REVIEW: ‘Thunderbolts Doomstrike’ Issue 1

Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, art by Tommaso Bianchi, colors by Yen Nitro and letters by Joe Sabino.

Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 is part of the One World Under Doom event. Bucky Barnes and his Thunderbolts team helped Doom in his rise to power. But now he and Black Widow must try to bring him down.  This is an espionage story about the most powerful man on Earth. Bucky, now known as the Revolution, and Black Widow are beginning to try to unpick Doom’s empire, but Doom knows about their plans. There is a great pace and structure to this issue, trying to find anything that could be considered an upper hand against Doom.

Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 starts with a tense confrontation between Barnes and Doom, which leads to Bucky going on the run. Any base he retreats to is attacked, sending him deep into hiding. The scale of what Bucky is up against is so daunting, which is what makes this tie-in incredibly fascinating. It is like a gnat trying to take on an elephant.

As hope begins to build with the formation of a plan, positivity grows within the story. But Doom and the writers are done, delivering a move with unflinching brutality. The pace is rapid and frantic, unleashing the knockout blow slowly instead of quickly, making what happens all the more horrifying.

Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 shrinks the cast to explore the main characters further. Bucky is living up to his new alias, The Revolution. The odds are simply ridiculous. Doom rules the entire world, with only a few pockets of fighters out there opposing him. Bucky and Natasha are great soldiers but struggle to do anything that could hurt Doctor Doom as the Sorcerer Supreme. Bucky was offered rewards by Doom, a way out even, but he is too stubborn to accept.

As for his nemesis within the chapter, Doctor Doom is absolutely haunting. At many points, Doom is honourable and respectful of Bucky. The Revolution helped the dictator, so Doom tried to reward him with a place in his regime. But the villain changes once he is turned down, and Bucky’s opposition becomes clear. He is relentless, intelligent and bold, with enormous plans demonstrating his power now. He is a natural liar with a seductive tongue, and it’s difficult to know whether Doom’s offers of safety actually mean anything at all.

There are other characters included in a supporting capacity. Black Widow is one of the few heroes Bucky goes to for help, as she is more than just a teammate. And it’s always terrific to see Songbird, one of the key figures within the Thunderbolts brand. But aside from them, the cast is small, allowing the big personalities to fill the space.

The art is dark and terrific. Interestingly, both of the main characters within the story use items that obscure their identity. Doom has his trademark mask, and Bucky has a domino mask and a lower faceplate. Yet, Bianchi illustrates emotions superbly. The detail in eye shape can denote minute feelings and reactions. This is important when much of the opening chapter is a conversation instead of a physical showdown. The use of destruction and technology is amazing, showing characters being blown apart or teleporting away.

Thick, heavy shadows elevate the spy thriller elements of  Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1. These thick lines are seen on the faces of the characters, especially around the eyes. Doom’s costume has been upgraded, and now he is Sorcerer Supreme. The addition of the cloak leads to a ridiculous yet extremely fun design. His presence changes this tie-in from being a bog-standard spy thriller to a constant reminder of the enormity of the task before Bucky and his allies.

The colors are gloomy, with a few exceptions. Bucky and Black Widow are suited to the shadows, but Doctor Doom represents a classic era of Marvel Comics. With Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation around his shoulders and glowing hands of energy, Doom is vibrant and crackling with light. The same can be said of Songbird, with powers that sport a brilliant pink that is iconic for the character. The lettering is always clear and easy to read.

Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 pits the best spies against impossible odds. The tie-in concept is phenomenally executed. This meticulous spy thriller is elevated to the highest levels of sci-fi and technology and the upper echelons of superhero stories.

The tactics Bucky, Black Widow and Songbird may use against any of villain or obstacle, they are the greatest at what they do. But they’re against a Doctor Doom that has ascended to something close to godhood. It’s a mesmerizing matchup that makes every page fascinating, and the final part cracks open jaws with a crowbar. It’s a despicable move that gives Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 immense consequences.

Thunderbolts Doomstrike Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.