Why Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Is an Essential Part of Marvel's One World Under Doom 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. Doctor Doom, the newly crowned 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 crucial tie-in is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," penned by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, with art by Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). Marvel's synopsis hints at a thrilling conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels devise a daring plan to seize Doctor Doom's vibranium supply. However, they face an unexpected obstacle – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It's THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!"

The slideshow below showcases the preview. Further insights from Kelly and Lanzing reveal the series' significance 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's Rise?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. This iteration, led by Bucky Barnes, targets major Marvel villains. Their successes against Hydra and the Kingpin 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 global safety, it inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a tool."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was designed to set up a Doom-focused sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous development.

"Planning the follow-up, we learned about 'One World Under Doom'," Kelly states. "Ryan North's work utilized Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a catalyst for his rise. 'Doomstrike' isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment on Bucky's decisions."

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.

"Bucky's guilt, stemming from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, has burdened him," Kelly says. "Just as he finds respite, he's burdened with responsibility for Doom's power. Doom exploits this weakness."

Lanzing adds, "Other Thunderbolts have diverse motivations. Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, yet grapples with the loss of Abner Jenkins. Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety. Destroyer is already on a mission. Sharon Carter combats fascism. U.S. Agent is disillusioned. Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. Several members remain a surprise."

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is complex; readers must discover it in issue #1."

Thunderbolts Clash: A Battle of Two Teams

"Doomstrike" features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts team. While Songbird aligns with Bucky, most of her former comrades side with 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 relationship to Citizen V's return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

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

Songbird's position is crucial. Torn between loyalty to old and new teammates, her internal conflict is central to the plot.

Kelly says, "Melissa returns, eager to assist Bucky. But her history with other Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world; this fallout will profoundly impact her."

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

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. We've been telling the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' continuing through 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty' and 'Captain America: Cold War,' culminating in '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."

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" coincides with the May release of the "Thunderbolts" film. Kelly and Lanzing aim to attract MCU viewers.

Kelly says, "MCU Bucky fans will find our version familiar, at least initially. This story explains Contessa Valentina's threat. For Bucky and Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU appearance, this story serves as a terrifying introduction to one of Marvel's greatest villains. We hope that movie fans will discover 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike.'"

"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.