Why Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Is an Essential Part of Marvel's One World Under Doom Crossover

2025 finds the Marvel Universe in a state of utter "Doom." February marks the beginning of "One World Under Doom," a massive crossover event. Doctor Doom, newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, declares himself Emperor of the World. This unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-ins. A key tie-in is Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of April's Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3. Marvel's solicitation teases a clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doctor Doom's vibranium supply. But they face… THE THUNDERBOLTS?! THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!" See the preview below. Kelly and Lanzing discuss the series, revealing its connection to a years-long Bucky Barnes storyline.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike continues the story Kelly and Lanzing began in 2023's Thunderbolts relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with confronting major villains, using any means necessary. Their victories, however, inadvertently paved the way for Doom's rise.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, the Kingpin's finances, and the American Kaiju. This left Hydra leaderless, the underworld defunded, and the US Government without its primary deterrent. He aimed to create a safer world, inspiring change. Unfortunately, he also inspired Victor Von Doom, used as a pawn to kill the Red Skull. And no one uses Victor Von Doom as a weapon without regret."

Kelly reveals their initial Thunderbolts storyline, Worldstrike, was always intended to lead to a Doom-centric follow-up. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous development.

"Planning the follow-up, we learned of the new Marvel Universe status quo: One World Under Doom. Ryan North's work revealed Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a key event in Victor's rise. This Thunderbolts mission became a referendum on Bucky's choices. Doomstrike is Bucky's chance at redemption, but it will push him harder than ever."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise is a central theme. Kelly notes guilt has been a constant in Bucky's story since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

"Bucky's guilt—from his actions as the Winter Soldier or missions for the Outer Circle—has weighed him down. Just when he thought he could move on, he's burdened with causing Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will use it as his weapon. After the first issue, that weight intensifies, and even his metal arm might not save him."

Lanzing adds, "Other Thunderbolts have varied motivations. Songbird joins out of loyalty and heroism, but she’s also hurting from loss. Black Widow prioritizes Bucky’s safety; their romance is recent. Destroyer is already on a mission. Sharon Carter fights fascism. U.S. Agent is disillusioned. Ghost Rider '44 is an old friend. We're keeping some members a surprise, but each has reason to oppose Doom or worry for Bucky."

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val… that's a more complicated question; readers must read issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, most siding with Doom. Issue #3 shows a conflict between the teams.

Kelly says, "We're thrilled to bring back the original Thunderbolts and cross them 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, "It's not Bucky co-opting the name; it's Doom. In Doom's world, heroes are under his thumb as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organizing? Why is Bucky target number one?"

Songbird is pivotal, torn between loyalty to old and new teammates.

Kelly says, "Melissa returns ready to aid Bucky. But he's not the only Thunderbolt she has history with. Her friends serving Doom will shake her to her core. The Thunderbolts are her world; how she deals with this will be impactful."

Kelly and Lanzing have worked with Bucky for years, including Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Doomstrike is the culmination of their Bucky storyline.

Lanzing teases, "This is our final Bucky Barnes tale for a while. We call it the 'Revolution Saga.' It began in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, exploded in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, motivated Captain America: Cold War, and centered on Bucky in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. Bucky discovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and became the Revolution. It all culminates here. Fans of our work shouldn't miss this. It's the grand finale, and we're giving it our all."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike coincides with the Thunderbolts movie. Kelly and Lanzing hope to attract MCU viewers.

Kelly says, "Absolutely. MCU Bucky fans will find ours familiar, at least initially. While details differ, this story shows why Contessa is a threat. For Bucky/Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's MCU spotlight approaching, this story and One World Under Doom are a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope movie fans will seek out Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike and discover Marvel comics."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the Marvel Universe in 2025, see our predictions and most anticipated comics.