100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
#57. “The Winter Soldier” Story Arc
(Captain America #1–#6: “Out of Time,” Captain America #7: “The Lonesome Death of Jack Monroe,” Captain America #8–#11: “The Winter Soldier”)
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
January 2005–November 2005
Credits
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Pencillers: Steve Epting, Michael Lark, John Paul Leon, Lee Weeks
Inkers: Steve Epting, Michael Lark, John Paul Leon, Mike Perkins, Jesse Delperdang, Lee Weeks
Colorists: Frank D’Amata, Matt Milla
Letterer: Randy Gentile
Editors: Tom Brevoort, Andy Schmidt, Nicole Wiley, Molly Lazer, Stephanie Moore, Aubrey Sitterson
The Reason It’s Great
At the beginning, Bucky Barnes was created as a point-of-view character. A portal for readers to look through. Bucky allowed young readers to fight side-by-side with the greatest patriot the world has ever known. However, as we all know, Bucky came out from under Captain America’s shadow and has become an equally complex figure.
In the 1960s, a lot of Marvel’s characters were given more dimension with the addition of personal tragedies. Captain America needed one—and the best sacrificial lamb became Bucky Barnes. It was an easy call, Bucky would be tragic, but was minor enough that it didn’t affect the overall Marvel universe.
When Captain America was given a relaunch in 2005, writer Ed Brubaker and artist Steve Epting were given the daunting task of revitalizing Cap. The creative duo gave birth to the Winter Soldier—a Cold War leftover who was very much like Steve Rogers—a man who didn’t really belong in his time.
Initially, the idea to reintroduce Bucky as a deadly assassin wasn’t met with praise. In fact, many at Marvel derided. It was a very controversial decision. However, once the story arc hit the comic book shelves, the fans embraced it lovingly. It was the kickstart that Captain America needed, and the rest is history.