10 Comic Book Heroes Improved Through Retcon

James “Bucky” Barnes was an orphan and camp mascot on Camp Lehigh, Virginia. He soon discovered Steve Rogers’ secret identity as Captain America and became his young sidekick. Bucky also conducted side missions for the brass that the idealistic Rogers wouldn’t approve of. The pair joined other costumed heroes in a number of teams to fight the Nazis, including the Invaders. The young hero apparently died in the explosion of an experimental plane.

Barnes hadn’t died, although the explosion did cost him his left arm. He fell into the freezing water and into suspended animation like Rogers. Bucky was discovered by a Soviet submarine. A virtual amnesiac, James was programmed to hate the West and was sent to conduct strategic assassinations as the Winter Soldier. He was placed in cryostasis until he was needed again. The Soldier was given an ever-improving number of bionic arms over the decades.

Sent to assassinate the Red Skull and obtain the Cosmic Cube, the Winter Soldier ran into Captain America. The pair battled and Rogers used the Cube to return Bucky’s memories to him. James fled and went looking for his handler, General Lukin, and the Red Skull, who were the same person at the time. Barnes began to rebuild his life and right wrongs. He took over the Cap's identity when it appeared Steve had been assassinated and led the New Avengers.