Marvel's One World Under Doom Needs Thunderbolts

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 dominion. This narrative unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's "One World Under Doom" miniseries and numerous tie-in titles. A crucial 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 synopsis hints at a thrilling conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels devise a daring plan to seize Doctor Doom's vibranium supply. However, they face an unexpected obstacle – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It's 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

(7 more images in the gallery)

Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom's Rise?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. This iteration, led by Bucky Barnes, aggressively confronts major Marvel villains. Their victories, however, inadvertently pave the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the American Kaiju. This left Hydra leaderless, the criminal 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 tool."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was always designed to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. The company-wide "One World Under Doom" crossover, orchestrated by North, proved a fortuitous alignment.

Kelly states, "Planning the sequel, we learned about 'One World Under Doom.' We discovered that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a pivotal event in Victor's rise to power. 'Doomstrike' isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment of Bucky's decisions."

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

Kelly adds, "Bucky's guilt, stemming from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, has burdened him. Just as he thought he could move on, he's burdened with the responsibility of Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will exploit his guilt."

Lanzing elaborates on the motivations of the other Thunderbolts: Songbird's loyalty to Bucky, Black Widow's concern for Bucky's safety, Sharon Carter's anti-fascist stance, U.S. Agent's disillusionment, and Ghost Rider '44's renewed conflict. Additional 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

A key element of "Doomstrike" is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts lineup. While Songbird aligns with Bucky, most of her former comrades side with Emperor Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable clash between the two teams.

Kelly highlights the reunion of the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team, emphasizing the core question: "Is redemption possible for a villainous past?"

Lanzing explains that Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts, using them as his "Fulgar Victoris." The reasons behind their actions and Bucky's status as a primary target remain unanswered.

Songbird's predicament is pivotal, torn between loyalty to her former teammates and her commitment to Bucky. Kelly describes Songbird's return as enthusiastic and ready to assist Bucky, but the conflict with her past will deeply affect her.

The culmination of a Bucky Barnes Storyline

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 overarching Bucky storyline.

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes tale for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' exploding in 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,' fueling 'Captain America: Cold War,' and culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike.' It's the grand finale, and we're giving it our all."

Connecting with the MCU

Kelly and Lanzing aim to engage MCU viewers, especially given the similarities in the team rosters. They hope that the story will resonate with fans of MCU Bucky, Natasha, and Doom, encouraging them to explore the world of Marvel comics.

A Poll: Which Comic Are You Most Excited For?

[Poll options omitted for brevity]

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