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 key tie-in is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and artist Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). Marvel's solicitation hints at a thrilling conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against…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's Rise?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" continues the narrative from the 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch by Kelly and Lanzing. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with confronting major Marvel villains. Their successes against Hydra and the Kingpin inadvertently paved the way for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the US government's primary deterrent. While intending to improve the world, he inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, used as a pawn to eliminate the Red Skull. One doesn't weaponize Doom without repercussions."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was designed to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. 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 work utilizes Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a catalyst for his rise. This 'Thunderbolts' mission becomes a judgment of Bucky's actions. '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 adds, "Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, has burdened him. Just as he finds respite, he bears responsibility for Doom's power. Doom exploits this guilt. After the first issue, the weight intensifies, potentially overwhelming even Bucky."

Lanzing describes the varied motivations of the Thunderbolts: 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 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 vs. Thunderbolts

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

Kelly highlights, "We're thrilled 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 question: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing explains, "Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts. In Doom's world, heroes are under his control. Why are they organized? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

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

Kelly says, "Melissa returns, ready to aid Bucky. But her history with the Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world; this conflict will shake her foundation."

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

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

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

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/Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's MCU prominence, this story and 'One World Under Doom' offer a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope that movie fans will seek out 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike' to explore the Marvel comics universe."

"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.