dwayne-mcduffie-racism/ |access-date=November 29, 2019 |website=CBR |language=en-US}} Writer Mark Gruenwald had not known of the racial connotation of "Bucky", having grown up in a region with very few African-Americans, and worked with McDuffie to create a story to address the problem and give Hoskins a new name.

In Captain America #341 he is renamed Battlestar, dons his own unique costume, and is more explicitly presented as a partner to the new Captain America, rather than a sidekick.{{Cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=45}} Gruenwald recalled, "The search for a good name for a partner to Cap is a whole half-hour unto itself. [laughs] We came up with every single name which was vaguely patriotic, vaguely military, and yet stood on its own, because some day these guys may split up." The name "Battlestar" was ultimately suggested by Captain America penciler Kieron Dwyer.

Lemar Hoskins was born in Chicago, Illinois. Along with his Army buddies John Walker, Hector Lennox, and Jerome Johnson, he is given superhuman attributes by Dr. Karl Malus on behalf of the Power Broker, and they become wrestlers.{{Cite book |last=DeFalco |first=Tom |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7566-2358-6 |page=31}} The four later form the Bold Urban Commandos (also known as the "BUCkies"), and are employed by John Walker, known as the Super-Patriot.{{Cite web |last=Chitwood |first=Adam |date=2021-03-27 |title='The Falcon and the Winter Soldier': Who Is Battlestar? A Primer on Marvel's Lemar Hoskins |url=https://collider.com/who-is-battlestar-lemar-hoskins-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Collider |language=en-US}} The Buckies stage a fake attack on the Super-Patriot for publicity.Captain America #323 (November 1986). Marvel Comics. As a BUCky, Hoskins also attacks a group of foreign students.Captain America #327. Marvel Comics.

When the Federal Commission on Superhuman Activities selects Walker to replace Steve Rogers as Captain America, Hoskins is the only one in his group allowed to accompany the new Captain America. He takes the identity of Bucky (after Rogers' original partner Bucky) and undergoes a rigorous training under the supervision of the Commission. Walker and Hoskins go undercover on a mission to stop the Watchdogs.Captain America #334 (October 1987). Marvel Comics.

Hoskins, who is African American, is persuaded by another black man that "Bucky" is a demeaning title, since American slaveholders often referred to male slaves as "bucks."{{Cite web |date=2021-03-26 |title=Who Plays Lemar Hoskins on 'Falcon and Winter Soldier'? Meet Cle Bennett |url=https://decider.com/2021/03/26/falcon-and-winter-soldier-who-is-lemar-hoskins-battlestar/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Decider |language=en-US}} Consequently, Hoskins takes on the identity of Battlestar, wearing a new costume and wielding a shield patterned after the one Steve Rogers originally carried.Captain America #341 (May 1988). Marvel Comics. Captain America and Battlestar capture Quill but are defeated in combat by Quill's team, the Resistants. The duo fight and defeat Demolition Man.Captain America #343–344. Marvel Comics. Battlestar witnesses the Flag-Smasher's capture of Captain America. Battlestar persuades Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, to help him rescue Walker from the Flag-Smasher, and they battle ULTIMATUM.Captain America #348–349. Marvel Comics. Battlestar witnesses the faked assassination of Walker and leaves the Commission's employ. He confronts Dr. Valerie Cooper and learns that Walker is still alive.

Battlestar meets the Falcon and aids him in battling Coachwhip, Puff Adder, and Rock Python of the Serpent Society.Captain America #351–352 (April 1989). Marvel Comics.

Battlestar confronts and fights the U.S. Agent. Battlestar is captured by the Power Tools. Dr. Karl Malus employs the Power Tools to collect previous clients of Power Broker Inc., so that Malus can perform tests upon them. Malus subjects Battlestar to the de-augmentation process. Subsequently, Hoskins fights the Power Broker and his superhuman strength is restored by Malus. Hoskins then reconciles with U.S. Agent.Captain America #372–378 (July 1990 – October 1990). Marvel Comics.

When Steve Rogers resumes the identity of Captain America, Battlestar leaves federal employment and returns to his native Chicago. He becomes a member of Silver Sable's Wild Pack for some time."Silver Sable and the Wild Pack #3 (August 1992). Marvel Comics. When Ernst Sablinova, Sable's father, wants the Pack to murder a captive, Battlestar disobeys.Silver Sable and the Wild Pack #34–35 (March 1995 – April 1995). Marvel Comics.

During the "Civil War" storyline, Battlestar allies himself with many opposed to the Superhuman Registration Act.Civil War: Front Line #3. Marvel Comics. His group includes, but are not limited to, Typeface, Gladiatrix and Solo. During a visit by reporter Sally Floyd, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents operating alongside Iron Man attack and capture many of the group. Floyd and a few others escape.Civil War: Front Line #4. Marvel Comics. Battlestar suffers a back injury during the battle and due to an oversight, does not receive proper medical care while in custody in Prison 42. He is freed by Captain America's forces and takes part in the final battle, despite his injuries.Civil War Battle Damage Report one-shot. Marvel Comics.

Battlestar later returns, working as a security guard for Project Pegasus. He witnesses a zombie invasion from a parallel Earth and the return of Jack of Hearts.Marvel Zombies: Supreme #1–2. Marvel Comics. He also participated in an A.R.M.O.R. raid on a parallel Earth, infested by Nazi zombies, alongside a team of heroes which included Dum-Dum Dugan and Howard the Duck.Marvel Zombies Destroy! #1–5. Marvel Comics.

