Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Featured

    REVIEW: Winter Soldier #9

    Matthew PetersonBy Matthew PetersonAugust 31, 2012Updated:August 31, 20122 Comments4 Mins Read

    Or – “What Might Have Been…”

    This book is another recent example of something that should have been, in my eyes, more popular that it was.  Spinning out of the Fear Itself mega-crossover, featuring the man who successfully took up the shield of Captain America fighting against his own past, written by Ed Brubaker, it seemed like a sure thing.  So, what’s going on with Bucky and Natasha?  Your Major Spoilers review awaits!

    WINTER SOLDIER #9
    Writer: Ed Brubaker
    Penciler: Michael Lark
    Inker(s): Brian Thies with Stefano Gaudiano
    Colorist: Bettie Breitweiser
    Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
    Editor: Lauren Sankovitch
    Publisher: Marvel Comics
    Cover Price: $2.99

    Previously, in Winter Soldier:  A virtual ward of the state long before such a thing actually existed, James Buchanan Barnes was raised on a military base, which led him to become part of the covert operation that brought Steve Rogers into the role of Captain America.  Lost in battle, he spent decades as a brainwashed soldier for the USSR before being recovered by Captain America.  There was a bit with the cosmic cube, Cap’s seeming death, a run as Captain America himself and a faked death in the battle that was Fear Itself.  Since then, the Winter Soldier has been tracking down other Russian sleeper agents with the assistance of The Black Widow, but their shared past in espionage has come back to haunt them, as a former colleague has stolen Natasha away and brainwashed her again, leaving The Winter Soldier out in the cold…

    BLACK SWAN WIDOW?

    With the help of Jasper Sitwell, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Bucky has taken up the search for the Black Widow, but isn’t having much luck.  Novokov, the other Russian sleeper, has spirited her away, returning her to her old cover identity of a ballet dancer.  Of course, the story then strains credulity to the breaking point by putting her in the middle of a show for the First Lady of the United States, without so much as a background check or fingerprinting.  This is, after all, the Marvel Universe, and The Black Widow is a prominent member of The Avengers as well as a known former Russian spy.  One might think that someone might notice her showing up and suddenly being the central dancer in the premier troupe in Washington DC?  Either way, fighty-fighty ensues, and we get a chance to see how skilled the Widow is (as all the Avengers who appeared in the movie have gotten a skills upgrade and moved to top tier status, by contractual obligation) as she

    OUR HERO GETS TO PLAY THE CABBAGEHEAD.

    This issue wants to be a tense thriller, but it turns out to be a little less interesting than it could be, as a couple of the plot twists are pretty well telegraphed.  Winter Soldier is forced to make a decision between saving his lover and bringing in the bad guy, and predictably chooses love over sensibility, leading us to an ending that I saw coming quite some time away.  After battling S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and nearly assassinating the First Lady, Black Widow is left to her own devices without even so much as a checkup, with her brainwashing containing some additional commands.  From an art standpoint, this issue is sadded with a pretty hideous cover, one that leaves the Soldier looking greasy and oddly like Stephen Seagal.  The interiors are much better looking, but even good art can’t save a plot that meanders and fails to surprise.

    THE BOTTOM LINE: NOT CANCELLED AFTER ALL, BUT NOT THEIR BEST OUTING.

    Those who pay attention will note that Marvel first cancelled then un-cancelled this book (probably due to that Captain America sequel movie), and that it is now expected to survive after Ed Brubaker leaves the Captain America franchise in the near future.  I’m somewhat torn about this, because I really want to love this book, but mostly find it a bit tedious.  Had it launched at a point where Bucky had some character momentum behind him (say, three years ago) it could have been a huge hit, but after Fear Itself, even the most die-hard Bucky Barnes fans seem to be a bit gunshy.  Winter Soldier #9 is kind of pedestrian, kind of predictable, but mostly just ill-advised, earning a disappointed 1.5 out of 5 stars overall.  The concept behind this series (“What if there wasn’t only one?”) has legs, but the stories have yet to really do justice to the hook…

    [rating: 1.5/5]
    ed brubaker Marvel michael lark Review Winter Soldier
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleREVIEW: Green Lantern Annual #1
    Next Article Critical Hit #163: Skinning characters and getting parents in on the action
    Matthew Peterson
    • Website
    • Twitter

    Once upon a time, there was a young nerd from the Midwest, who loved Matter-Eater Lad and the McKenzie Brothers... If pop culture were a maze, Matthew would be the Minotaur at its center. Were it a mall, he'd be the Food Court. Were it a parking lot, he’d be the distant Cart Corral where the weird kids gather to smoke, but that’s not important right now... Matthew enjoys body surfing (so long as the bodies are fresh), writing in the third person, and dark-eyed women. Amongst his weaponry are such diverse elements as: Fear! Surprise! Ruthless efficiency! An almost fanatical devotion to pop culture! And a nice red uniform.

    Related Posts

    Return to Planet Hulk in September

    Read More

    The heir of Apocalypse rises in new X-Men event

    Read More

    Major Spoilers Podcast #1133: The Fight of the Century

    Read More

    2 Comments

    1. Nate on August 31, 2012 9:35 pm

      That isn’t Bucky on the cover. It is Leo

      • Matthew Peterson on September 1, 2012 9:51 am

        Hmm… Well, in that case, he still looks creepy, but it makes more sense in context, doesn’t it?

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    6.0
    July 8, 2025

    JSA #9 Review

    7.0
    July 7, 2025

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    5.7
    July 6, 2025

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    7.0
    July 6, 2025

    Retro Review: Big Apple Comix (September 1975)

    6.0
    July 5, 2025

    Wolverines and Deadpools #1 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT