With Thunderbolts* inclusion into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the MCU’s has come full circle from Winter Soldier to Avenger. Yet, Marvel also unveiled a reality where Bucky Barnes’ redemption arc took a nosedive with him becoming Captain America’s ultimate nemesis. In a sick and twisted turn of events, Captain America’s greatest ally was reimagined as none other than the Ultimate Universe’s Red Skull.

Bucky may truly believe in Red Skull’s racist agenda...

In Ultimates #10, written by Deniz Camp with art by Juan Frigeri, the Ultimate Universe’s Avengers, aka, the Ultimates are invading the neo-nazi stronghold of the Red Skulls to rescue Namor. However, the team of heroes is met with violent pushback by the Grand Skull and his forces.

When Grand Skull delivers the line, “It was good to see you, Steve,” there is no mistaking that Bucky Barnes is the predecessor of the Red Skull. The Ultimate Universe has struck again by altering a beloved hero into a deplorable villain, yet this time, it’s highly unlikely Bucky will be getting redemption.