Marvel's 'Thunderbolts: Doomstrike' Unveiled as Pivotal Crossover

2025: Doom's Reign and the Thunderbolts' Reckoning

The Marvel Universe in 2025 is defined by one name: Doctor Doom. Launching in February, "One World Under Doom" sees Doom, the new Sorcerer Supreme, claim global dominion. This sprawling crossover event, spearheaded by Ryan North and R.B. Silva, will unfold across multiple titles, with Thunderbolts: Doomstrike—written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, illustrated by Tommaso Bianchi—serving as a pivotal piece.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3, where Bucky Barnes, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels attempt a daring vibranium heist, only to face an unexpected obstacle: the original Thunderbolts team.

Bucky Barnes: Architect of Doom's Ascension?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 Thunderbolts relaunch, showcasing Bucky Barnes' team's aggressive approach to villainy. Their victories over Hydra and the Kingpin inadvertently paved the path for Doom's rise.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky's actions left a power vacuum, unintentionally empowering Doom, who was used as a tool to eliminate the Red Skull—a decision Bucky will deeply regret." Kelly reveals that a Doom-centric storyline was always planned, coinciding fortuitously with North's universe-spanning event. Doomstrike becomes a referendum on Bucky's choices, a chance at redemption fraught with peril.

Bucky's guilt, a recurring theme since his Winter Soldier days, will be central to Doomstrike. Kelly states, "Doom will weaponize this guilt, pushing Bucky to his limits."

The diverse motivations of the Thunderbolts team are explored: Songbird, driven by loyalty and a desire for heroism despite personal loss; Black Widow, prioritizing Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter, combating fascism; U.S. Agent, disillusioned and embittered; and Ghost Rider '44, a fiery old friend. The remaining members remain a mystery. Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's role, however, is a complex one that readers must discover.

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts: A Clash of Eras

Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, now aligned with Doom. This sets up a direct conflict with Bucky's team. Kelly highlights the thematic resonance: "Is redemption possible for a villainous past?" Lanzing adds that Doom, not Bucky, is orchestrating the original Thunderbolts, making Bucky a prime target.

Songbird's internal conflict, torn between loyalty to her former comrades and her commitment to Bucky, will be a key element. Kelly describes her return as stylish and determined, but the betrayal of her friends will deeply impact her.

Doomstrike marks the culmination of Kelly and Lanzing's years-long Bucky Barnes storyline, spanning Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America: Cold War, and culminating here. Lanzing calls it the "Revolution Saga," a complete arc for Bucky.

The creators express hope that Doomstrike, along with Thunderbolts: Worldstrike, will attract MCU viewers, particularly given the thematic resonance and character overlap with the upcoming Thunderbolts film. They believe the story will resonate with fans of MCU Bucky, Natasha, and Doom.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025.