#The ten Finest Thunderbolts comics to learn earlier than Marvel’s Thunderbolts* – Destructoid
With the latest D23 trailer teasing the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Thunderbolts* film, fan anticipation is trending upwards. Encapsulating the crew mantra “Justice, Like Lightning,” the ‘Bolts have loved recognition since their inception. Based as a crew of anti-heroes in a world that sorely wanted them, the ‘Bolts straddle the traces of excellent and evil, usually settling someplace within the center.
Therefore, whereas that includes quite a few crew line-ups since its inception, the ‘Bolts have performed a pivotal position in Marvel comics. Fortunately, many followers, myself included, imagine the ‘Bolts will ultimately develop into the MCU equal of Marvel’s Darkish Avengers. Due to this fact, using a long time of comedian supply materials, I’ve hand-picked the very best Thunderbolts comics to learn earlier than Thunderbolts* hits theaters in April 2025.
After the harrowing occasions of the Onslaught saga, with most heroes deemed Okay.I.A. and the villains operating rampant, Thunderbolts’ 97 Annual introduces followers to a newly shaped crew. Adopting the crew motto and tactical method of “justice, like lightning,” the Thunderbolts supply former criminals a shot at redemption by way of public service.
In fact, the primary ‘Bolts crew is a cadre, the Masters of Evil, utilizing the initiative to avoid societal defenses. However, even their chief, Baron Zemo, can’t anticipate the gratification garnered as heroes, finally spurning a profound ethical shift. Therefore, this edifying comedian checks in as a greatest Thunderbolts learn, acquainting followers with foundational ‘Bolts and their modus operandi.
Penned by Thunderbolts veterans Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, Avengers/Thunderbolts is an satisfying collection pitting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in opposition to its Most Unpredictable. Right here, posing as Cobalt Man to infiltrate the ‘Bolts, Tony Stark will get an up-close have a look at the energy-storing Liberator machine. This pinnacles with an epic showdown between the titular groups over management of the Liberator.
Tragically, as a consequence of spotty histories, even once they have turned over a brand new leaf, the ‘Bolts nonetheless face wanton suspicion from the general public and friends. Due to this fact, in poignantly demonstrating the differing moralities of the ‘Bolts and Avengers, the place not each scenario is black and white, Avengers/Thunderbolts profiles as a greatest ‘Bolts comedian collection.
A deftly conceived run culminating in Thunderbolts #100 depicts a two Moonstone-powered Zemo pushing his former teammates, rebranded because the New Thunderbolts, to the breaking level and past. Consequently, Zemo’s trials prepared them to confront an unstable Genis-Vell with actuality hanging within the steadiness.
The artistic crew of Nicieza, Grummett, and Erskine ship a must-read ‘Bolts comedian. Right here, they eruditely tie in earlier tales and produce the crew full circle, with Zemo once more on the helm. Finally, this forges a resilient, battle-hardened model of the ‘Bolts, traits the MCU model ought to correctly incorporate.
After his position within the victory over the Skrulls Secret Invasion, Norman Osborn is given presidential oversight over the Thunderbolts, disbanding their present iteration. Unchecked in rebooting the initiative, Osborn hand-picks a morally ambiguous crew, recruiting Black Widow Yelena, Ghost, Scourge, Mister X, Paladin, Headsman, and the irredeemable Ant-Man.
The principle purpose of this ‘Bolts roster is enacting Osborn’s Napoleonic imaginative and prescient for the nation. Furthermore, Darkish Reign marks a extreme shift within the crew, as Osborn’s darkness overshadows prior acts, infecting them from inside. In abstract, Darkish Reign portends the morally versatile crew dynamic upcoming within the Thunderbolts*.
Appropriately titled, ‘The Finish is the Starting’ exhibits readers the a number of layers of deception permeating the Thunderbolts. Right here, the Darkish Avengers re-form as replacements for the ‘Bolts, misplaced in space-time as a consequence of Man-Factor. Moreover, with high quality DA vs. ‘Bolts motion, dystopian timelines, and Physician Doom, Darkish Avengers is a telling learn on the ‘Bolts.
