In 2025, the Marvel Universe is facing its ultimate "Doom." This February, Marvel unleashes "One World Under Doom," a massive crossover event. Doctor Doom, the newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, claims global dominion. This epic narrative unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's "One World Under Doom" miniseries and numerous tie-ins. A key tie-in is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.
IGN presents an exclusive preview of April's "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3. Marvel's solicitation hints at a thrilling confrontation: "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 this 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 Reign?
"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads this new team, tasked with confronting Marvel's most formidable villains. Their victories against Hydra and the Kingpin, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascent.
Lanzing explains, "Bucky eliminated the Red Skull, crippled Kingpin's finances, and weakened US government defenses. This was meant to improve global safety, inspiring other heroes. Unfortunately, it also inspired Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a tool. One doesn't weaponize Doom without consequences."
Kelly reveals that their "Worldstrike" storyline was always intended to culminate in a Doom-centric sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortunate coincidence.
Kelly states, "Planning the follow-up, we learned about 'One World Under Doom.' Ryan North's work utilized Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a pivotal event in Victor's rise. This 'Thunderbolts' mission became a judgment of Bucky's choices. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky redemption, but it will push him to his limits."
Bucky's guilt over 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 says, "Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has burdened him. Just as he thought he'd overcome it, he's blamed for Doom's power. Doom knows this and will exploit his guilt. After the first issue, that weight will be amplified, and even his metal arm might not save him."
Lanzing adds context to the 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. Other 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
"Doomstrike" features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, most of whom now serve Emperor Doom, creating a conflict with Bucky's team.
Kelly explains, "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 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 ('Fulgar Victoris'). Why are they organizing? 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 help Bucky, but her history with the other Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will break her heart. The Thunderbolts are her world, and dealing with this will deeply affect her."
Kelly and Lanzing's work with Bucky spans years, including "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War." "Doomstrike" is the culmination of their Bucky storyline.
Lanzing teases, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' starting in 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' exploding in 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,' motivating 'Captain America: Cold War,' and culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike.' Bucky discovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and became the Revolution. It all ends here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this – it's a grand finale."
"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" coincides with the May release of the "Thunderbolts" movie. Kelly and Lanzing hope to attract MCU viewers.
Kelly says, "MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar, at least initially. This story explains Contessa Valentina's threat. For Bucky/Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's MCU debut, this story is a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope that movie fans will find 'Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike' and discover Marvel comics."
"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on Marvel's 2025 plans, check out their upcoming releases and anticipated comics.
