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 solicitation hints at a thrilling conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels devise a daring plan to target Doom's vibranium supply. However, they face an unexpected obstacle – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It's THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!"

The slideshow below showcases this preview. Further details on the series from Kelly and Lanzing are provided below, including its significance as the culmination of a multi-year 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" continues the narrative initiated in the 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch by Kelly and Lanzing. This relaunch introduced a new team led by Bucky Barnes, tasked with confronting major Marvel villains through any means necessary. Their victories over Hydra and the Kingpin, 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 global safety, it inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a tool against the Red Skull. Using Doom as a weapon is a decision Bucky will regret."

Kelly reveals that their initial "Thunderbolts" storyline, "Worldstrike," was always intended to culminate in a Doom-focused sequel. North's company-wide Doom-centric crossover event was a fortuitous alignment.

Kelly states, "Planning the follow-up, we learned about the new Marvel Universe status quo: 'One World Under Doom.' Ryan North's work revealed Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a key catalyst for his rise to power. This new 'Thunderbolts' mission isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment on Bucky's choices. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky a chance at redemption, but it will push him to his limits."

Bucky's Guilt and the Thunderbolts' Diverse Motivations

Bucky's guilt over his role in Doom's rise will be central to "Doomstrike." Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's story since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

Kelly says, "Bucky's guilt, stemming from his actions as the Winter Soldier and his Outer Circle missions, has burdened him. Just as he thought he could move on, he's burdened with the responsibility of Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will exploit his guilt. After the first issue, this burden will intensify, and even his metal arm might not save him."

Lanzing adds, "The other Thunderbolts have varied motivations. Songbird joins out of loyalty and heroism, but also carries the pain of losing Abner Jenkins (MACH-X). Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their romance recently rekindled. 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. Other members remain a surprise, but each has reasons to oppose Doom or worry for Bucky."

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

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts: A Clash of Teams

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

Kelly says, "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 adds, "It's not Bucky using the name; it's Doom. In Doom's world, heroes are under his control as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organizing? Why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird's internal conflict will be pivotal, torn between loyalty to her old and new teams.

Kelly states, "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 fallout will shake her."

The Culmination of a Bucky Barnes Storyline

Kelly and Lanzing have worked on Bucky for years, including "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War." "Doomstrike" is the culmination of their overarching Bucky storyline.

Lanzing teases, "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' and 'Captain America: Cold War,' culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike.' Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and adopted a new identity as the Revolution – it all culminates here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this. It's the grand finale."

Connecting with the MCU

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

Kelly says, "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 upcoming MCU appearance, this story is a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope that movie fans will discover 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike' and the wider world of Marvel comics."

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"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, see what to expect in 2025 and read about our most anticipated comics of 2025.