Doom's Reign: Thunderbolts' Crucial Role in Marvel's Crossover

2025 finds the Marvel Universe teetering on the brink of "Doom." February marks the launch of One World Under Doom, a massive crossover event. Doctor Doom, the newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, declares himself Emperor of the World. This epic storyline 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 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. But they face an unexpected obstacle – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It’s THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!" View the preview in the gallery below. Then, hear from Kelly and Lanzing about this pivotal series and its connection to a long-running Bucky Barnes storyline.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike builds on Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 Thunderbolts relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads this new team, tasked with confronting major Marvel villains by any means necessary. Their victories against Hydra and the Kingpin, however, inadvertently paved the way for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, crippled the Kingpin's finances, and destabilized the US government. This was intended to create a safer world and inspire change. Unfortunately, it also inspired Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a pawn. No one uses Doom as a weapon without facing consequences."

Kelly reveals Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts arc, was always planned to lead to a Doom-centric story. The One World Under Doom crossover event, spearheaded by Ryan North, provided the perfect backdrop.

Kelly states, "Discovering that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a key factor in Victor's rise to power was a shock. This new Thunderbolts 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 is central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's life since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

Kelly says, "Bucky's guilt, from his time as the Winter Soldier or his missions for the Outer Circle, has weighed heavily on him. Just when he thought he could move on, he's burdened with the responsibility for Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will weaponize his guilt."

Lanzing adds insight into the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty to Bucky and her own heroism, but also carries the pain of losing Abner Jenkins (MACH-X). Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their recent romance strengthening her concern. Sharon Carter, as Destroyer, continues her fight against fascism. U.S. Agent is disillusioned by his country's submission to Doom. Ghost Rider '44, an old friend of Bucky's, re-enters the fray. Other members remain a surprise.

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is more complex—readers will have to find out in issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts lineup. While Songbird sides with Bucky, most of her former teammates align with Emperor Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable conflict between the two teams.

Kelly comments, "Bringing back the original Thunderbolts and pitting them against Bucky's team is thrilling. From Songbird and Abner's heartbreaking conclusion to Citizen V's disastrous return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing explains, "It's not Bucky who's using the name—it's Doom. In Doom's world, heroes become his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organizing? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird's central role will see her torn between loyalty to her old team and her commitment to Bucky.

Kelly says, "Melissa's return is powerful. She's ready to aid Bucky, but her history with the other Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will devastate her. The Thunderbolts are her world; dealing with this will deeply impact her."

Kelly and Lanzing's work with Bucky spans several years, including Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Doomstrike serves as 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, continuing in Captain America: Cold War, and culminating in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike. Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and embraced a new identity—it all comes down to this. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this finale."

Considering the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, Kelly and Lanzing hope to attract MCU viewers.

Kelly states, "MCU 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 approaching, Doomstrike and One World Under Doom offer a terrifying introduction to this iconic villain. We hope the movie's fans will discover Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike, leading them into the world of Marvel comics."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the Marvel Universe in 2025, check out Marvel's 2025 plans and our most anticipated comics of 2025.