I know at least some of us here at StashMyComics.com are reading this, but for those that aren’t, you really need to pick up this title. Where Daredevil may be the best that Marvel is putting out currently, Winter Soldier is, if not right up there with ol’ Horn Head, a very close second. Forget the mainline titles that Marvel is putting out. Put down Spider-Man, close the cover to that latest issue of Avengers vs. X-Men, and most definitely put down that copy of Iron Man. It’s time for you to this one a try. Let’s read together about why Bucky and Black Widow are duking it out over in Winter Soldier #8.
Here’s a quick rundown of events leading up to this issue: Leo Novokov, an elite Soviet soldier from Project Zephyr (the Soviet counterpart to the program that made Captain America) was ripped out of his frozen stasis a few years ago. Being removed from stasis, it caused amnesia in Leo, but as his memories came back, he saw that Bucky, who also belonged to the Zephyr program (and trained Leo) has become an American hero. Novokov can’t have that, so he’s put out an all out war on the Winter Soldier. Leo has already killed Fred Davis, a former Bucky, and captured a scientist and the Black Widow herself! We’re caught up now? Good! On to the review!
Here’s the scoop on this issue: Winter Soldier and Agent Sitwell (who is a genius, by the way) are combing over the last known location of Black Widow. It doesn’t take long for them to get satellite images of a helicopter leaving the area a few hours after they lost the Widow. A note is also left, most likely written in Romanova’s blood. It simply says: Bucky – What’s yours is now mine. The race is on as Winter Soldier takes to the streets in search of Leo Novokov and Black Widow, as Agent Sitwell (genius, remember?) tries to track down the helicopter.
Ed Brubaker‘s writing is fantastic. If this was made to feel like a Spy thriller, jump at you like an action movie, and have all the coolness a James Bond flick could provide, then Brubaker has hit the mark. It’s amazing to read as Bucky tries in desperation, and with the help of his fists, to find Black Widow before anything too serious can happen. Now, it’s conveyed that Widow can most certainly take care of herself, but that doesn’t mean that James (aka Winder Soldier) can’t care for his partner, right? Sitwell even throws in some compassion too as they muse about her whereabouts. Brubaker’s writing flows so naturally, and his dialogue between characters feels so right. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best Marvel has to offer.
Michael Lark‘s artwork is equal to Brubaker’s writing. It has a very classic style to it, but still feels very modern. The characters aren’t over-exaggerated when drawn, the women hold that appeal of a sleek Marilyn Monroe, and the villains rival any other mastermind visually. Though it takes place in the Marvel’s main universe, it looks very grounded in at least a large portion of reality. No overly alien weapons, screaming thunder gods, or underground dwellers. Just Bucky, Black Widow, some stunning action, and hating that damn Leo. Lark’s artwork really helps to make this possible.
When I started this series, I was not that interested in it. Cap’s titles aren’t even on the top of my list, so why on earth would I want to read about his former sidekick? It took some convincing from my local comic shop, but they ended up putting the first 2 issues in my hand. I’ve talked about this at length on the podcast, but I was hooked. How could I not be? It’s action, espionage, suspense, and even some sexual tension thrown in to boot. Mix it all together and you’ve got one helluva story.
If you’re a fan of anything I’ve mentioned during this review, than Winter Soldier is definitely for you. What with the second Captain America movie specifically called “Winter Soldier” now would be a great time to get into what’s currently going on with the character. It doesn’t get much better than this, folks.
Art: 8/10
Script: 9/10
Parental concern: Some blood and tons of stylized violence, but not anything they can’t handle.
