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 exclusively unveils a preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). Marvel's solicitation hints at an explosive clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against…the Thunderbolts! Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts!"

The slideshow below presents 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's Rise?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with confronting major Marvel villains, employing any necessary means. Their victories against Hydra and the Kingpin inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascent.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the US's primary deterrent. This left a power vacuum, unintentionally empowering Doom, whom Bucky used as a pawn."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was always intended to set up a Doom-centric sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous development.

Kelly states, "Discovering that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a catalyst for his rise to power transformed the mission into a referendum on Bucky's choices. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky a chance at redemption, but at a significant cost."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise is central to "Doomstrike." Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant in Bucky's narrative since his resurrection.

Kelly says, "Bucky's guilt, stemming from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, weighs heavily on him. Just as he thought he'd overcome it, he's burdened with the responsibility of Doom's rise. Doom will exploit this guilt."

Lanzing describes the diverse motivations of the Thunderbolts: Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, yet carries the pain of loss; Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter combats fascism; U.S. Agent is disillusioned; and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. Further team members remain a surprise.

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Her role is complex; readers must discover it in issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

A key element of "Doomstrike" is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, mostly siding with Doom, while Songbird aligns with Bucky. The two teams will clash.

Kelly highlights the return of the original Thunderbolts, posing the question of villainous redemption. Lanzing adds that Doom, not Bucky, controls this iteration of the Thunderbolts, emphasizing Bucky's precarious position.

Songbird's internal conflict between loyalty to her old team and her commitment to Bucky is a major plot point. Kelly describes her return as enthusiastic but emotionally complex, given her history with the Thunderbolts.

"Doomstrike" serves as the culmination of Kelly and Lanzing's years-long Bucky Barnes storyline, building upon their work in "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War."

Lanzing confirms, "This is our final Bucky Barnes tale for now, concluding the 'Revolution Saga.' It's the grand finale, and we're giving it our all. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this."

The creators express hope that "Doomstrike," along with "Worldstrike," will attract MCU viewers, given the thematic resonance and the upcoming "Thunderbolts" movie.

Which new comic are you most excited to read in 2025?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025.