Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Explores Bucky Barnes' Role in Marvel's One World Under Doom Event

In 2025, the Marvel Universe is gripped by one word: "Doom." February marks the launch of One World Under Doom, a crossover event where Doctor Doom, now Sorcerer Supreme, proclaims himself global emperor. This saga unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries, alongside various tie-ins. Among the most significant is Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, crafted by writers Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and artist Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN exclusively unveils a preview of Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3, out in April. Marvel's synopsis reveals, "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels devise a bold strategy to disrupt Doctor Doom’s vibranium reserves. But their plan is thwarted by – THE THUNDERBOLTS?! It’s THUNDERBOLTS VS. THUNDERBOLTS – ’NUFF SAID!"

View the preview in the slideshow gallery below, then dive into insights from Kelly and Lanzing, who discuss why this series caps a multi-year Bucky Barnes arc:

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Did Bucky Barnes Enable Emperor Doom’s Rise?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike builds on Kelly and Lanzing’s 2023 Thunderbolts revival. That series introduced a Bucky Barnes-led team tasked with confronting Marvel’s deadliest villains by any means. While they defeated threats like Hydra and the Kingpin, their triumphs inadvertently cleared the path for Doom’s ascension. Ouch.

"Bucky’s actions dismantled the Red Skull, crippled the Kingpin’s empire, and neutralized the American Kaiju," Lanzing tells IGN via email. "This left Hydra leaderless, the underworld cash-strapped, and the U.S. without its top deterrent—moves meant to make the world safer and spur heroic change. But they also inspired Victor Von Doom, whom Bucky manipulated to eliminate the Red Skull. Weaponizing Doom? Never a wise move."

Kelly shares that their original Thunderbolts arc, Worldstrike, was always designed to segue into a Doom-focused sequel. Learning of North’s company-wide One World Under Doom event was a serendipitous bonus.

"As we mapped out the next series, we discovered the Marvel Universe’s new reality: One World Under Doom," Kelly says. "Ryan North’s brilliant vision incorporated Bucky’s manipulation of Doom as a catalyst for Victor’s global dominance. This makes Doomstrike more than a fight against evil—it’s a reckoning for Bucky’s decisions. His shot at redemption will test him like never before."

"This new Thunderbolts mission wasn’t just a crusade against evil - it was a referendum on Bucky’s choices."

Bucky’s guilt over enabling Emperor Doom is central to Doomstrike. Kelly notes that guilt has defined Bucky since his Winter Soldier days.

"Bucky’s been haunted by guilt—from his Winter Soldier past to his Outer Circle missions," Kelly says. "Just when he thought he could move forward, he’s hit with the fallout of Doom’s rise. Worse, Doom knows this and wields Bucky’s guilt as a weapon. After issue #1, that burden grows exponentially, and even Bucky’s strength may not save him from collapse."

"The Thunderbolts each bring unique drives," Lanzing adds. "Songbird joins out of loyalty to Bucky and her heroic ideals, far removed from her Screaming Mimi days. Yet, grieving Abner Jenkins’ loss, she’s reckless. Black Widow prioritizes Bucky’s safety, wary of his guilt-fueled risks, though she prefers a strategic approach to Doom. Sharon Carter is already fighting fascism, which is rampant. U.S. Agent, disillusioned by America’s submission to Doom, is at a low point. Ghost Rider ‘44, Bucky’s old ally, is fueled by a rekindled war. Other members remain surprises, but all have reasons to oppose Doom—or fear for Bucky."

What of Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine? Kelly hints, "Val’s role is complex—read issue #1 to unravel it."

Thunderbolts Face Off Against Thunderbolts

Doomstrike’s highlight is the return of the 1997 Thunderbolts roster. While Songbird aligns with Bucky, her former teammates serve Emperor Doom, setting up a clash, as issue #3’s cover suggests.

"We’re excited to bring back the original Thunderbolts and pit them against Bucky’s revamped crew," Kelly says. "From Songbird and Abner’s tragic end, penned by Jim Zub, to Citizen V’s chaotic return, it’s a privilege to revisit these characters and their core question: can villains find redemption?"

Lanzing clarifies, "Bucky isn’t stealing the Thunderbolts’ name—Doom is. In his world, these heroes, dubbed ‘Fulgar Victoris,’ are under his control. Why are they mobilized? And why is Bucky their prime target?"

Songbird is pivotal, torn between her old team and Bucky’s mission. "Melissa returns with flair, eager to aid Bucky," Kelly says. "But facing her Doom-aligned friends, who are her world, will shatter her. Her response will rock her foundation."

Kelly and Lanzing’s multi-year Bucky journey, spanning Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and Captain America: Cold War, culminates in Doomstrike, a must-read for Sentinel of Liberty fans.

"This is our Bucky finale for now," Lanzing says. "Our ‘Revolution Saga’ started in Devil’s Reign: Winter Soldier, grew in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, drove Captain America: Cold War, and focused on Bucky in Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. He’s uncovered his origins, fought his best friend, rekindled love, and embraced his Revolution identity. Doomstrike is the climax. It’s accessible to new readers but rich for longtime fans. We’re going all out."

With the Thunderbolts* movie hitting theaters in May, we asked if Kelly and Lanzing aim to attract MCU fans, given roster similarities.

"Definitely," Kelly says. "MCU Bucky fans will recognize our Bucky, though his arc deepens. This story showcases Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s cunning, highlights Bucky and Natasha’s romance, and introduces Doom as a formidable MCU villain. With One World Under Doom, Thunderbolts: Worldstrike and Doomstrike will draw moviegoers into Marvel comics’ thrilling world."