BUCKY BARNES' MOST TRAGIC MOMENTS
James 'Bucky' Barnes is no stranger to tragedy. Following his tenure as Captain America's sidekick, Bucky fell into enemy hands and became the Winter Soldier. After nearly a century as a brainwashed assassin, he sought redemption as a hero, Cap's successor, and an operative called the Revolution—but his violent history remains. Here are some of the most tragic moments from Bucky's checkered past.
A Long Life—But Not a Happy One
Orphaned
In Captain America and Bucky (2011) #620
This story unravels Bucky's childhood, where he lost both his parents at a young age and found himself growing up on a military base. Discover the tragic events that led Bucky to become Captain America's trusted sidekick.
Bucky's Sacrifice
In Avengers (1963) #4
To stop Baron Zemo from destroying the United States during WWII, Cap and Bucky heroically sacrifice themselves and save the day, sending them both down the paths that eventually lead them to the Avengers. This is the event that causes Bucky to lose his arm.
Brainwashed
In Captain America (2004) #11
Here, Bucky undergoes the brainwashing that transforms him into the Winter Soldier. This kicks off his near century of committing atrocities against his will, despite attempts to break through his mental programming, as well as the guilt that will plague him for the rest of his life.
The Death of Steve Rogers
In Captain America (2004) #26
Following the events of CIVIL WAR, Steve Rogers is seemingly assassinated—and Bucky does not handle the death of his oldest friend well.
The Trial of Captain America
In Captain America (2004) #611
After Baron Zemo reveals Bucky's history as Winter Soldier to the world, the new Captain America goes on trial, where he must publicly answer for his crimes.
Doomed Romance
In Winter Soldier (2012) #14
Bucky's star-crossed romance with Natasha Romanova, AKA Black Widow, comes to a tragic end when her Red Room training is reactivated and she loses her memories of their life together.
Rewritten History
In Thunderbolts (2016) #11
After the Cosmic Cube rewrites history and creates a Hydra loyalist version of Captain America, Bucky is forced to choose between his best friend and his morals.
Losing a Sidekick
In Winter Soldier (2018) #1
Bucky's decision to take on a teenage sidekick named RJ goes terribly wrong.
The Revolution
In Captain America: Cold War Alpha (2023) #1
In order to influence world events, Bucky joins an Illuminati-like group known as the Outer Circle and adopts the codename Revolution. His involvement in their Century Game leads to his indirect involvement in Destroyer's death and his alliance with Sam Wilson's nemesis White Wolf, disappointing both of the Captains America.
His Hometown Destroyed
In Thunderbolts: Doomstrike (2025) #1
After turning down Doctor Doom's offer to lead his secret police force, Bucky falls into a trap that launches a nuclear bomb and obliterates his hometown of Shelbyville, Indiana—destroying one of his only remaining links to his past and making him one of the most wanted men in the Marvel Universe.