James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes is a fictional character in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was first introduced as a sidekick to Captain America. The character was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. He first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (cover-dated March 1941). That comic was published by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics. Barnes' original costume (or one based on it) and the Bucky nickname has been used by other heroes in the Marvel Universe over the years.