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However, there’s someone else who deserves a shot at being the new Captain America: Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier. Granted, Bucky expressed disinterest in upholding the legacy that came with his best friend’s title. However, his actions in the comics and in the MCU may make him just as deserving to take up the mantle as the Falcon is.

10 The World’s Best Natural Fighter

The Winter Soldier has become an iconic character not just because of his history, but also due to his powerset. As stated in Captain America Vol. 5, Bucky possesses an accelerated learning process far greater than other ordinary humans. As a teenager, Bucky is already classified as history’s best natural fighter – and this is before his specialized training.

Moreover, in Captain America And Bucky #620, Bucky has the ability to study – and rapidly, at that – every combat move that Steve Rogers can do. His learning aptitude alone makes him capable of potentially copying Captain America’s maneuvers with his Shield more accurately and precisely.

9 The Cap Also Trained Bucky, Alongside Others

Granted, Sam Wilson received training from Steve Rogers in the comics. In the MCU, Sam Wilson also received advanced training courtesy of the military. However, it’s important to note that Steve took Bucky under his tutelage first. Captain America Vol. 5 establishes that by the time Bucky became “the Bucky” sidekick, he had received advanced training from Rex Applegate and William Fairbairn, the instructors of Steve Rogers. At a young age, Bucky already has training in martial arts, acrobatics, and weapons handling.

Moreover, Bucky’s “indoctrination” into the Soviet Union also had him receive further advanced training. He’s become a master spy and assassin, learning skills that allowed him to take down foes as efficiently as possible. These extra notes on his resume helped Bucky make a mark as his own brand of Captain America.

8 The Signature Bionic Arm

In addition to his training, the Winter Soldier’s implanted Bionic Arm is a beast to behold. Captain America’s Shield paired with Bucky’s Bionic Arm could easily make him a force to be reckoned with. Bucky’s cybernetic arm can destroy steel and even a Cosmic Cube. It has a retractable blade, can release an electrical discharge, and release an EMP. Defensively, it also has some resistance against explosions, high-caliber rounds, bladed weapons, and even Vibranium.

Moreover, the arm has a variety of utility options that enhance Bucky’s arsenal. His arm can detach from his body and perform commands. It also has an array of sensors, to identify targets and map surroundings.

7 Enhancements Give Him A Physical Edge

Bucky’s first appearance as the Winter Soldier showed him already at peak human strength, speed, agility, and durability. Unfortunately, Bucky suffers a fatal accident during his Captain America tenure. To save him, Nick Fury had to inject him with some of his Infinity Formula. This may not be as potent as Steve Roger’s Super Soldier Serum, but it’s still enough to maximize Bucky’s physique.

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Bucky can now punch through walls, dodge targeted missiles, and utilize a degree of regenerative healing. Unlike Sam Wilson who received natural training, Bucky’s new enhancements may give him enough juice to perform some of Steve Rogers’ more physically-intensive maneuvers.

6 His Physique Fits The Shield

Bucky’s military training was specifically designed to help him assist Captain America in his missions. Meanwhile, his indoctrination in the Soviet Union involved training him to conduct clandestine missions as one of their top agents. Neither of these roles honed Bucky’s skills to become Captain America, but his skillset definitely made him fit for the title.

For instance, Bucky’s Infinity Formula-enhanced physique took his balance to near-superhuman levels. This, combined with the stabilization capabilities of his Bionic Arm, would allow Bucky to determine the balance of objects with incredible accuracy. In turn, he can throw items to achieve effects he wanted. Combined with his capabilities to intuitively learn things such as Steve’s moves, Bucky can easily copy Captain America’s Shield moves.

5 Conflicted Tenure Makes Interesting Stories

Fans know that both Bucky and Sam Wilson had difficult first outings as Captain America. However, a lot of superheroes contested Bucky’s position as Captain America, which makes for an interesting story. Even the Falcon didn’t feel as though Bucky is deserving to be holding Captain America’s Shield, especially due to his history.

This disagreement alone would have the Falcon and Bucky at odds with each other. In turn, the stories that showed them working together also became worth the read for fans.

4 Capable Of Squaring Off With Supers

As Hydra Cap, Civil War, and Civil War 2 proved, superheroes need to be prepared to face one of their own. And while the Falcon is no pushover in a fistfight, Bucky’s enhanced abilities and advanced training can help him neutralize his fellow superheroes should he need to.

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For instance, in Thunderbolts, Bucky demonstrated the durability to withstand blows from empowered beings such as Hyperion. Moreover, he showed in Captain America that his reflexes easily match those of Spider-Man and Captain America himself. In Rise of the Black Panther, Bucky is even skilled enough to go toe-to-toe against the Black Panther.

3 Worked Both Sides Of The Spectrum

When fans think of Captain America, they think of a patriot incapable of turning against his country. However, the infamous “Hydra Cap” incident in Secret Empire put this concept into scrutiny. Hydra Cap came to fruition as a result of the Red Skull’s intricate machinations with the Cosmic Cube – and the same logic could be applied to Bucky. After all, he’s also been brainwashed into working against his country.

However, this unfortunate backstory makes Bucky just as deserving of the Shield. Having worked both sides of the spectrum makes Bucky one of the most knowledgeable when it comes to underhanded tactics that regular superheroes might not catch. Thankfully, Bucky’s time working with the good guys can help him put this knowledge into good use.

2 A Longer Tenure With Supers

Both Bucky and Sam Wilson have become prominent members of their respective superhero teams. In fact, both of them at some point assumed leadership of those teams. However, given Bucky’s stay with Steve Rogers, he has become a part of the costumed superhero scene longer than the Falcon.

When he assumed his first superhero identity, Bucky served as the costumed counterpart to the Hitler Youth. Afterwards, Bucky found himself with the Invaders alongside Steve, Namor, the original Human Torch and his partner Toro. Bucky even led his own team of teenage fighters called the Kid Commandos, a team of superheroes called the Liberty Legion, and another team of youngsters called the Young Allies.

1 Received The Shield First

Fans who want to debate MCU Bucky’s deservingness of the Shield may use the argument of “getting it” first, at least in the comics. As fans might know, a de-aged Steve Rogers gave the mantle of Captain America to Sam Wilson in 2012. However, Bucky took on the mantle after Steve’s supposed death in the end of 2009’s Civil War event. But wouldn’t this mean he stole it?

Back then, Bucky realized that Tony Stark would have to oversee who would become the new Captain America. Distrustful of Iron Man, Bucky steals the Shield. When SHIELD captures Bucky for this act, Tony reveals to Bucky that Steve wrote a letter, asking Bucky to continue his legacy.

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