In my last post I talked about how killing Bucky Barnes at the Fear Itself comic crossover event was a bad move for Marvel. Since becoming Captain America in Ed Brubaker’s acclaimed Cap series, Bucky has become one of Marvel’s most interesting characters, so I’m convinced we haven’t seen the last of the former Winter Soldier. If Marvel were to somehow bring Bucky into the comics during or after Fear Itself, how could it be done? These are some of my theories.
1) It wasn’t really him who was killed by the new Red Skull. Bucky has been known to have worked with former SHIELD director Nick Fury on multiple occasions, and comic book fans will know that Fury has often used LMDs (Life Model Decoys). My main theory is that Bucky used an LMD to fake his own death, allowing him to clear his name and work in a black ops role.
2) The God of Fear also known as ‘The Serpent’ resurrects him. When Barnes was dying, he murmured to The Black Widow that ‘the Serpent is coming’. This suggests that the Serpent may have plans to use Bucky as a weapon against Steve Rogers. Having Steve try to protect himself from his former friend and partner would certainly add some excitement to what has thus far been a fairly unemotional event. Would Steve even have to kill Bucky?
3) Valkyrie brings Barnes back from the dead. When Bucky supposedly died, the Asgardian demigod was standing near him. One of the characteristics of the Valkyrie character is that she creates a death glow when death is imminent. If Barnes was sent to Valhalla (the realm of the honored dead), then perhaps he could escape somehow. After all, many characters have entered Valhalla only to return shortly after.
So there are my theories on how Bucky survives. Once alive, I predict that he would probably star in his own series as I doubt Marvel would want to include him in their main Captain America series in case it gets too confusing for new fans who just watched Captain America: The First Avenger. He would have to assume a new identity to keep the fact that he is alive a secret. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that the role of American agent would be perfect for Bucky. It’s not Captain America’s standard, but it allows Bucky to continue serving his country and redeem himself. In addition, current US agent John Walker is tied up guarding The Raft’s maximum security prison.
The only problem is that it would probably outsell Captain America’s flagship series on a regular basis, which only illustrates how popular the character has become. I’m ready to post on Bucky as there are so many movie reviews to write, but if you agree that we haven’t seen the latest from Bucky, please post your comments below and let me know how you would like me to return.