Winter Soldier #1

By Kyle Higgins and Rod Reis

The Winter Soldier has been a pretty popular character since he first re-appeared in Captain America back in 2005. He’s had a few series of his own and even been on teams, like the Invaders and Thunderbolts, but he hasn’t really been able to sustain an on going title. With this new re-launch, there is a lot of optimism, especially with Kyle Higgins and Rod Reis on board. Based on who the Winter Soldier is, we’re in for a book full of suspense and thrills, and probably a bunch of violence. It’s just best if we sit back and enjoy the ride Higgins and Reis hit us with.

Since this is a new #1 issue, Kyle Higgins gives us a brief refresher on who the Winter Soldier is. As Tony works on him to repair damage done from a scuffle, We get glimpses of a flashback of Bucky Slitting someone’s throat and him being used as a weapon. Higgins does this in a clever way. We’re not bombarded with a 7 page flashback at the beginning of the issue, it’s spread out. Higgins also establishes the friendship between Sharon Carter and Bucky, which is nice to see. They’re characters that have known each other for a while, and had a common friend in Steve, but Sharon and Bucky haven’t had a ton of panel time together. As is the case with every comic, Higgins leaves us with a very intriguing ending. The second issue is a must read for Winter Soldier fans.

The art this issue was handled by Rod Reis. Whenever you see Rod Reis’ name attached to a title, know that the art is in good hands. Reis has a very realistic style that pulls you into the book; it’s almost too realistic. There are panels, like when Bucky is riding his motor cycle toward a setting sun, the sky is just the perfect color and everything looks just right. Another little underrated thing Reis does with his work, is that the background characters aren’t poorly drawn. As winter Soldier is waiting for someone in a bar, we see other patrons acting like normal people would. A guy raising his beer while he has his arm around a pretty girl, people flirting, etc. Reis doesn’t skimp on the detail to these things and it makes his work on this issue all the more impressive. The final page is the panel that should get readers talking too.

This may be the Winter Soldier series that wins people over. Kyle Higgins writing is very good and well paced throughout the issue; everything seems to flow naturally. There isn’t enough that can be said about Rod Reis’ work in the art department this issue. His pencils and colors rock this issue and enhance the reading experience for anyone lucky enough to pick up a copy. If you’re looking for a book that will knock your socks off this week, Winter Soldier is the winner.