2025 finds the Marvel Universe teetering on the brink of "Doom." February ushers in "One World Under Doom," a massive crossover event where Doctor Doom, the newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, claims global dominion. This epic unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-ins. Crucially, Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi, stands out as a pivotal tie-in.
IGN exclusively previews Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 (April release). Marvel's solicitation hints at a thrilling clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doctor Doom's vibranium supply, only to face… THE THUNDERBOLTS?! THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!" The slideshow gallery below offers a sneak peek. Kelly and Lanzing discuss the series, revealing its significance as the culmination of a long-running Bucky Barnes storyline.
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery
8 Images
Is Bucky Barnes to Blame for Emperor Doom?
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike continues the narrative Kelly and Lanzing initiated in 2023's Thunderbolts relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads this new team, tasked with confronting major Marvel villains by any means necessary. Their victories over Hydra and the Kingpin, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascension.
Lanzing explains, "Bucky eliminated the Red Skull, crippled Kingpin's finances, and destabilized the US government. This was meant to inspire positive change, but it also inspired Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a pawn. No one weaponizes Victor Von Doom without consequences."
Kelly reveals their Worldstrike storyline was always intended to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. The company-wide "One World Under Doom" crossover, spearheaded by Ryan North, provided a perfect backdrop.
"Discovering that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a key event in Victor's rise to power was a shock," says Kelly. "This mission isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment on Bucky's choices. Doomstrike is Bucky's chance at redemption, but it will push him to his limits."
Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise will be central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's life since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.
"This new burden, coupled with past traumas, will weigh heavily on him," Kelly says. "Doom will exploit this guilt, making it his most potent weapon."
Lanzing elaborates on the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird, driven by loyalty and a desire for heroism, yet still grieving; Black Widow, prioritizing Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter, relentlessly combating fascism; U.S. Agent, disillusioned and cynical; and Ghost Rider '44, a fiery old friend of Bucky's. Further team members remain a surprise.
Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "That's a complex question best answered by reading issue #1."
Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts
Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, most of whom now serve Emperor Doom. The conflict between Bucky's team and the original Thunderbolts is inevitable.
"We're thrilled to bring back the original Thunderbolts and pit them against Bucky's team," says Kelly. "It's a chance to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"
Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, is using the Thunderbolts name. In Doom's world, few heroes are as controlled as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organizing? And why is Bucky the primary target?"
Songbird's position is pivotal, torn between loyalty to her former teammates and her commitment to Bucky.
"Melissa returns ready to aid Bucky," Kelly explains. "But her history with the other 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 serves as the culmination of their overarching Bucky storyline.
Lanzing states, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for a while. It's the grand finale of our 'Revolution Saga,' which began in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier. It's the culmination of everything we've done with Bucky, and fans of our previous work shouldn't miss it."
Considering the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, Kelly and Lanzing hope to attract MCU viewers.
"Absolutely," says Kelly. "MCU fans will find our Bucky familiar, though the details differ. This story highlights Contessa Valentina's threat, explores Bucky and Natasha's romance, and serves as a terrifying introduction to Doctor Doom."
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on Marvel's 2025 plans, see our preview of Marvel's 2025 releases and our most anticipated comics of 2025.
