BUCKY BARNES: THE WINTER SOLDIER #1 Review

Is this new series starring Bucky Barnes worth getting? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

• Following the tragedy of Original Sin, what becomes of Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier? Find out in this new ongoing series.

In the aftermath of Original Sin comes a new protector of Earth, Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier. Having been a fan of the character since Ed Brubaker brought him back in the pages of his Captain America run, I was excited to see what this series would have to offer. The result was something rather confusing, leaving me questioning whether I liked this outing or not.

Secret Avengers and Zero writer Ales Kot handles to writing duties for this series, and having given us some great espionage based tales in the past I had faith he’d do so again here. So far he’s not quite proving to do so, and I feel the main reason is the space setting. I love the sci-fi genre, with it being one of my personal favourites, but the way it’s used in this tale is a little confusing. I did however love the premise of Bucky being defender of the Earth, with the addition Daisy Johnson and Namor giving some diversity, as well as a sense of familiarity.

When it was first announced that Marco Rudy would be working alongside Kot I was very excited, having enjoyed his work on Swamp Thing. Not disappointing, Rudy gives some of his best art ever, with his vibrant painted art matching the tone of this strange tale brilliantly. Having unique layouts, and some intense panels, Rudy manages to give an eye catching flow to the issue. On the other hand, this unique layout does at times clash with the letter layouts, with it being ever so slightly hard to follow the story at times.

Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier may be a little confusing, having a very strange setting, but it manages to intrigue. Having a brilliant premise, and wonderful art this tale has the potential to be amazing, even if the sci-fi and espionage elements aren’t working well at the moment. Due to all this the issue scrapes by with a recommendation.