Bucky Barnesis known in Marvel Comics for many things, including beingCaptain America’sWWII partner, becoming the brainwashed weapon known as the Winter Soldier, and even briefly taking on the mantle of Captain America. But perhaps Bucky’s best role in the comics is that of an adoring cat dad.
If the MCU ever introduced Alpine, Bucky Barnes' love for her would surely melt hearts.
The 2018 comic seriesWinter Soldier(Vol. 2)—written by Kyle Higgins with art by Rod Reis—introduces readers to a new character:Bucky’s adorable white cat, Alpine.Though Alpine’s name isn’t revealed until 2020 inFalcon & Winter Soldier#5—written by Derek Landy with art by Federico Vincentini and Matt Miller—she becomes an important fixture in Bucky’s life from her first appearance onward.
It’s not easy for the Winter Soldier to find solace in the world or to relax at all, butAlpine changes that by sneaking past his defenses and becoming his beloved fur baby.
Alpine Was Introduced in 2018, Quickly Capturing the Winter Soldier’s Heart
Alpine First Appeared inWinter Soldier(vol. 2) #1—Written by Kyle Higgins with Art by Rod Reis
Higgins’Winter Soldierseries delves into Bucky’s soft and vulnerable side, with Alpine the cat serving as a perfect representationof that softness. She is often seen curled up on his lap or sitting with him as he meditates. While there is never any explanation of how Bucky found her, their bond is clear from Alpine’s first appearance inWinter Soldier (Vol. 2)#1. WhenBucky faces inner turmoil and guiltover his decisions, Alpine lounges on his lap while he pets her to steady his racing mind.
InFalcon & Winter Soldier, Bucky almost always carries Alpine around in his jacket when he’s not suited up for battle. He even makes it a priority to grab and shield her when his apartment is attacked and shot up by goons.Falcon & Winter Soldiershows Bucky grappling with trauma (which he has plenty of) and eventually ends with him attending group therapy.As Bucky nervously prepares for his first meeting, Alpine is snug in his arms, and he introduces both himself and his beloved cat to the group.
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Alpine Allows the Stoic Bucky Barnes to Embrace His Real Emotions
Alpine Has the Winter Solider Wrapped Around Her Paw
Higgins’ decision to turnBucky Barnes into a loving cat dadinWinter Soldierwas a clever way to show that Bucky isn’t as tough as his past might make him seem. Bucky isn’t a person who often wears his heart on his sleeve, as his years as the Winter Soldier taught him to stay guarded. However,when Alpine is with him, the inner emotions he usually keeps hidden become apparent.In his moments of nervousness, he seeks comfort from Alpine, even though he doesn’t openly admit that he needs it.
Alpine and Bucky also appear in the 2022 seriesMarvel Meow—written and illustrated by Nao Fuji. This adorable standalone series starts with Bucky and Black Widow (Natasha Romanov) seeking out Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) to babysit their cats. Although Marvel Meow consists of lighthearted, fun stories that don’t always interconnect, Bucky’s love for Alpine is perfectly illustrated in issue #21, where he finally allows himself to relax after a tough mission by napping on the couch with her. If the MCU ever introduced Alpine,Bucky Barnes’love for her would surely melt hearts.
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