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

2025 finds the Marvel Universe teetering on the brink of "Doom." February marks the beginning of "One World Under Doom," a massive crossover event. Doctor Doom, newly crowned Sorcerer Supreme, claims the world as his empire. This saga unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-ins. A key component is Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN presents an exclusive preview of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 (April release). Marvel's solicitation hints at a thrilling clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doctor Doom's vibranium supply, only to face… THE THUNDERBOLTS?! THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!" (See the preview gallery below.)

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

8 Images

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 neutralizing major Marvel villains, employing any necessary means. Their victories, however, inadvertently paved Doom's path to power.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the American Kaiju. This left Hydra leaderless, the underworld defunded, and the US government without its primary deterrent. Intended to create a safer world, it instead inspired Victor Von Doom—a pawn Bucky used to eliminate the Red Skull. And you don't weaponize Victor Von Doom without consequences."

Kelly reveals that Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts arc, was always intended to lead to a Doom-centric storyline. The company-wide "One World Under Doom" crossover, spearheaded by Ryan North, proved a fortuitous development.

Kelly states, "Discovering that Bucky's manipulation of Doom was a key factor in Victor's rise to power transformed our mission. Doomstrike isn't just a fight against evil; it's a judgment on Bucky's choices."

Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise will be central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes that guilt has been a constant companion for Bucky since his resurrection as the Winter Soldier.

Kelly says, "Bucky's guilt, stemming from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, has weighed heavily on him. Just as he thought he could move on, he's burdened with the responsibility for Doom's ascension. Doom understands this and will exploit his guilt as a weapon. This weight will intensify, and even his metal arm might not save him."

Lanzing adds, "The other Thunderbolts have varied motivations. Songbird acts out of loyalty to Bucky and a renewed sense of heroism. However, the loss of Abner Jenkins still weighs on her. Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their recent romance strengthening her concern. Destroyer is already on a mission; Sharon Carter combats fascism; U.S. Agent is disillusioned; and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend of Bucky's, re-enters the fray. We'll reveal other members as surprises, but each has reason to oppose Doom or worry for Bucky."

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

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, most of whom now side with Emperor Doom, creating a conflict with Bucky's team.

Kelly highlights, "We're thrilled 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, "It's not Bucky who's using the Thunderbolts name; it's Doom. In Doom's world, many heroes are under his control as his 'Fulgar Victoris.' Why are they organizing? And why is Bucky the primary target?"

Songbird, caught between loyalty to her old and new teams, will play a crucial role.

Kelly explains, "Melissa returns ready to assist Bucky, 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 extends beyond Thunderbolts, including Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War. Doomstrike serves as the culmination of their Bucky storyline.

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, expanding in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, driving Captain America: Cold War, and culminating in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and adopted a new identity as the Revolution—all culminating here. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this finale."

Considering the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, Kelly and Lanzing hope to attract MCU viewers, noting similarities in the team roster.

Kelly states, "MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar, at least initially. This story will explain Contessa Valentina's threat. For fans of Bucky and Natasha, their romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU appearance, this story serves as a terrifying introduction to one of Marvel's greatest villains. We hope that when movie fans seek more, Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike will draw them into the world of Marvel comics."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, see what's expected in 2025 and our most anticipated comics of 2025.