Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Lee Weeks
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
It would be fair to say that I had expected this to be more of an action piece than what it is, certainly that was the impression I had; yet it isn’t what is delivered here. At the same time, I can’t accuse the creators of being misleading for all that was talked of is present, it’s simply in a quieter form.
The story revolves around Bucky’s recollections of Christmas 1944, the last he and Cap would see together. He is also en route to an appointment in the present when he gets a call from Fury. Fury wishes to prevent the Young Avengers from shutting down a Hydra base as he figures there is more value in monitoring it. Bucky reluctantly agrees and after a brief tussle secures their agreement. At this point a Hydra sentry appears, Bucky kills him and it’s Plan B: Torch it!
It turns out the appointment Bucky was on the way to is at a cemetery, at the grave of Jack Monroe - a man who he killed as the Winter Soldier. The Young Avengers have followed him and to his surprise, thank him for his help earlier. They part company and Bucky visits his second grave: Thomas ‘Toro’ Raymond, his friend in World War Two, who he was remembering earlier in the issue. Namor joins him and offers to tell the story of how his friend met his end. He cautions it is not a short story, Bucky replies he has nowhere else to be.
From my synopsis it may sound somewhat routine, but the truth is I can’t do the story credit. What makes this singular tale work so well are the little nuances, the little touches here and there that transport us into Bucky’s head. His recollection of the war, of what it really entailed, of the pointlessness and his disdain for the present Civil War – all are communicated subtly. No big sequences or overblown speeches. The action piece, the destruction of the Hydra base, is done swiftly and effectively but it’s not the centerpiece. The story flows around Bucky, what he was and is.
Week’s art is excellent throughout, conveying everything clearly. For me it’s at its best in conveying the mood and emotion: Bucky’s disdain for the Civil War is done in one page, as he sees a poster of him and Cap for war bonds defaced with a scrawl of ‘traitor’; The sombre atmosphere at the cemetery, Bucky’s regret over Monroe’s death but also his life. Finally, there is the scene with Namor where it is clear both characters greatly respect each other. Though Namor cannot be doing with Christmas and false sentiment, he is clearly happy to see Bucky alive even if he does not show it much.
Trying to convey how this comic works in execution is very difficult, the script and art fuse together perfectly. All I can say is you should consider giving it a try. If you’re wondering why Brubaker has the reputation he does – read this, it’ll give you a very good answer. If you want a different take on Civil War outside of the Iron Man-Cap conflict, you’ll find it here in, albeit subdued. Personally I’m now with Bucky on the whole affair. Whilst the heroes fight each other, the villains get to play and that’s no good for anyone. As to what happens now, the character works best used sparingly, but I’d love to see a sequel or mini-series in the future.
Ben Crofts is resident in Essex, works in London and has found comics and philosophy mix surprisingly well.