Winter Soldier: Winter Kills #1

Overview

In the midst of the harsh division of the Civil War, James Buchanan Barnes, Captain America’s one-time partner Bucky, faces his first Christmas of the 21st century. And faces the truth of the terrible things he was forced to do as the Winter Soldier. And with Cap caught in a conflict he can neither take a side of - or understand - what moves can he make to try to redeem himself? And what do Hydra have planned for New York this Christmas? Featuring guest appearances by the Young Avengers and some of the original Invaders, this Special issue is an action-packed character study that defines the Winter Soldier’s future place in the Marvel Universe. By Wizard Top Ten writer Ed Brubaker, with dynamic art by Lee Weeks (Civil War Frontline) and a cover by Cap fan-fave Steve Epting.

Synopsis

The story starts out on Christmas Eve, 1944. Bucky Barnes and Thomas "Toro" Raymond prepare to spend the evening taking a break from the war and enjoying themselves during the war. We fast forward to modern day where we find the Winter Soldier on his way to an appointment. En route, he recieves a call from Nick Fury, the former head of SHIELD, who informs him that he has a mission he needs Barnes to do.

Having no choice, the Winter Soldier finds three of the Young Avengers, Patriot, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), and the Vision about to raid, what they think is, a Stark factory. The warehouse is really a Hydra base.

After some fighting and arguing, the quartet soon find themselves in a battle against an army of Hydra operatives. During the fight, Winter Soldier soon comes to realize that these "kids" have the potential to do well.

After the Vision is able to deduce that the Winter Soldier is, in fact, Bucky Barnes, they follow him to a cemetary where he is dealing with the fact that he killed Jack Monroe, Captain America's former sidekick, Nomad.

After the three Young Avengers pay their respect to Bucky, we find Barnes meeting with Namor. They are standing at another gravesite, that of Thomas Raymond, where they discuss his life as a hero.