The MCU Unveils the True Power of Bucky’s Vibranium Arm

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3, Episode 3.

The third episode of What If…? Season 3 showcases an extraordinary demonstration of strength from Bucky Barnes’ iconic metal arm within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This season concludes a series of alternative realities where significant events diverge from the canon timeline of the MCU. From Hydra’s failure to seize the Super Soldier serum in 1991 to the Avengers crafting mechas to combat kaiju-sized Hulks, What If…? Season 3 highlights the fortunate and unfortunate twists of fate that the MCU’s Earth-616 experiences compared to other realities in the Sacred Timeline.

Bucky’s Vibranium Arm: One of the MCU’s Most Impressive Artifacts

The Power of Bucky Barnes’ Bionic Arms

Bucky Barnes with Captain America's shield

Initially, Bucky Barnes’ injuries—sustained from a fall off a train—enabled Hydra to engineer a formidable weapon. They crafted a state-of-the-art, titanium arm designed to be both ultra-strong and bulletproof, which effectively made the Winter Soldier nearly invincible. This original titanium arm boasted the strength to effortlessly resist Captain America’s shield. However, the vibranium arm, bestowed upon Bucky by the Wakandans following the events of Captain America: Civil War, surpasses the original in power. It is nearly indestructible and has the ability to absorb vibrations, reducing the impact of any attacks he both delivers and endures.

What If…? Season 3 Highlights Bucky’s Arm’s Power

The Winter Soldier: A Giant-Knocking Force

Bucky Barnes and Red Guardian in Thunderbolts poster

During the third episode of What If…?, Bucky Barnes and Red Guardian find themselves confronting Bill Foster outside a Las Vegas casino. Foster activates the size-altering functions of his suit to become the giant Goliath. In a stunning display of strength, Bucky delivers a devastating punch with his bionic arm that nearly breaks Goliath’s ankle. Subsequently, Red Guardian propels Bucky directly into Goliath’s face, enabling Bucky to knock the giant out with just one blow. This remarkable feat is particularly striking when one remembers that it took a combined effort from Spider-Man, Vision, Iron Man, and War Machine to subdue Giant-Man in Captain America: Civil War!

Before delivering this knockout punch, the Winter Soldier demonstrates the versatility and strength of his metal arm throughout What If…? Season 3 Episode 3. Bucky showcases his abilities by saving Red Guardian from a barrage of gunfire launched by Obadiah Stane, sliding down a building while carrying Red Guardian, and absorbing the impact from a police van that crashes into him—all while utilizing his arm’s capabilities along with his superhuman strength, agility, and reflexes. Even without the vibranium upgrade in this episode, Bucky’s metal arm remains an exceptionally powerful and adaptable weapon within the MCU.

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