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 key 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 solicitation hints at an explosive conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doctor Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against… THE THUNDERBOLTS?! 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.
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 this iteration, tasked with confronting major Marvel villains by any means necessary. Their victories over Hydra and the Kingpin, however, inadvertently paved 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 global safety, it also emboldened Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a tool against the Red Skull. Using Doom as a weapon is a mistake one regrets."
Kelly reveals that Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts arc, was always intended to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous alignment.
"Planning the sequel, we learned about the new Marvel Universe status quo: One World Under Doom. Ryan North's work showed Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a pivotal event in Victor's rise. This Thunderbolts mission became a judgment of Bucky's choices. Doomstrike offers Bucky redemption, but it will push him to his limits."
Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise will be central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's narrative since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.
"Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has burdened him. Just as he thought he'd overcome it, he's blamed for Doom's power. Doom knows this and will weaponize his guilt. After the first issue, that burden will increase exponentially, and even his metal arm might not save him."
Lanzing adds context to the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, but also grieves Abner Jenkins (MACH-X). Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their recent romance fueling her concern. Sharon Carter combats fascism, prevalent under Doom's rule. U.S. Agent is disillusioned by his country's submission. Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. Other members remain a surprise, but each has reason to oppose Doom or protect Bucky. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's role, however, remains a mystery.
Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts
A key element of Doomstrike is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts team. While Songbird allies with Bucky, most of her former comrades side with Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable clash.
Kelly states, "We're excited to bring back the original Thunderbolts and pit them against Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's relationship's conclusion to Citizen V's return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"
Lanzing adds, "It's not Bucky using the Thunderbolts name; it's Doom. Under Doom, few heroes are as controlled as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' But why are they organized? And why is Bucky the primary target?"
Songbird's position is crucial, caught between loyalty to old teammates and commitment to Bucky.
"Melissa's return is stylish and determined to aid Bucky. But her history with the other Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will devastate her. The Thunderbolts are her world, and dealing with this will shake her profoundly."
Kelly and Lanzing's work with Bucky spans years, beyond Thunderbolts, 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've told a single story since starting at Marvel—the 'Revolution Saga.' It began in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, expanded in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, fueled Captain America: Cold War, and focused on Bucky in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and became the Revolution. It all culminates here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this—it's a grand finale, and we're giving it our all."
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike coincides with the May release of the Thunderbolts movie. Kelly and Lanzing aim to attract MCU viewers, given roster similarities.
"Absolutely," Kelly confirms. "MCU Bucky fans will find ours familiar, at least initially. While details differ, this story explains Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's 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 seek out Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike to explore the Marvel comics universe."
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the Marvel Universe's future, see Marvel's 2025 plans and our most anticipated comics of 2025.
