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

2025 dawns with a shadow over the Marvel Universe: Doctor Doom's reign. February brings the One World Under Doom crossover event, culminating in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's miniseries. A key tie-in is Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi, a story deeply intertwined with Bucky Barnes's journey.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3, teasing a clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face…the Thunderbolts!"

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's team, tasked with neutralizing major villains, inadvertently paved Doom's path to power. Lanzing explains, "Bucky eliminated the Red Skull, crippled the Kingpin, and destabilized the US government. He inspired change, yes, but also Victor Von Doom—a weapon he now deeply regrets creating."

Kelly reveals their plan: "Our Worldstrike storyline was always designed to lead to a Doom-centric arc. Ryan North's One World Under Doom crossover was a fortuitous alignment." Doomstrike becomes a referendum on Bucky's choices, a chance for redemption amidst overwhelming odds. Bucky's guilt, a constant companion since his Winter Soldier days, intensifies. Kelly states, "This guilt, amplified by Doom's awareness, becomes Doom's ultimate weapon."

The Thunderbolts' motivations are diverse. Lanzing highlights Songbird's loyalty to Bucky, Black Widow's concern for his well-being, Sharon Carter's antifascist crusade, U.S. Agent's disillusionment, and the fiery return of Ghost Rider '44. Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's role remains a mystery.

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

Doomstrike features the original 1997 Thunderbolts, now aligned with Doom. The clash between Bucky's team and Doom's is inevitable. Kelly emphasizes the return of the original team and their struggle with redemption. Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, controls the name 'Thunderbolts.' These are Doom's 'Fulgar Victoris,' and Bucky is a prime target."

Songbird's torn loyalties will be central. Kelly describes her return as enthusiastic but complicated by her history with the original team.

Kelly and Lanzing's work with Bucky spans years, including Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Doomstrike serves as the culmination of their "Revolution Saga," a story arc that started in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier. Lanzing teases, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the grand finale, and we're giving it everything."

The timing of Doomstrike coincides with the Thunderbolts movie. Kelly hopes to attract MCU viewers, highlighting the familiar aspects of Bucky, the machinations of Contessa Valentina, the Bucky/Natasha romance, and the introduction of Doom.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. Learn more about Marvel's 2025 plans and anticipated comics.