InThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson is the new tech-savvy superhero with modern-day problems while Bucky Barnes is a bit of an out-of-place old-timer relic. In real life, it’s actually the opposite, as the character who is better known as the Winter Soldier didn’t exist until comic book writer Ed Brubaker and artist Steve Epting introduced him in 2005.
Whereas the first part ofThe Falcon and the Winter Soldierequation made his Marvel Comics debut in 1969 as one of the first African-American superheroes,Bucky Barnes was as good as deadfor over 60 years until Brubaker revived him as the Winter Soldier. His idea was one of many Marvel creative gold mines that went on to be fully featured as a mainstay character in the MCU, though, like many comic book creators, Brubaker feels like he got the short end of the stick for his contribution.
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Despite being somewhat unhappy with the compensation he received for one of Disney’s current money-making intellectual properties, Brubaker is quite grateful for his time working for Marvel Comics, claiming it was “one of the happiest times of [his] career” and that it led to more people being familiar with the rest of his work. He still assured his followers that he’ll definitely be tuning in towatchThe Falcon and the Winter Soldier, asking politely for people to not send him any spoilers alongside the waves of requests he already gets for his comments on the show.
Even though Brubaker did get a small cameo inCaptain America: The Winter Soldieras a way to honor his contribution to the current pop culture phenomenon that is the MCU, that hardly appeases the author’s feelings about missing out on bigger earnings for it, although he is the first to recognize that “work for hire is what it is.” Over the years, proper recognition for the writers and artists behind many beloved comic book stars has become a contentious topic, with the legal proceedings filed bythe legendary Jack Kirby’sestate being the prime example of it.
The issue has gained far more prominence after Marvel Studios fell under Disney’s corporate umbrella, as the company even has ongoinglegal disputes with Bill Nye The Science Guy. At least, like Brubaker himself recognizes, creative personnel nowadays are much more aware of the nature of their work, so - while still a very relatable feeling - everyone knows what they’re signing up for, unlike their counterparts many decades ago.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldieris currently available as a Disney Plus exclusive.
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