In 1964, when Marvel Comics returned World War II hero Captain America to its stable of characters, it established that the captain's former teenage sidekick, Bucky, died in an explosion during the war. Bucky remained dead until the 2005 story line brought him back, explaining that a combination of brainwashing and suspended animation at a secret Soviet agency had kept him alive as an assassin. Writers Brubaker (Captain America: Winter Soldier) and Andreyko (Manhunter) and artist Samnee (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) follow Bucky from boyhood through his post-assassin years. The story is told from Bucky's point of view and gives the reader a new look at the war hero who is more than Captain America's chipper sidekick. Samnee's heavy lines and blocky figures recall the 1940s comics where Bucky began.Verdict Although the book's first half is engaging, with developed characters, the second half is rushed, with an unsatisfying conclusion. Serious Captain America fans will enjoy Life Story; for everyone else, it is not recommended.—Robert Mixner, Bartholomew Cty. Lib., Columbus, IN