Broken Frontier

Knowing Bucky’s ultimate demise that came in the pages of Fear Itself #3, Captain America #619 feels like the caring and proper send-off he should have received.  Ed Brubaker pens a story that not only concludes one of the darkest story arcs yet, but vindicates Bucky’s past as the Winter Solider and his perceived failures while he wore the mantle of Captain America.
    
"Gulag Part 4" not only ties up the plot threads from the containing arc, but also heavily lays the groundwork for the assumed return of Steve Rogers as Captain America.  Bucky’s battle in the gulag is bookended by smaller stories featuring Black Widow and Steve Rogers.  The aptly named portion "Black Widow" follows Natasha as she attempts to rescue her lover before the gulag disintegrates into chaos, while "Super-Soldier" primarily discusses the political ramifications of Bucky’s trial and the future of Captain America.  Regardless of whether you believe Bucky should remain as Cap, Ed Brubaker is handling this exchange with the grace and respect both characters deserve.  
    
The heart of Part 4 is Bucky’s survival story as he battles his way against gigantic rivals to escape the gulag.  Despite the majority of Bucky’s portion being comprised of an extended fight sequence, Ed Brubaker keeps the readers on their toes by ensuring Bucky is constantly moving and adapting to the battle, while also including some incredible narration and insight into his mind.  The art during this sequence is marvelous and highly reminiscent of the noir genre; heavy black inks scar Bucky’s face, while also making the explosions amidst the battle pop even more.  Even though the issue completes the story arc, it is quite clear that more is yet to come in Bucky’s story, regardless of whatever Fear Itself has brought us.
    
This final issue of "Gulag" is a great look into Bucky’s mind as he battles his way out of his Russian prison.  More importantly, however, "Gulag Part 4" sets the stage for Steve Rogers' ultimate return as Captain America.  Brubaker has slowly and methodically developed this plot thread for multiple story arcs, and is crafting a logical conclusion to Bucky’s stewardship as Captain America.