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 emperorship. 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 presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). Marvel's synopsis teases a 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 showcases the preview. Kelly and Lanzing discuss the series, highlighting its role as the culmination of a long-running Bucky Barnes storyline.

Exclusive Preview Gallery of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?

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

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the US's primary deterrent. This left Hydra leaderless, the underworld defunded, and the US vulnerable—actions meant to improve the world. Unfortunately, he also empowered Victor Von Doom, a pawn used to eliminate the Red Skull. One doesn't weaponize Victor Von Doom without consequences."

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

"Planning the sequel, we learned of the new Marvel Universe status quo: 'One World Under Doom'," Kelly states. "Ryan North's work utilized Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a catalyst for Doom's rise. This 'Thunderbolts' mission became a judgment of Bucky's choices. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky redemption, but it will push him to his limits."

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 as the Winter Soldier.

"Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier actions or Outer Circle missions, has burdened him," Kelly says. "Just when he thought he could move on, he's blamed for Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will exploit his guilt. After the first issue, that burden will intensify, and even his metal arm might not save him."

Lanzing adds context on the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, grappling with the loss of Abner Jenkins; 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. Other members remain a surprise.

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is complex; readers need to see issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

A key element of "Doomstrike" is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts. While Songbird aligns with Bucky, most of her former teammates side with Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable conflict.

Kelly states, "We're excited to reunite the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's relationship to Citizen V's return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts' organization. In Doom's world, heroes are under his control as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organizing? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird's position is crucial, torn between loyalty to her old and new teams.

"Melissa returns ready to aid Bucky," Kelly says. "But her history with the other Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world, and this conflict will shake her profoundly."

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

Lanzing teases, "This is our final Bucky Barnes tale for now. We've been telling the 'Revolution Saga' since 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' continuing through 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty' and 'Captain America: Cold War,' culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike.' Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and became the Revolution. It all culminates here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this. It's the grand finale, and we're giving it our all."

Considering the upcoming "Thunderbolts" film, Kelly and Lanzing aim to attract MCU viewers.

"Absolutely," Kelly says. "MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar, at least initially. While details differ, this story explains Contessa's threat. For Bucky/Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's MCU prominence, this story and 'One World Under Doom' serve as a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope that when movie fans seek more, 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike' will draw them into Marvel comics."

"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.