Why Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Is an Essential Part of Marvel's One World Under Doom Crossover

2025 dawns on a Marvel Universe consumed by "Doom." February marks the launch of One World Under Doom, a massive crossover event where Doctor Doom, the new 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, prominently Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, penned by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, with art by Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN exclusively reveals a preview of 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!" (See the preview gallery below.)

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

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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, employing extreme measures. Their victories, however, inadvertently pave Doom's path to power.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the US Government's deterrence. This was meant to improve the world, inspiring change. Instead, it inspired Victor Von Doom, used as a pawn to kill the Red Skull—a mistake Bucky will deeply regret."

Kelly reveals Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts arc, was always designed to lead to a Doom-centric storyline. The One World Under Doom crossover became a fortunate alignment.

"Planning the sequel, we learned about One World Under Doom, spearheaded by Ryan North. We discovered Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a key event in Victor's rise. Doomstrike isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment on Bucky's choices. It's his chance at redemption—a grueling one."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise is central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes guilt has been a constant in Bucky's life since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

"Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has weighed him down. Just when he thought he could move on, he's burdened with causing Doom's rise. Doom knows this and will weaponize his guilt. After issue #1, that weight intensifies, potentially crushing him."

Lanzing adds context to the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty to Bucky and her own heroism; 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. Further team 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 side with Emperor Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable conflict.

Kelly states, "We're thrilled to reunite the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's heartbreaking story to Citizen V's disastrous return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts. In Doom's world, few heroes are as under his control as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organized? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird is crucial, caught between loyalty to old teammates and Bucky.

Kelly says, "Melissa returns, ready to aid Bucky. But her history with other Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world; this fallout will shake her."

Kelly and Lanzing's involvement 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. We call it the 'Revolution Saga,' starting in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, exploding in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, fueling Captain America: Cold War, and culminating in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and adopted a new identity—it all culminates 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 aim to attract MCU viewers.

Kelly says, "MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar—initially. This story shows why Contessa is a threat. For Bucky/Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU appearance, this story and One World Under Doom are a terrifying introduction to one of Marvel's greatest villains. We hope movie fans will discover Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on Marvel in 2025, check out our anticipated comics of 2025.