General Information
Title: Winter Soldier: Winter Kills
Author: Ed Brubaker
Illustrator(s): Lee Weeks, Stefano Gaudiano and Rick Hoberg
Original Publication Date: This issue cover dated February 2007.
Cover Price: $3.99 US, $4.75 Can
Past comic reviews can be found
here.
Premise
Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, spends Christmas Eve trying to cope with the past when he gets called in to stop the Young Avengers from making a big mistake.
High Point
Namor's dialogue.
Low Point
I've read the issue twice, and still can't identify the first engraved name.
The Scores
The originality is quite good. Most titles seem to either ignore the Civil War or dive in with characters choosing specific sides. It's nice to see a title with characters trying to live normal lives, but failing due to the outside forces. I give it 5 out of 6.
The art is excellent. This team is working very well. I give it 5 out of 6.
The story is of the quality I've come to expect from Brubaker. Bucky is far more interesting now than he was as a sidekick. I give it 6 out of 6.
The characterization is also strong, exploring the character Bucky has become. Once again, I'm tempted not to wait for GIT Corp's collection of Captain America and get the trades now. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response was fairly strong. The outsider's perspective on the world, combined with great dialogue (particularly with Namor) brings things together very well. Bucky's willing to cross lines Cap manages not to cross, and he does so without hesitation. That, combined with dry wit and strong action really pulls this together. Check it out. I give it 5 out of 6.
The flow is smooth, with colour cues easily distinguishing flashbacks from the "current" setting. I give it 5 out of 6.
Overall, it's a very strong issue, and the best one-shot to come out of the Civil War so far. I give it 5 out of 6.
In total, Winter Soldier: Winter Kills receives 36 out of 42.
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