It was later mentioned during the "Death of Wolverine" that an unknown party had managed to steal Battlestar's adamantium shield.Death of Wolverine #1. Marvel Comics.

Battlestar participates in an Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation (UCWF) match against D-Man as part of a charity event. It is revealed that prior to becoming a superhero, Lemar had been an aspiring wrestler whose career was ended by D-Man. The charity fight ends when it is revealed that the current head of the UCWF is trying to abscond with the money raised by the event, and the two heroes team up to stop the robbery.Captain America: Sam Wilson #15. Marvel Comics.

During the "Secret Empire" storyline, Battlestar appears as a member of the Underground when Hydra overtakes the United States.Occupy Avengers #9. Marvel Comics.

Lemar is called to investigate the disappearance of US Agent, but is intercepted by a new super soldier who feels that Lemar is not doing enough to promote racial equality. The soldier breaks his arm.U.S. Agent (2020) #2-3 But he recovers.

Lemar Hoskins is a huge man in superior shape, and was powerfully built even before his musculature was enhanced. As a result of the experimental mutagenic augmentation process conducted on him by Dr. Karl Malus on behalf of the Power Broker,{{volume needed|date=June 2023}} Lemar Hoskins has superhuman strength (capable of lifting 10 tons under maximum exertion), agility, reflexes and endurance. His speed, dexterity, coordination, and balance are of the order of a superior Olympic athlete.{{Cite web |last=Grauso |first=Alisha |date=2021-03-26 |title=Marvel's Battlestar Explained: Who Is Lemar Hoskins (Powers & Comics Origin) |url=https://screenrant.com/falcon-winter-soldier-battlestar-lemar-hoskins-explained/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fogarty |first=Paul |date=2021-03-26 |title=Who is Lemar Hoskins? Marvel's Battlestar introduced in Falcon and Winter Soldier |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/26/lemar-hoskins-battlestar-marvel-the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=HITC |language=en-GB}} Aside from the above advantages, Battlestar is an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant and highly trained in gymnastics and acrobatics.{{Cite web |last=Kleinman |first=Jake |title='Falcon and the Winter Soldier' just committed a classic Marvel sin |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/battlestar-marvel-falcon-winter-soldier-sidekick-or-partner |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Inverse |date=March 26, 2021 |language=en}} Having received rigorous training in unarmed combat and the use of his shield in a style similar to Captain America's own fighting style by the Taskmaster.{{volume needed|date=June 2023}} He is a seasoned combat veteran with military combat experience and training in tactical leadership with the Wild Pack. He is highly proficient in the use of conventional firearms.

He carries a near indestructible blunt-end triangular adamantium shield in combat, and is capable of using it defensively against kinetic and energy based attacks, and offensively as a missile weapon. He is capable of using his shield for defensive purposes and as a weapon. Due to his superhuman strength, it is potentially a lethal weapon.

• In 2021, Screen Rant included Battlestar in their "10 Most Powerful Alternate Versions Of Bucky In Marvel Comics" list{{Cite web |last=Harn |first=Darby |date=2021-03-27 |title=Falcon & The Winter Soldier: 10 Most Powerful Alternate Versions Of Bucky In Marvel Comics |url=https://screenrant.com/falcon-winter-soldier-most-powerful-alternate-versions-of-bucky-barnes-marvel-comics/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}} and in their "Marvel Comics: 10 Strongest Shield Wielding Characters (Who Aren’t Steve Rogers)" list.{{Cite web |last=Beaty |first=Drew |date=2021-08-30 |title=Marvel Comics: 10 Strongest Shield Wielding Characters (Who Aren't Steve Rogers) |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-comics-strongest-shield-users-not-cap-america-steve-rogers/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}

• Battlestar makes a non-speaking appearance in the Spider-Man (1994) five-part episode "Six Forgotten Warriors" as a member of the Wild Pack.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
• Battlestar makes a non-speaking appearance in the Spider-Man (2017) episode "Take Two" as a member of the Wild Pack.{{Cite episode |title=Take Two |series=Spider-Man |network=Disney XD |season=2 |number=27 |airdate=June 18, 2018}}
• Lemar Hoskins / Battlestar appears in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, portrayed by Clé Bennett.{{Cite magazine |last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |date=March 26, 2021 |title='The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' Recap: Two (Butting) Heads Are Better Than One |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-recaps/falcon-winter-soldier-recap-episode-2-star-spangled-man-1147434/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326164434/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-recaps/falcon-winter-soldier-recap-episode-2-star-spangled-man-1147434/ |archive-date=March 26, 2021 |access-date=March 26, 2021 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} This version works for the U.S. Army and is a friend and partner of John Walker who is later accidentally killed by Karli Morgenthau.{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2021 |title=The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 4 recap: O Captain! Not my Captain! |url=http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/apr/09/the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier-episode-4-recap-o-captain-not-my-captain |access-date=April 9, 2021 |website=The Guardian}}

{{reflist|2}}

• [http://worldofblackheroes.com/2010/07/20/battlestar-lemar-hoskins/ World of Black Heroes: Battlestar Biography]
• [http://www.marvel.com/universe/Battlestar Battlestar entry on Marvel Universe]
• [http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/b/battlestar.htm Battlestar entry on Marvel Directory]

{{Captain America characters}}

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Category:African-American superheroes

Category:Characters created by Mark Gruenwald

Category:Characters created by Paul Neary

Category:Comics characters introduced in 1986

Category:Fictional characters from Chicago

Category:Fictional professional wrestlers

Category:Fictional shield fighters

Category:Fictional United States Army personnel

Category:Marvel Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds

Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability

Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength

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