Thunderbolts: Essential Role in Marvel's "One World Under Doom"

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. Doctor Doom, the newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, declares himself world emperor. This narrative unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's "One World Under Doom" miniseries and numerous tie-in titles. A key tie-in is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). The synopsis teases 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.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

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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 Marvel villains. Their victories, however, inadvertently pave the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the American Kaiju. This destabilized Hydra, the criminal underworld, and US government defenses—actions intended to improve global safety. Ironically, he empowered Victor Von Doom, used as a tool against the Red Skull. One doesn't weaponize Doom without consequences."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was designed to lead into a Doom-focused storyline. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous alignment.

Kelly states, "Planning the sequel, we learned about 'One World Under Doom.' Ryan North's vision utilized Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a pivotal event. This 'Thunderbolts' mission became a judgment of Bucky's decisions. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky redemption, but at a tremendous cost."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise is central to "Doomstrike." Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's narrative since his resurrection.

Kelly says, "Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, has burdened him. Just as he finds respite, he's burdened with responsibility for Doom's power. Doom uses this guilt as a weapon. This weight intensifies after the first issue, potentially overwhelming even Bucky."

Lanzing adds context on the other Thunderbolts: Songbird acts out of loyalty to Bucky and heroism, yet carries the pain of losing Abner Jenkins; Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter fights fascism; US 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 complex; readers must discover it in issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

A major element of "Doomstrike" is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts. While Songbird sides with Bucky, most of her former teammates align with Emperor Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable conflict.

Kelly highlights, "We're excited to reunite the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's heartbreaking conclusion to Citizen V's return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core question: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing explains, "It's not Bucky appropriating the name; it's Doom. Under Doom's rule, heroes become his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organized? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

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

Kelly describes Songbird's return: "Melissa returns, ready to assist Bucky. But her history with the Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world; this conflict will profoundly shake her."

Kelly and Lanzing's long collaboration with Bucky, spanning "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War," culminates in "Doomstrike."

Lanzing states, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. We've been telling the 'Revolution Saga' since 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' continuing through 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,' 'Captain America: Cold War,' and 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike.' Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and adopted a new identity—it all culminates here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this. It's the grand finale."

The "Thunderbolts" film's release in May raises the question of attracting MCU viewers.

Kelly confirms, "Absolutely. MCU Bucky fans will find our version familiar, initially. While details differ, this story explains Contessa's threat. For Bucky/Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU appearance, this story and 'One World Under Doom' serve as a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope that MCU movie fans will discover 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike,' leading them into the Marvel comics world."

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