Bucky Barnes has come a long way since first befriending Steve Rogers all those years ago. After his best friend and partner was given the super soldier serum, becoming Captain America, James Buchanan Barnes joined the fight against the Nazis alongside him.
Since that initial decision in 1941 a lot has changed. From his own transitions, to supposed deaths, life altering relationships and the formation and disbandment of teams, Bucky has gone through a lot of significant periods of development in his life. Looking back on it all, it's fair to say that Barnes has had more status quo breaking moments than many other heroes.
10 He Received Elite Military Training
Bucky Barnes was certainly an enthusiastic kid and wanted to get involved in the war effort. However, his first big change in his life was when he actually got involved in the war. If he was to accompany Cap into battle he needed the most elite training.
Being given skills that would come to define his super hero career, Bucky was given months of detailed training to prepare him for battle. Much of this time was actually spent with the British S.A.S. who had lot's of experience training crack recruits for the war effort.
9 He Joined A Team Called The Invaders With Cap, Human Torch, And Namor
While working alongside Captain America was certainly one of the honors of Bucky's career, he was also given the opportunity to join his first team. Changing comic book history forever and indeed the fate of Earth-616, the Invaders were born.
The team consisted of giants such as the original Human Torch and Namor. Bucky held his own amongst the team, but he was put under more pressure and danger than he had elsewhere in the war, due to the enhanced threats.
8 He (Seemingly) Sacrificed His Life To Save Earth From Blowing Up
A heart breaking moment that played into the MCU adaptation of the character, was the incident that saw Bucky seemingly die. The films depict this as a huge drop off the edge of a train, but the comic sees Bucky make a sacrifice in order to save the Earth from a bomb.
It's fair to say that his supposed death may be one of the most significant changes in his life. This event completely altered Bucky's life, considering his fake death created the foundation in which Barnes could be be brought back in the modern day.
7 The Russians Turned Him Into An Assassin Known As The Winter Soldier
The Winter Soldier program saw the Russians create a new kind of super soldier, one modeled off of Captain America, while using a key ingredient which became the secret of its success. The program used former Cap ally James Buchanan Barnes.
The character had be brainwashed and was under the control of the Soviets. This forever linked his history and origin with Russia and gave him significantly more deadly skills. Over the course of this time period, Winter Solider carried out a number of violent hits.
6 He Became The New Captain America For A Time
After Steve Rogers' death a new man had to step up and assume the role of Captain America. The role is an iconic one that has become a symbol of hope across the Marvel Universe. Someone with a link to Cap had to take his place.
It came time for Bucky to put his past as the Winter Soldier behind him and change his life once again. He transitioned into the role of Captain America and did a noble job of trying to hold up the legacy of the mantle, while putting his own spin on things.
5 As Captain America, He Led The Avengers Team Through A Very Tough Period
While Bucky had previously been a part of various other teams, he became the leader of the New Avengers, perhaps one of the biggest changes of his career. His reputation grew with the Captain America title and it continued to rise with his leadership skills.
Bucky was team captain throughout a very difficult time in the history of Marvel especially under the control of Norman Osborn, leading up until the return of Steve Rogers and heading into the Fear Itself storyline. This was a significant part of his career that saw him commit many heroic deeds.
4 He's Had Many Surgeries, Both To Just Improve His Abilities And Also Heal Serious Injuries He Sustained
Bucky Barnes has gone through a number of physical changes throughout his career, thanks to his various injuries and the experimentation that took place on him. One of the most obvious changes is the fact that he is missing his arm.
Bucky has since used a metallic arm instead. He has also had his strength increased as well as his agility thanks to the super soldier serum given to him. What's more, he has also gone through a number of physical surgeries to save him from significant injuries.
3 He Has A Complicated Relationship With Black Widow That Has Caused Major Ups And Downs For Him
There's been one relationship that has come to change his life completely, asides from Bucky's friendship with Steve Rogers of course. Through the violence and the links with Soviet Russia, Black Widow and Winter Soldier have been drawn to one another.
They have worked together many times and faced off against one another repeatedly as well. The relationship is revisited over and over again and it continues to be one that has actually created flaws in Bucky's judgement, thanks to being blinded by love.
2 His Time As Captain America Ended With His Second (Non-Permanent) Death
Bucky Barnes can't catch a break when it comes to near death experiences. During the Fear Itself storyline he met his match thanks to the threat of the Norse gods of old, seemingly tearing him in two and ending his time as Captain America.
Bucky is actually saved thanks to the Infinity Formula, which is another one of the physical changes that he goes through. His was saved in part thanks to the assistance of Black Widow, with that relationship continuing to play into major changes in his life.
1 He Reinvented His Winter Soldier Persona As A Force For Good
All those changes added up when Barnes finally turned back to doing what he knew best. He donned parts of his old costumes and took back the Winter Soldier name. He paid homage to his time as Captain America as well as regular old Bucky with his new look.
The Winter Soldier utilized all of his skills from throughout his career and carried out a number of espionage missions, while continuing to assist the Avengers. It's a period of time that saw some of his best comic book stories and allowed him to reclaim his identity.