10 Characters Who Replaced Captain America

After Bucky Barnes was freed from his programming as a Russian assassin, he felt that he needed to redeem himself. Captain America's death gave him the chance he needed.

Cap's wartime sidekick was initially thought to have died in the same explosion that caused Steve to be frozen, but he had in fact been captured by the Russians and brainwashed into becoming their assassin the Winter Soldier. Captain America was able to save his friend and restore his mind, but was then killed at the end of Civil War.

Soon after Cap's death, Bucky was approached by Tony Stark. Tony revealed that Steve had written him a letter before his death asking Stark to pass on his shield to Bucky.

Barnes accepted it and became the new Captain America. He proved to be a worthy successor to the original's legacy, saving the world on numerous occasions and even joining the Avengers. When Steve returned, he briefly became Captain America again during the Siege of Asgard, but then handed the mantle back to Barnes.

Unfortunately, Bucky's time as Captain America ended shortly after that. Details of his past as an assassin were leaked and he stepped down to avoid tainting the mantle. He then faked his death and became the Winter Soldier again.