Marvel's 'One World Under Doom': Thunderbolts' Role Unveiled

2025: The 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 various tie-in titles. A key tie-in is "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike," by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and artist Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of "Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #3 (April release). Marvel's synopsis hints at a thrilling conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels devise a daring plan to seize Doctor Doom's vibranium supply. However, they face an unexpected obstacle – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It's THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!"

The slideshow below showcases the preview. Kelly and Lanzing discuss the series, highlighting its significance 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?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with confronting major Marvel villains. Their victories, however, inadvertently pave the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, crippled Kingpin's finances, and destabilized the US government. This was intended to improve global safety, but it also empowered Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky manipulated to eliminate the Red Skull. One doesn't use Doom as a pawn without consequences."

Kelly reveals that a Doom-centric storyline was always planned. North's company-wide Doom crossover event was a fortuitous alignment.

"While planning the sequel, we learned about 'One World Under Doom'," Kelly states. "Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a key catalyst for Doom's rise. 'Doomstrike' isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment on Bucky's decisions. It's Bucky's chance at redemption, but a grueling one."

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.

"Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past or Outer Circle missions, has burdened him," Kelly says. "Just when he thought he'd overcome it, he's blamed for Doom's rise. Doom knows this and will exploit it. The weight will intensify, and even his metal arm might not save him."

Lanzing adds context to 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 of Bucky's, re-enters the fray. Additional team members remain a surprise.

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

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

"Doomstrike" features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts team. While Songbird sides with Bucky, most of her former comrades support Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable clash.

Kelly highlights the return of the original Thunderbolts and the exploration of redemption for villains.

Lanzing explains that Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts, calling them his "Fulgar Victoris." The reasons behind their actions and Bucky's status as a prime target remain to be seen.

Songbird's central role is emphasized, caught between loyalty to her old and new teams.

Kelly describes Songbird's return as stylish and ready to aid Bucky, but her conflicted feelings towards her former teammates will deeply affect her.

Kelly and Lanzing's long-term collaboration with Bucky, spanning "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War," culminates in "Doomstrike."

Lanzing calls "Doomstrike" the grand finale of their "Revolution Saga," encompassing Bucky's origin, conflicts with his friend, renewed romance, and his new identity as the Revolution.

The potential appeal to MCU viewers is acknowledged, particularly given the similarities in the team roster. Kelly expresses hope that the series will attract MCU fans and introduce them to the wider world of Marvel comics.

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