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 emperorship. 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," 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 an explosive conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doctor 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.

Exclusive Preview Gallery of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom's Ascension?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" continues the narrative begun in the 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with confronting major Marvel villains. Their victories, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's rise.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the American Kaiju. This left Hydra leaderless, the underworld defunded, and the US Government without its primary deterrent. While intended to improve the world, it inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a pawn."

Kelly reveals that the "Worldstrike" storyline was always intended to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous development.

"Planning the follow-up, we learned of 'One World Under Doom'," Kelly states. "Ryan North cleverly used Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a pivotal event in Victor's rise. 'Doomstrike' becomes a referendum on Bucky's choices – a chance for redemption, but a far more challenging one."

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, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has weighed on him. Just as he thought he'd overcome it, he's burdened with causing Doom's rise. Doom will exploit this guilt. The weight will intensify, and Bucky might struggle to cope."

Lanzing adds insights into other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, yet carries the pain of loss; Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter fights fascism; U.S. Agent is disillusioned; and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray.

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is complex; readers need to see issue #1."

Thunderbolts Clash: A Battle of Two Teams

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

Kelly emphasizes the reunion of the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team. "It's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing explains, "It's not Bucky using the name, but 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 old teammates and Bucky's cause. Kelly says, "Melissa returns ready to help Bucky, but her history with the Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, 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 reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' continuing in 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty' and 'Captain America: Cold War,' and culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike.' It's the grand finale."

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

"Absolutely," Kelly confirms. "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 prominence, 'Doomstrike' and 'One World Under Doom' serve as a terrifying introduction to one of Marvel's greatest villains."

A poll follows, asking readers which new comic they anticipate most in 2025. "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025.