Aleksander Lukin

Aleksander Lukin (Russian: Александр Лукин) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Aleksander Lukin
Aleksander Lukin Art by Steve Epting.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Captain America vol. 5 #1 (January 2005)
Created by	Ed Brubaker (writer) Steve Epting (artist)
In-story information
Species	Human
Team affiliations	Kronas Corporation Roxxon Oil KGB Power Elite
Notable aliases	General Lukin, Red Skull
Abilities	Strategic genius, political mastermind

Publication history

The character first appeared in Captain America vol. 5 #1 (January 2005), and was created by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. He serves as the main antagonist of the first Winter Soldier storyline.

Fictional character biography

Aleksander Lukin was born in the Soviet village of Kronas, which the Red Skull used as a base of operations during World War II.^[1] As Soviet troops attempt to retake the town, commander Vasily Karpov takes Lukin in as a protege.^[2]

In the ensuing decades, Lukin became an important figure in the Soviet military and the KGB, rising to the General rank.^[3] After Karpov's death, Lukin gained possession of his projects and sold some to raise funds.^[4] Five years later, the Red Skull recovers the Cosmic Cube and uses it to transfer his mind into Lukin's body.^[5]

After the Winter Soldier destroys the Cosmic Cube and regains his memories, Lukin and the Red Skull work together against Captain America and battle for control of Lukin's body.^[6][7] Arnim Zola later transfers the Red Skull's consciousness into a robot, freeing Lukin before he's killed by Sharon Carter.^[8]

Lukin is later resurrected by his wife Alexa Lukin, Rasputin and Selene, with a fragment of the Red Skull's mind remaining within him.^[9]

Lukin's mind and body are eventually taken over as the Red Skull's body decoy out of a base in Argentina before Revolution and the Thunderbolts kill him.^[10]

In other media

Film

Elements of Aleksander Lukin, namely his role as the Winter Soldier's handler, are incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of Alexander Pierce (portrayed by Robert Redford).

Video games

• The Kronas Corporation appears in Spider-Man: Web of Shadows.
• The Kronas Corporation appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes.