Doom took over the world. And Bucky Barnes helped him do it. To atone for his unwitting role in Doom’s triumph, Bucky assembles a team with one goal: burn it all down. But when Bucky’s saboteurs – including Black Widow and Songbird – launch a no-holds-barred campaign to tear Doom’s Empire apart, Doom decides to prove that revolution ends in blood… Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 feels like a key tie-in for the new status quo that’s reshaping the Marvel Universe.

I read a bit of the previous volume of Thunderbolts, trailing off eventually and never finishing the series. It seems like it might be important, but Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 will catch up readers with what they need to know. The short version, Bucky Barnes, now going by the horrible codename “The Revolution,” has inspired Dr. Doom to take some action to get rid of competition and through various events, is now the Sorcerer Supreme as well. After disappearing for months, Doom has stepped onto the world stage and has sort of brought peace and prosperity. But, his dominating control has an underlying evil to it and Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 looks like it’ll explore that.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Doom wants Bucky working for him as part of his security force, his own Thunderbolts. But, Bucky’s not a fan of dictators and thus the clash between the two is set up. Like the main One World Under Doom series, Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 highlights that Doom is steps ahead as he manipulates Barnes into action and uses those actions against him. Like the main series, it shows that Doom uses far more than just “physical” force to get his ways and that he’s deft at propaganda and manipulating the news and perception to get his way.

And those actions are really used against him with a moment that might be even more over the top than the Stamford Incident that lead to the “Marvel Civil War.” It’s a moment that feels key and hard to not acknowledge in other connected series, especially the main one. It also emphasizes that this tie-in will be a key one.

With art by Tommaso Bianchi, Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 features color by Yen Nitro and lettering by Joe Sabino. The comic looks solid with a style that fits its mix of action and spy intrigue. The comic does a solid job of projecting the emotional ups and downs, even with Doom who’s behind a mask. Where the art falls a little flat is the major event of the issue which doesn’t quite have the impact you’d hope. It’s a hell of a two-page spread but there’s a disconnect to it for the readers.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 is a solid companion series to One World Under Doom. It shows that there’ll be some key moments in the story within this series and kicks things off with a hell of a bang, a few actually. It’s an interesting series that’ll play a pivotal role, so if you’re into this event, this is one tie-in miniseries you won’t want to miss.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Tommaso Bianchi
Color: Yen Nitro Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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