Winter Soldier, also known as James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, is a Marvel Comics superhero who was first introduced in Captain America #1 in 1941. He was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.
Bucky was originally portrayed as Captain America's teenage sidekick, serving as his partner in the fight against the Axis Powers during World War II. However, in a tragic turn of events, Bucky was presumed dead after a mission gone wrong, leading to Captain America being frozen in ice and preserved for several decades.
Decades later, Bucky was revealed to have survived the mission and had been brainwashed by the Soviet Union to become a deadly assassin known as the Winter Soldier. He possesses superhuman strength, agility, and endurance, as well as extensive combat training and knowledge of espionage.
The Winter Soldier's most notable power is his bionic left arm, which is capable of crushing metal and firing energy blasts. The arm is also equipped with various gadgets and weapons, including a retractable knife and a grappling hook.
Despite being brainwashed for years, Bucky eventually regained his memories and went on to become a hero in his own right, even taking up the mantle of Captain America for a time.
Throughout his history, the Winter Soldier has faced off against numerous foes, including Captain America himself, who was initially suspicious of Bucky's motives after he resurfaced as the Winter Soldier. However, Bucky has proven himself time and time again as a valuable ally and hero, using his formidable skills and determination to protect the world from threats both foreign and domestic.
The Winter Soldier has also made multiple appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portrayed by actor Sebastian Stan. He remains a popular and iconic character in the Marvel Universe, known for his strength, cunning, and unwavering loyalty to those he considers family.
Sandman, also known as William Baker, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, Sandman first appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #4 in 1963. Sandman's powers stem from his ability to transform his body into sand, granting him incredible strength and the ability to reshape his form into various shapes and sizes. His sand form allows him to absorb and repel force, making him nearly invulnerable to physical attacks. He can also use his sand form to travel long distances by riding the wind. Sandman's backstory is complex and often tragic. He grew up in an abusive household, and turned to a life of crime as a means of survival. He was eventually incarcerated in prison, where he underwent an experiment that gave him his sand-based powers. Initially, Sandman was a villain and frequently clashed with Spider-Man. However, he has also had periods of heroism and redemption, most notably when he became a member of the superhero team known as the Thunderbolts. One of Sandman's most notable strengths is his ability to control sand and manipulate the environment around him. He can use his sand form to create weapons, shields, and even control the movement of sand around him to his advantage. His abilities also make him a formidable opponent in battle, as he is able to absorb and redirect attacks. Overall, Sandman's powers and strength make him one of the most unique and interesting characters in the Marvel Universe. His tragic backstory and complex relationships with other characters add depth and nuance to his character, making him a fan favorite.