Why Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Is an Essential Part of Marvel's One World Under Doom 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 where Doctor Doom, the newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, claims global dominion. This epic saga unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-in titles. A key component is Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, with art by 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 devise a daring plan to disrupt Doctor Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against…THE THUNDERBOLTS?! THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!" View 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 Marvel villains, employing any necessary means. Their victories over Hydra and the Kingpin, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky eliminated the Red Skull, crippled the Kingpin's finances, and left the US Government without its primary deterrent. This was intended to inspire positive change, but it also inspired Victor Von Doom—a pawn Bucky used to kill the Red Skull. One doesn't weaponize Victor Von Doom without facing repercussions."

Kelly reveals that Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts storyline, was always meant to culminate in a Doom-focused sequel. The One World Under Doom crossover event, orchestrated by Ryan North, provided a perfect backdrop.

Kelly states, "Planning the follow-up, we learned about One World Under Doom. We discovered Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a pivotal event leading to Victor's rise. This Thunderbolts mission became a judgment on Bucky's choices. Doomstrike offers Bucky a chance at redemption, but it will push him to his limits."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise is central to Doomstrike. Kelly points out that guilt has been a constant companion for Bucky since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

Kelly says, "Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has weighed him down. Just as he thought he could move on, he's burdened with causing Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will exploit his guilt."

Lanzing adds context on the other Thunderbolts: "Songbird joins out of loyalty and heroism, but also carries pain from the loss of Abner Jenkins. Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their recent romance adding weight. Sharon Carter fights fascism. U.S. Agent is disillusioned. Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. We'll reveal more members later, but each has reason to oppose Doom or worry for Bucky."

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is more complex; readers need to see issue #1 to understand."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

A key aspect of Doomstrike is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts lineup. While Songbird allies with Bucky, most of her former comrades side with Emperor Doom, leading to an inevitable conflict.

Kelly says, "We're thrilled to bring back the original Thunderbolts and pit them against Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's relationship to Citizen V's return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: can villains find redemption?"

Lanzing explains, "Doom, not Bucky, is using the Thunderbolts name. In Doom's world, heroes are under his control, forming his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organized? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird's position is critical, caught between loyalty to old teammates and her commitment to Bucky. Kelly notes, "Melissa returns ready to aid Bucky, but her history with the Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will break her heart. The Thunderbolts are her world; this fallout will shake her deeply."

Kelly and Lanzing's collaboration with Bucky extends beyond Thunderbolts, including Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Doomstrike serves as the culmination of their Bucky storyline.

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' beginning in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, expanding 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 embraced a new identity—all culminating here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this. It's the grand finale, and we're giving it our all."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike coincides with the May release of the 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 fans of Bucky and Natasha, 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 seek out Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike to delve into the world of Marvel comics."

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