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. Doctor Doom, the newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, declares himself Emperor of the World, a narrative unfolding in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-ins. Crucially, Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi, stands as a pivotal tie-in.

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 target Doctor Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against…THE THUNDERBOLTS?! THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!" The slideshow gallery below offers a sneak peek. Kelly and Lanzing discuss the series, highlighting its role as the culmination of a years-long Bucky Barnes storyline.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

8 Images

Is Bucky Barnes to Blame for Emperor Doom?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike continues the narrative Kelly and Lanzing initiated in 2023's Thunderbolts relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with neutralizing major Marvel villains, employing any necessary means. Their victories, however, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, crippled Kingpin's finances, and destabilized the US Government. This was meant to inspire positive change, but instead, it emboldened Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a pawn. No one uses Doom as a tool without facing dire consequences."

Kelly reveals Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts arc, was always designed to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. The One World Under Doom crossover event, spearheaded by Ryan North, proved a fortuitous alignment.

Kelly states, "Discovering that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a key factor in Victor's rise to power transformed our mission. Doomstrike isn't just a fight against evil; it's a referendum on Bucky's choices."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise will be central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes, "Bucky's guilt, stemming from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, has been a constant burden. Now, the responsibility for Doom's power weighs heavily upon him, a fact Doom intends to exploit."

Lanzing adds context to the other Thunderbolts: "Songbird is driven by loyalty to Bucky and a desire for heroism, yet still grappling with the loss of Abner Jenkins. Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their recent romance adding another layer of concern. Destroyer is already on a mission, Sharon Carter fights fascism, and U.S. Agent is disillusioned. Ghost Rider '44, an old friend of Bucky's, joins the fray. We'll reveal other members later." Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "That's a more complex question for readers to discover in issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, most of whom now serve Emperor Doom. The clash between Bucky's team and the original Thunderbolts is a major plot point.

Kelly highlights, "We're thrilled to reunite the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team. It's a chance to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, is using the Thunderbolts name. In Doom's world, few heroes are as controlled as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' But why are they organizing? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird's position is critical, caught between loyalty to her old team and her commitment to Bucky. Kelly notes, "Melissa returns eager to aid Bucky, but the return of her friends serving Doom will shatter her. The Thunderbolts are her world, and this will profoundly impact her."

Kelly and Lanzing's involvement with Bucky spans several years, including Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Doomstrike is the culmination of their Bucky storyline.

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for a while. It's the grand finale of our 'Revolution Saga,' which began in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, continued in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, fueled Captain America: Cold War, and culminated in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this."

Kelly and Lanzing express hope that Doomstrike, with its familiar team roster, will attract MCU viewers. Kelly states, "MCU fans will find our Bucky familiar, though the details differ. This story explains Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's threat. For fans of Bucky and Natasha, their romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU spotlight, Doomstrike serves as a terrifying introduction to one of Marvel's greatest villains."

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