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, declares himself world emperor. This narrative unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's "One World Under Doom" miniseries and numerous tie-in titles. A crucial 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 solicitation hints at a thrilling conflict: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels devise a daring plan to target Doom's vibranium supply. But they face an unexpected obstacle – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It's THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS!"
The slideshow below showcases the preview. Further details from Kelly and Lanzing reveal this series' significance as the culmination of a multi-year 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 this new team, tasked with confronting major Marvel villains by 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 American Kaiju. This left Hydra leaderless, the criminal underworld defunded, and the US Government without its primary deterrent. While intended to improve global safety, it also inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky used as a tool."
Kelly reveals their "Worldstrike" storyline was designed to set up a Doom-centric sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortuitous development.
"Planning the sequel, we learned about 'One World Under Doom'," Kelly states. "Ryan North's work utilized Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a pivotal event in Victor's rise to power. This mission became a judgment of Bucky's actions. 'Doomstrike' presents Bucky's opportunity for redemption, but it will be his toughest challenge yet."
Bucky's guilt over Doom's rise is central to "Doomstrike." Kelly points out 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 weighed heavily on him," Kelly says. "Just as he thought he could overcome it, he's burdened with the responsibility for Doom's rise. Doom is aware of this and will weaponize his guilt. This weight will intensify, and Bucky might struggle to cope."
Lanzing adds details about the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird's loyalty to Bucky and her own heroism; Black Widow's concern for Bucky's well-being; Sharon Carter's fight against fascism; U.S. Agent's disillusionment; and Ghost Rider '44's renewed conflict.
Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is complex; readers must discover it in issue #1."
Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts
A key aspect of "Doomstrike" is the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts. While Songbird supports Bucky, most of her former comrades side with Doom. Issue #3's cover depicts the inevitable clash between the two teams.
Kelly says, "We're excited to bring back the original Thunderbolts and pit them against Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's tragic conclusion to Citizen V's disastrous return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"
Lanzing explains, "It's not Bucky using the name, but Doom. In Doom's world, heroes are under his control, forming 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 team and Bucky.
"Melissa returns ready to help Bucky," Kelly says. "But her history with the Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her. The Thunderbolts are her world, and this conflict will deeply shake her."
Kelly and Lanzing's long-term work with Bucky, including "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War," culminates in "Doomstrike."
Lanzing teases, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. It's the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' exploding 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. It all comes down to this. Fans of our previous work shouldn't miss this. It's the grand finale."
The upcoming "Thunderbolts" movie is also relevant. Kelly and Lanzing aim to attract MCU viewers.
"Absolutely," Kelly says. "MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar. This story explains Contessa's threat. For Bucky and Natasha fans, their romance is central. With Doom's MCU spotlight, this story is a terrifying introduction to a great villain. We hope movie fans will seek out 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike' and 'Doomstrike' to explore the Marvel comics world."
Which new comic are you most excited to read in 2025?
"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.
