Marvel redefined the relationship between Captain America and Bucky, making them dark mirrors for each other. In Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #7, Cap, upset that Bucky apparently betrayed him in the previous issue, seeks advice from Namor the Sub. The ever-shrewd Namor makes an observation about Cap and Bucky’s relationship, an observation that redefines it forever. The issue is now on sale in print and digital versions.
Recent events in the pages of Sentinel of Liberty have brought the relationship between Captain America and the Winter Soldier to breaking point. Readers learned about the Outer Circle, a mysterious organization that has been manipulating events around the world for 100 years. Unbeknownst to the Winter Soldier, he had been a pawn in the Outer Circle game, and had apparently turned his back on his longtime friend Captain America in the previous issue. Now a member of the Outer Circle, the Winter Soldier has vowed to bring down the organization from within, but will he succeed? Or will he be corrupted by such power?
These questions weigh heavily on Captain America’s mind as the issue unfolds. Namor, one of his oldest friends, finds Cap sitting sadly on the beach. Sensing that something has gone wrong with the Winter Soldier, Namor shares some observations with Captain America. He tells the Liberty Sentinel that he (Cap) and the Winter Soldier haven’t changed since they fought together in World War II. Namor elaborates further, saying that if Captain America” [stood] in the light,” representing his country. Bucky, on the other hand, worked in the shadows “leading the way.” Indeed. Admirably. The scene then cuts to a shot of Captain America and Bucky, battling in the field battle – and readers see Bucky, gun drawn, shoot someone. Namor concludes that Bucky “is a killer” and always has been. Namor believes this informed Bucky’s decision to join the Outer Circle, but Cap isn’t willing to follow him; Namor suggests finding allies who are. The issue is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, illustrated by Carmen Carnero, colored by Nolan Woodard, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.
The relationship between Bucky and Captain America has changed
This issue forever changes the way readers view the dynamic between Captain America and his former sidekick, turning them into dark mirrors of each other. Namor’s remark about Captain America is spot on: he works the light, serving as a rallying point for not only the country but his fellow heroes as well. He shouldn’t come as a surprise to fans, but Bucky’s role in their partnership has changed in shocking ways. The idea that he is a murderer, and always has been, may be new, but the evidence in the issue backs it up.
In the present, Cap’s situation with the Outer Circle reinforces this new take on his friendship with Bucky. Bucky moved on, to clear the way for Captain America to step in and stop the Circle, but Cap has second thoughts. He’s not sure if his old friend is sincere in his goals, which could strain their friendship. Cap’s inaction could, ironically, lead Bucky to fully embrace Outer Circle’s worst nightmare: Cap comes to life. Captain America and Bucky’s relationship changed forever, repositioning them as dark mirrors of each other.
Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #7 is now on sale from Marvel Comics!
