Originally Steve Rogers' childhood best friend and an ally of his during World War II, Barnes falls off a cliff and is found by Hydra. They experiment on him and make him an assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Barnes becomes himself again after reuniting with Rogers and going to Wakanda. He dies in the Blip and is brought back to life five years later. After Rogers' retirement, he and Sam Wilson, who becomes the new Captain America, fight the Flag Smashers.