Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Essential in Marvel's Crossover

2025: A Marvel Universe Under Doom's Reign

The Marvel Universe in 2025 is defined by one word: "Doom." February marks the launch of "One World Under Doom," a major crossover event where Doctor Doom, the new Sorcerer Supreme, claims global dominion. This narrative unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's "One World Under Doom" miniseries and numerous tie-in titles. A key component is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release), teasing a clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face…the Thunderbolts! Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts!"

The slideshow below showcases the preview. Kelly and Lanzing discuss the series, highlighting its role as the culmination of a long-running Bucky Barnes storyline.

Exclusive Preview Gallery of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with confronting major villains, employing any necessary means. Their victories, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the American Kaiju. This left Hydra leaderless, the criminal underworld defunded, and the US Government without its primary deterrent. While intended to improve the world, it inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, used as a pawn to eliminate the Red Skull—a mistake with dire consequences."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was always designed to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. The "One World Under Doom" crossover, orchestrated by Ryan North, presented a fitting opportunity.

Kelly states, "Discovering that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a pivotal event in Victor's rise to power, transformed our mission into a referendum on Bucky's decisions. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky a chance at redemption, but at an unprecedented cost."

Bucky's guilt over his role in Doom's rise is central to "Doomstrike." Kelly points out that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's narrative since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

Kelly comments, "Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has weighed heavily on him. Just as he thought he could move on, he's burdened with the responsibility of Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will weaponize his guilt. This weight will intensify, and Bucky might struggle to overcome it."

Lanzing adds insights into other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, grappling with the loss of Abner Jenkins; Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter combats fascism; U.S. Agent is disillusioned; and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. Additional team members remain undisclosed.

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is more complex—readers need to see issue #1 to understand."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

A key element of "Doomstrike" is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, many now aligned with Emperor Doom, creating a conflict with Bucky's team.

Kelly notes, "We're excited to bring back the original Thunderbolts, pitting them against Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's relationship to Citizen V's return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible?"

Lanzing explains, "Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts' organization. In Doom's world, heroes are often under his control, forming his 'Fulgar Victoris.' The reasons behind their organization and Bucky being a primary target remain to be seen."

Songbird's position is crucial, torn between loyalty to her former teammates and her commitment to Bucky.

Kelly says, "Melissa's return is stylish and supportive of Bucky's mission. However, her history with the other Thunderbolts, serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world, and this conflict will profoundly impact her."

Kelly and Lanzing's work with Bucky spans years, including "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War." "Doomstrike" serves as the culmination of their Bucky storyline.

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' expanding in 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,' fueling 'Captain America: Cold War,' and culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike.' Bucky has uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and adopted a new identity—all leading to this finale. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss it. It's the grand finale, and we're giving it our all."

Considering the upcoming "Thunderbolts" film, Kelly and Lanzing express hope of attracting MCU viewers, given the roster similarities.

Kelly states, "Absolutely. MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar, at least initially. While details differ, this story explains Contessa Valentina's threat. For Bucky and Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU appearance, this story and 'One World Under Doom' offer a terrifying introduction to one of Marvel's greatest villains. We hope that when movie fans seek more, 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike' will draw them into the world of Marvel comics."

Which new comic are you most excited to read in 2025?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the Marvel Universe's future, check out Marvel's 2025 plans and our most anticipated comics of 2025.