2025 in the Marvel Universe? One word: Doom. February brings the "One World Under Doom" crossover event, with Doctor Doom, the new Sorcerer Supreme, declaring himself Emperor. This epic story unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-ins, including the crucial Thunderbolts: Doomstrike by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.
IGN exclusively previews Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 (April release). Marvel's solicitation teases a thrilling "Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts" showdown as Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply.
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike continues the story from Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 Thunderbolts relaunch. Bucky Barnes' team, tasked with taking down major villains, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's rise. Lanzing explains, "Bucky cleared the board…leaving Hydra leaderless, the underworld defunded, and the US Government without its deterrent. He inspired someone unexpected: Victor Von Doom, used as a pawn to kill the Red Skull. No one makes a weapon out of Doom without regret."
Kelly reveals their Worldstrike storyline was always intended to lead to a Doom-centric sequel. The "One World Under Doom" crossover was a fortunate coincidence. "Doomstrike is Bucky's chance at redemption, but it will push him harder than ever before," Kelly states.
Bucky's guilt, a constant since his Winter Soldier days, will be central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes, "Just when he thought he could turn a corner…he's burdened with causing Doom's rise. Doom will use that guilt as his weapon."
Lanzing details the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird, driven by loyalty and a desire for heroism; Black Widow, prioritizing Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter, fighting fascism; U.S. Agent, disillusioned; and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend. Other members remain a surprise. Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "That's a complicated question for readers to discover in issue #1."
Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts
Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, now siding with Doom, creating a clash with Bucky's team. Kelly highlights the return of these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible? Lanzing adds, "It's Doom, not Bucky, co-opting the name. The Thunderbolts are under Doom's thumb, but why? And why is Bucky the target?"
Songbird, caught between loyalty to her old and new teammates, will be pivotal. Kelly says, "Her return is exciting, but the return of her friends serving Doom will twist her heart. The Thunderbolts are her world, and dealing with this fallout will shake her."
Doomstrike serves as the culmination of Kelly and Lanzing's years-long Bucky Barnes storyline, including their work on Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Lanzing calls it the "Revolution Saga," concluding with this grand finale.
The timing coincides with the Thunderbolts movie release. Kelly hopes to attract MCU viewers, noting similarities in the roster and highlighting the story's relevance to MCU fans familiar with Bucky, Contessa Valentina, and the upcoming Doom storyline.
Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the Marvel Universe in 2025, check out Marvel's 2025 plans and the most anticipated comics of 2025.
