The Impact of the Super Serum on Bucky Barnes: A Different Kind of Enhancement
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in the series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes is affected by the super serum in a manner that is distinct from characters like Steve Rogers and Karli Morgenthau. While the serum augments physical abilities, it doesn't fundamentally alter Bucky's personality traits the same way it does for Steve or Karli. This article delves into how the serum influences Bucky and highlights the differences between his and Steve's enhancement processes.
Enhancement of Physical Abilities
The super serum enhances physical characteristics in a noticeable manner. However, its effect on Bucky is more about enhancing his resilience and combat skills rather than changing his core personality. In his earlier incarnation as the Winter Soldier, Bucky was already embodying traits of strength and determination. The serum amplified his will to complete missions at all costs, a trait that could be seen as both a blessing and a curse. Hydra exploited this trait by brainwashing him with code words, turning him into an unstoppable machine hell-bent on completing his mission.
Character Arc and Emotional Growth
Unlike Steve, whose transformation into the Super Soldier provides him with moral fortitude and a sense of self, Bucky remains conflicted. He struggles with his past, trying to reconcile his identity with the Winter Soldier. The serum, while powerful in terms of physical abilities, fails to alter his fundamental personality. Instead, Bucky’s journey focuses on emotional growth and healing. This is evident in his efforts to overcome the traumas and manipulations inflicted upon him by Hydra.
Doctor Erskine and Bucky's Development
The doctor who developed Steve’s Super Soldier Serum was Dr. Abraham Erskine. In contrast, Bucky’s serum was developed by a different doctor who, along with Zola and Nagel, had ulterior motives. Zola and Nagel were focused on creating better killers, specifically for Hydra, while Dr. Erskine's goal was to create a better person. This difference in intentions is crucial. If Bucky had been given Erskine’s formula, he would have retained his basic humanity, as shown in the case of Isaiah who, despite his initial goodness, gradually lost it due to the societal pressures of the times.
Distinct Enhancement Processes
Isaiah, another character enhanced by the U.S. Army, took a super soldier serum derived from microsamples of Erskine's formula. Initially, Isaiah exhibited similar traits to Steve, but America's racial prejudices ultimately led to the erosion of his goodness. This stark contrast between Isaiah’s and Steve’s experiences underscores the significant impact of societal context on the enhancement process.
Conclusion
The super serum, while a powerful enhancer of physical abilities, has a different effect on Bucky Barnes when compared to Steve Rogers. Bucky's journey highlights a focus on emotional growth and overcoming personal struggles, rather than a fundamental change in personality. The differences in the doctors who developed the serums and their intended outcomes serve as a crucial factor in shaping the characters' trajectories. Bucky's enhancement is a testament to the complexities of human nature and the enduring impact of one's past.