[Comic Book Review] Marvel Comics' WINTER SOLDIER #3

Comic Previews, Comic Reviews, New Comic Book Day

[Comic Book Review] Marvel Comics’ WINTER SOLDIER #3

Adrian Care

February 13, 2019

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PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of WINTER SOLDIER #3 from Marvel Comics. Available February 13th, 2019, the creative team for this series features writing from Kyle Higgins, art from Rod Reis, and lettering from VC’s Clayton Cowles.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

Winter Soldier #3 (of 5)

Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Rod Reis
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
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Cover Artist: Rod Reis
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Having pulled RJ out of HYDRA, Bucky begins diving into the mystery of the young killer’s past. Where does he come from? Who are his parents? How do you rehabilitate someone who’s only ever known death? You give him something new to live for.

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
WINTER SOLDIER #3 (of 5)

Bucky Barnes has taken homicidal anti-protégé R.J. under his wing and vowed to help him put his world back together. With the help of Sharon Carter and Doc Sampson, can the Winter Soldier salvage the soul of the wayward neo-Bucky? Or will his effort only bring to the surface the Winter Soldier’s own scars?

Writing:

I was worried that Kyle Higgins would turn his shot at writing Winter Soldier into fodder for the things he didn’t get to say on his underrated Nightwing run. While there will undoubtedly be a few Grayson/Damien parallels eventually, in just three short issues Higgins has given the character his own identity and added to the depth and energy that Ed Brubaker had resurrected Barnes with. This issue also showcases the mastery over pacing Higgins honed to excellence on the digital Batman Beyond 2.0. He makes the most of the page count, using every panel to great effect (both with and without dialogue and sound). The relationship with R.J and the interaction with other characters really conveys who the Winter Soldier is, was, and wants to be, while giving so much gravity and tense danger to the story. R.J., annoying at first, in this issue develops into an interesting new find, rich with potential. After the action of the first two issues, I wouldn’t have minded if this was solely a quiet, personal issue, but there is still room for great action sequences without sacrificing the story for it.

Art/Colors:

Honing his craft as a colorist and inker for years, Rod Reis is perfectly primed to breakout and be recognised for his pencils any minute now. In parts Phil Noto, in parts Bill Sienkiewicz, yet still uniquely his own artist. His work on C.O.W.L and Hadrian’s Wall has seen him develop that all-important rapport with Higgins’ writing. More work together and I could see them developing a reputation as synonymous with each other as Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale. The heart he gives to conversational moments is infused with real feels and invokes hard emotion. Aided by his own colors, he wrings truth and sincerity from every expressionistic close-up. His layout and design work are high-quality, visual storytelling. His action scenes are innovative and ingenious. It’s rare to see work this good not slow a book down, but even if it did, the wait would be completely worth it.

Letters:

Clayton Cowles. When does this man sleep? I feel like I’ve done nothing but praise his work week after week now and this comic is going to be no different. Utilizing a style that feels every bit a part of Reis’ art as the figures themselves, Cowles proves once again there isn’t a degree to which he isn’t able to adapt his talent to. Again, utilizing a sound knowledge of placement to aid and never distract from the art, Clayton makes lettering look like a breeze. The truth is…the man is purely gifted and at the top of the lettering game.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment

There’s a school of thought that Marvel is getting their cinematic universe right at the expense of their comics. Winter Soldier is irrefutable proof that the opposite is true. If Higgins and Reis maintain this level of quality (and were granted more than the 5-issues) this would give the Immortal Hulk a run as Marvel’s best book. The team brings great action and deep psychology without losing classic super heroics. This is just damn good storytelling without cheap gimmicks. Fans should support books like this, put it in the hands of people who haven’t yet read it, so we get to enjoy it for more than its limited run.