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 massive 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 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 hints at an explosive clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face off against…the Thunderbolts?! It's Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts!"

The slideshow below showcases the preview. Read on for insights from Kelly and Lanzing, including how this series culminates years of Bucky Barnes storytelling.

Exclusive Preview Gallery of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom's Rise?

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" continues the narrative Kelly and Lanzing initiated in the 2023 "Thunderbolts" relaunch. Bucky Barnes leads a team tasked with neutralizing major Marvel villains. 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. While intended to improve the world, it inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, used as a pawn to eliminate the Red Skull. One doesn't weaponize Victor Von Doom without consequences."

Kelly reveals that "Worldstrike," their initial "Thunderbolts" arc, was designed to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. North's company-wide Doom crossover was a fortunate coincidence.

"Planning the sequel, we learned of 'One World Under Doom'," Kelly says. "Ryan North's work utilized Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a catalyst for his rise. This 'Thunderbolts' mission became a judgment of Bucky's choices. 'Doomstrike' offers Bucky redemption, but at a tremendous cost."

Bucky's Burden of Guilt

Bucky's guilt over his role in Doom's ascension 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 days or Outer Circle missions, has weighed him down," Kelly explains. "Just as he finds respite, he's burdened with causing Doom's rise. Doom understands this and will exploit his guilt. After the first issue, this burden intensifies, and Bucky might be overwhelmed."

Lanzing adds context to the other Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty to Bucky and a renewed sense of heroism, grappling with the loss of Abner Jenkins (MACH-X). Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety, their romance recently rekindled. Destroyer is already on a mission, Sharon Carter combats fascism, U.S. Agent is disillusioned, and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. Additional team members remain a surprise.

The Return of the Original Thunderbolts

"Doomstrike" features the original 1997 Thunderbolts lineup. 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 thrilled to bring back the original Thunderbolts and pit them against Bucky's team. From Songbird and Abner's tragic end to Citizen V's disastrous return, it's an honor to revisit these characters and their core dilemma: is redemption possible for villains?"

Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, appropriates the Thunderbolts name. 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 internal conflict is crucial. Torn between loyalty to old teammates and Bucky's cause, her choices will profoundly impact her.

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

The Culmination of a Bucky Barnes Saga

Kelly and Lanzing have collaborated on Bucky's story for years, including "Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty" and "Captain America: Cold War." "Doomstrike" serves as the culmination of their Bucky narrative.

Lanzing teases, "This is our final Bucky Barnes story for now. We call it the 'Revolution Saga,' starting with 'Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier,' exploding in 'Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,' fueling 'Captain America: Cold War,' and culminating in 'Thunderbolts: Worldstrike.' Bucky discovered his origins, clashed with his best friend, found love, and embraced a new identity as 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."

Connecting with the MCU

"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" coincides with the May release of the "Thunderbolts" film. Kelly and Lanzing aim to engage MCU viewers.

Kelly says, "MCU Bucky fans will find our Bucky familiar, at least initially. While details differ, this story explains Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's threat. Bucky and Natasha's romance is central. With Doom's upcoming MCU appearance, this story and 'One World Under Doom' serve 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."

Which Comic Are You Most Excited For?

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"Thunderbolts: Doomstrike" #1 releases February 19, 2025. Learn more about Marvel's 2025 plans and anticipated comics.