Marvel 1975.11 - Captain America #191

Captain America and the Falcon #191

Title: The Trial of the Falcon!

Writer: Tony Isabella, Bill Mantlo

Artist: Frank Robbins

Villain: Stilt-Man, Trapster

Regulars: Peggy Carter, Leila Taylor

Guests: Iron Man, Ghost Rider, Nick Fury, Val de Fontaine, Gabe Jones

The splash page is the end of this issue's story. From the second page on we read what led up to it.

After defeating Deadly Nightshade last issue, Captain America and the Falcon report to Jeff Cochren, the acting head of SHIELD. He puts the Falcon under arrest for his past crimes as Snap Wilson. The Falcon tries to escape, but Captain America stops him and tells him he'll get a fair trial. Famous last words!

At this point Nick Fury returns and demands to know what's happening. He chews out Cochren for acting heavy-handedly. Then he promises the Falcon that he'll get the best lawyers that SHIELD can find.

The Falcon doesn't expect a fair trial because of his skin colour. That was 1975. Were things so unfair then? Are they still unfair today?

The trial begins. Iron Man testifies in the Falcon's favour But the trial is making the underworld nervous. Snap Wilson's old boss, Jaz, is scared that his business deals will be discussed in court. He hires the Stilt-Man, who now uses the Trapster's paste bombs, to assassinate the Falcon. The Stilt-Man breaks into the court in the middle of the trial. Captain America and the Falcon fight with the Stilt-Man in the streets.

After defeating the Stilt-Man, they return to the courtroom. The Falcon is found guilty. That's the splash page. Then the judge says that in light of his recent actions as a superhero he'll be put on parole. The condition is that he has to report to his parole officer once a month, and his parole officer is Nick Fury.

American justice is fair after all!