Winter Soldier: The Bitter March

If you're a fan of what Brubaker did, or the recent Captain America movie, or even if you just enjoy the hell out of '60s Cold War spy-fi adventures, you'll love this quick-moving romp through the wintriest parts of the known world with a hard-bitten SHIELD agents tasked with protecting ex-Nazi scientists from Communist interlopers and their top assassin, the WInter Soldier. But what happens when a few shocks to the system cause Bucky Barnes' real personality to emerge from deep inside his brainwashed psyche? Can the villain become an unexpected hero, years before his encounter with Cap? The answers may (or may not) surprise you, but either way, it's a helluva ride.

The title may be 'Winter Soldier' but he's more of a supporting character in this mini series.Shield Agent Ran Shen is the actual main character. So, if you're expecting the Winter Soldier to be the lead and to delve deeper into his motivations and character...this isn't really the storyline for you. Although I will say that the final moments of the series is absolutely heartbreaking for any Bucky Barnes fan.

3.5 Stars. A good spy thriller with a sort of realistic take on the life of the an agent but sadly The Winter Soldier is more of a supporting character, not the main protagonist as suggested by the title.

Excellent book. I really want them to do more books like this. They could do several limited series books with flashbacks to some of Bucky's missions back in the 60's and 70's.

It is pretty good prequel comic that is worth reading once or twice in my opinion

This Trade Paperback collects the Marvel five issue mini-series from 2014. The writing is by Rick Remender with art by Roland Boschi . Boschi has a quirky fine line style with a kind of a Mike Mignola vibe. When I first encountered Boschi more than five years ago on such books as Black Panther and Ghost Rider I really was not much of a fan. His style has evolved quite significantly and I really enjoyed the art here. Andrew Robinson does the poster like covers which look partially painted and partially illustrated. They remind me of old Jack Davis movie posters.We all know about the Winter Solider (Bucky Barnes) having his mind wiped and being placed in cryogenic sleep by the Russians. They brought him out selectively for missions. This is the first time we see the entirety of one of these missions.Set in 1966 this is cold war spy drama. It really stars agent of SHEILD operative Ran Shen, who plays an important role in the future of Captain America. Nick Fury is also along for the ride but he does not getting nearly the focus that Shen gets.The story involves two married scientists from Germany. They have made an important discovery that will impact the world. The less talented husband is demanding and abusive.We have three parties after the couple and their secret. SHEILD, HYDRA and the Russians with their Winter Solider. The story takes place in Eroupe. It is set during Winter and we have action taking place on ski's, in a European castle and on a passenger train.We get to meet a trio of Hydra Agents who have powers. One of these agents a thin David Bowie looking albino has mental powers that when he unleashes then on the Winter Solider, the effect on Bucky Barnes is that slowly parts of his memory are restored. .With no knowledge of Captain America's current universe you will enjoy this book fine. But if you are caught up to date with the entire recent Cap saga your enjoyment will be increased.Highly Recommended.

What a fun spy book! While the title is misleading (Winter Soldier isn't the main character), the book is still quite good. SHIELD Agent Ran Shen is an interesting new character that I can't wait to read more about. The intrigue was on every page. Roland Boschi's art was a very good match for the story. Overall, an utterly enjoyable read.

This will be brief: I will read any book that features The Winter Soldier. And I REALLY like this one because it's set during the Cold War. I was a child in 1966, but since my father was in the Air Force back then, I heard the stories he used to talk about the Russians , the Viet Cong and the Chinese whenever his war buddies came to our house to drink, eat, and talk. So this is sentimental for me. But the bonus is it features my all time favorite character in the MCU and Marvel Comics, Bucky Barnes, aka The Winter Soldier. I will reading more of these books, most definitely!

A great story, one of my favourites, it focuses on mostly a SHIELD agent but it does feature the WS. Good!

Excellent read ! Bring us more stories from that era ! Great buy.