Early Life[]

Willie Lincoln, known by his native name "Dancing Horse," was born and raised on a Cheyenne reservation.^[1] Although he identified as Cheyenne, he indicated that his ancestors came from "many different tribes" as a result of the forced displacement of the Cherokee, Muscogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations from their ancestral homelands to the "Indian Territory" of Oklahoma by the United States government in the mid 1800s.^[1] His friends later gave him the Lakota nickname "Crazy Horse."^[1] Life on the reservation was not without its challenges. Economic struggles, historical injustices, and the encroachment of modernity often created an environment rife with adversity. Poverty, limited opportunities, and systemic barriers weighed heavily on the community, affecting Willie and his family leading him to a life of crime. He was recruited as a covert mob enforcer for Wilson Fisk the Kingpin of Crime.^[2]

Maya Lopez[]

His life changed when he met Ms. Lopez, a young woman who worked as a waitress. Their relationship resulted in the birth of Maya Lopez, whose early life was marked by unique challenges.^[3][2] As a baby, Maya exhibited non-responsiveness and minimal vocalization, misconstrued by doctors as potential mental challenges. Due the death of Maya's mother, she was primarily raised by her father.^[4]

Despite the hardships, Crazy Horse played a crucial role in Maya's upbringing. He facilitated her communication through drawing pictures, nurturing her musical talent with the piano, and even introducing her to their Native American heritage. Frequent visits to an Indian reservation in the Great Plains allowed Maya to interact with her cultural roots and a shaman, who taught her Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL) and highlighted her destiny as a storyteller.^[5]

Death[]

Crazy Horse's association with the Kingpin ultimately led to his tragic demise. He fell victim to the Kingpin's orders, meeting his end with Maya by his side. His poignant final act was leaving a bloody handprint on Maya's face before succumbing to the fatal attack.^[2][6] Maya was just nine years old when her father was murdered, leaving an indelible mark on her life. Despite the trauma of his death and the abrupt loss, Crazy Horse's teachings, stories, and cultural heritage continued to shape Maya's identity, influencing her journey toward becoming the vigilant and determined hero known as Echo.^[2]