Winter Soldier: Winter Kills #1

by Ed Brubaker, Lee Weeks (Artist)

In the midst of the harsh division of the CIVIL WAR, James Buchanan Barnes, Captain America's one-time partner Bucky, faces his first Christmas of the 21st century. And faces the truth of the terrible things he was forced to do as the Winter Soldier.

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Superheroes, Comic Book

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2006

About the author

Ed Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.

In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.

Reviews

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to feel anything else when you feel helpless.

Buck is so wonderful. Such an interesting character.

[CheyAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic was so sweet. 🥹 I loved the flashbacks to the 40s, it gave us a glimpse into Bucky's happier times. It was a nice change to see him not being tortured. The only downside? THIS COMIC WAS WAY TOO SHORT!! I NEED MORE! 😭

[Scarlet Cameo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Querido Winter Soldier, quiero agradecerte de manera muy atenta el haberme dado algo para que pueda meter Civil War en uno de los tópicos que quedan en mi reto de lectura.

[damla]

ah bucky, i love you. and it was a pleasant surprise to see kate and her friends. I'm always open to see more kate.

[Julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I could ever get tired of reading about Bucky. He’s a really amazing character. I also loved getting to see him fight with The Vision, Kate, and the Patriot. This was the perfect comic to read on winter break.

[Luzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started Young Avengers Presents and they mentioned meeting Bucky on Christmas so ofc I had to go back... I was definitely missing context for this one

[Katlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucky + Young Avengers + Brubaker?? I'm so happy this issue exists.

[Christian Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only bad thing I can say it's that it was TOO short

[wellreadkait · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple comic for a simple man.

[Alex Rankine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Bárbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucky is SUCH a wonderful, interesting character. I never get tired of reading about him.

[Comics Instrucciones de uso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo mejor de Bucky como personaje queda retratado en este conmovedor one-shot que Brubaker escribió a fines del 2006, y que transcurre aún en medio de Civil War, o más bien junto a ella, arrancando de ella. Lo atractivo de Bucky es que es una versión menos heroica que el Capitán, lleno de remordimientos por su pasado como Winter Soldier, y -como el Capitán-, extraño en una época que aún no termina por comprender. Acá atraviesa su primera Navidad después de su "regreso" a la vida, una Navidad que lo pilla en medio de la guerra Iron Man-Capitán América -esa batalla que sigue superándolo-, y que además lo entristece porque le recuerda la muerte de su padre. Toma el metro, sin que sepamos hacia dónde va, pero de pronto recibe una llamada de Fury, quien le pide un favor. A regañadientes, Bucky acepta hacer de mentor de una noche para unos jóvenes héroes (Patriota, Kate Bishop y otros), que no lo reconocen, y que él quiere que no lo reconozcan. Al terminar los deja y recién nos enteramos hacia dónde se dirigía: a al cementerio a pedir disculpas al trágico Jack Monroe, a quien él mismo asesinó sin saberlo. Todo en Bucky es tragedia. En ello lo encuentran Patriota, y los otros -que lo han seguido y que ahora saben quién es-, y le rinden honoroes. Bucky, esquivo, agradece y camina hacia su última misión de la noche: la tumba de Toro, su viejo amigo en la segunda guerra mundial. Hay acá un elogio a los códigos de valor entre los soldados, esa hermandad que sólo surge entre tipos que han luchado juntos escapando de la muerte. De la oscuridad aparece Namor, el temible Namor, a quien sólo Bucky parece apaciguar (ese es otro gran acierto de Brubaker). Bucky le pide que le cuente cómo murió Toro. Namor le dice que es una larga historia. Y Bucky: tengo todo el tiempo para oírlo.
Emoción, honor, amistad, remordimientos y heroismo en una sola y breve historia. De lo mejor del run de Brubaker en Capitán América.

[Letande D'Argon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly underappreciated gem. Sure Bucky Barnes' stories often have that certain bittersweet appeal and Christmas motif adds even more to it, but the real brilliance here is how this story connects generations. At first glance, it appears to be pretty simple. And well, for casual readers it may stay this way until the very end. But if you're an avid comic book reader who knows all the characters and can notice at least the biggest references? Man, this one is an absolute joy! You spent a lot of hours reading Marvel Comics from Timely period (the ones that started in late 30s) like yours truly? You'll love this one.

Like I said, what makes this story so brilliant is how it connects generation. Those early stories, in which Jim Hamond (I mean, Hammond) fought Namor? WWII era. And a young generation represented by Young Avengers. All connected through good ol' Bucky, who's still trying to deal with everything that happened to him and, most importantly, with his own deeds as a Winter Soldier. Beautiful idea covered in a deep atmosphere. Loved every page of it. Sure, not everybody would find it appealing, but somehow, it's, like, part of its charm. It's a niche thing for a niche audience. And thanks God it exists.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one-shot did some heavy lifting, being essentially a Christmas issue, a Civil War tie-in, and a chance to show how Bucky Barnes is adapting to the modern world he’s now part of.
The legacy aspect is the strongest part for me, the flashbacks to the war, but the issue itself is very strong throughout.

Behind a striking Epting cover, Ed Brubaker weaves a very nice Xmas Eve story and absolutely nails the characterisation of all involved. A bittersweet story, but ultimately a positive one.
The art, by Lee Weeks,Stefano Gaudiano, and Rick Hoberg is suitably moody and action packed, and the colour palette by Matt Milla changes nicely as we shift eras.

One of the strongest Civil War one-shots, and just a great stand-alone look at a man out of time.

[Megan Brooks]

i liked parts of this a lot other parts not as much maybe if there were multiple issues it would be more fleshed out and be more of thr parts i liked but also no bc i think its good it was contained it might fall apart if stretched out ig idk how i feel abt it i really like the idea of it though
<3 kate but why that suit :|

[Abigail Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun comic run of the Winter Soldier! This story was melancholic taking place during Christmas and reminiscing during the days with Cap & Bucky. Loved seeing a sneak peek of the "New Avengers" and Bucky acting like an old man haha. Ed Brubaker has done it again!

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[gloire en espagnol · Rating 4 out of 5]

c’est tout ?? 😪

[Yazan Asiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s deep and touching very fun to read but i’ll admit it’s not the best winter soldier comic

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

He pulled out one of Kate's arrows and threw it through the neck of a hydra goon

"Remind you of anybody?"

[Ambers Book Nest · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think I could ever get tired of reading about Bucky. He’s a really amazing character. I haven’t started it yet, but if you read Young Avengers Presents (unsure of the issue), Winter Soldier: Winter Kills gives you some much-needed context for a few conversations in that comic. I loved all the flashbacks to the 40s; it gave us a glimpse into Bucky's happier times. Loved reading about Vision, Kate and The Patriot in this; I think I'll definitely be giving Young Avengers Presents a read in the near future.

“It's hard to feel anything else when you feel helpless.”

[Kris Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucky Barnes is sent by Nick Fury to stop some Young Avengers from attacking a HYDRA base that he was keeping tabs on, especially since they didn't know that it was HYDRA and would get killed. we also go into Bucky's past and his association with Namor.

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The road to civil war: #83- Winter Soldier: Winter Kills #1 ✓

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A touching tribute to a fallen friend.

[Fajer]

KATE BISHOP

[Ellie Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

61/100

[Maitreyi]

Short. Sweet. Unexpected.

[OtarySeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idealne dla fanów Bucky'ego czy serialu TFATWS.