Thunderbolts' Doomstrike: Key Component in Marvel's One World Under Doom

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, declares himself world emperor. This narrative unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's "One World Under Doom" miniseries and various tie-in titles. A key tie-in is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). The synopsis teases a clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against…the Thunderbolts! Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts!"

Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with neutralizing major villains. Their victories, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky eliminated the Red Skull, crippled the Kingpin, and weakened US defenses. This destabilized Hydra, the criminal underworld, and the government – actions intended to improve the world, but instead, inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom."

Kelly reveals that a Doom-centric storyline was always planned. The company-wide "One World Under Doom" crossover was a fortuitous alignment. "Doomstrike" becomes a referendum on Bucky's choices.

Bucky's guilt, stemming from his past as the Winter Soldier, intensifies. Kelly states, "This new burden of causing Doom's rise adds to his existing guilt. Doom will weaponize this guilt."

Lanzing details the motivations of other Thunderbolts: Songbird acts out of loyalty to Bucky; 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. Additional team members remain undisclosed. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's role is described as complex.

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

"Doomstrike" features the original 1997 Thunderbolts team, mostly aligned with Doom, creating a conflict with Bucky's team.

Kelly highlights the return of the original Thunderbolts, exploring the theme of redemption for villains. Lanzing explains that Doom, not Bucky, controls this iteration of the Thunderbolts.

Songbird's loyalty is tested, caught between her past and present allegiances. Kelly notes her emotional turmoil.

"Doomstrike" concludes Kelly and Lanzing's multi-year Bucky Barnes storyline, starting with "Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier," continuing through "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War." Lanzing calls it the culmination of their "Revolution Saga."

The creators aim to attract MCU viewers, highlighting the familiarity of Bucky's character and the relevance of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and the Doom storyline to the MCU.

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025.