On this Thunderbolts greatest, crew chief and perennial Avenger Luke Cage works diligently to rebuild the ‘Bolts’ picture following Osborn’s Darkish Reign. Certainly, this rebuilding illustrates the main motive the ‘Bolts resonate with followers, because the members battle in opposition to their nature; some try for atonement, others towards wickedness, issues all followers can relate to.
A run any comedian fanatic can recognize, Thunderbolts depicts Crimson Hulk enlisting Deadpool, Elektra, Agent Venom, Punisher, Crimson Chief, and Ghost Rider, intent on reducing out evil like most cancers. However, being the ‘Bolts, fireworks ensue as their abrasive personalities and inclinations in direction of performing solo sow mistrust all through the crew.
Penned by Daniel Means and acclaimed Star Wars vet Charles Soule, this ‘Bolts run presents followers with a star-studded roster awash with advanced personalities and agendas. Thus, Thunderbolts checks in as a greatest ‘Bolts learn, supplemented by its intriguing, cloak-and-dagger plotlines and apparent tie-ins to A Courageous New World.
Thunderbolts picks up within the aftermath of Captain America’s assault on S.H.I.E.L.D’s secret, reality-bending tremendous jail, Nice Hill, following the Avengers: Standoff occasion. Upon discovering this unethical gulag, Bucky “Winter Soldier” Barnes enlists the assistance of founding ‘Bolts members to guard its “warden” Kobik, the sentient cosmic dice powering Nice Hill, who took the type of a younger youngster.
The ‘Bolts altruistic mission places them within the crosshairs of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Masters of Evil, who view Kobik as a risk and are keen to own her energy. Notably, creators Zub, Malin, and Yackey give followers very important perception into Bucky’s management acumen and temperament, traits Sebastian Stan will doubtless incorporate into his evolving portrayal of the Winter Soldier within the upcoming Thunderbolts*.
Set throughout the massively fashionable occasion debuting the symbiote God, Knull, King in Black: Thunderbolts particulars Wilson Fisk’s Thunderbolts try at defending New York from a symbiote invasion. On this greatest Thunderbolts learn, Mayor Fisk sees the disaster as an ideal method to enhance public help, believing that if his ‘Bolts taskforce destroys Knull, the populous will rally behind him.
To this finish, Fisk orders his ‘Bolts, headed by Taskmaster, to rendezvous with Norman Osborn on the Ravencroft Penitentiary. The hope is that Osborn’s symbiote familiarity might help devise a method to kill Knull. Then, after risking life and limb for the mission, the ‘Bolts seemingly perish after nuking Knull with the Sentry’s corpse, securing Fisk’s adulation, or so it appears.
Unquestionably a banger arc, Satan’s Reign follows the newly elected Mayor Fisk as he recruits his “Thunderbolts” crew. Comprised of Crossbones, Taskmaster, Typhoid Mary, Shocker, Whiplash, Rhino, and Kraven, Fisk’s ‘Bolts will solidify his reign. Certainly, performing as judges, juries, and executioners, the ‘Bolts implement Fisk’s full political energy on the heroes residing in New York.
Maintaining a prevailing Thunderbolts theme, Satan’s Reign sees a power-hungry villain use the crew towards egocentric and nefarious ends. Typically, the individual(s) main the ‘Bolts determines whether or not the crew profiles as heroes or villains. Thus, on this greatest ‘Bolts comedian, Fisk’s unwavering will offers all of the motivation this ‘Bolts iteration wants.
Following Hydra’s fallout after implementing the Secret Empire, Thunderbolts: Worldstrike picks up with the Winter Soldier heading one other Thunderbolts crew. The crew’s essential goal is straightforward: use the plethora of intel Bucky inherited from dismantling Hydra’s Secret Empire to destroy the legacy of the heavy hitters like Crimson Cranium and Kingpin.
Most significantly, this concise, time-friendly collection is a superb precursor to Thunderbolts*, together with many important MCU ‘Bolts like Crimson Guardian, U.S. Agent, and Contessa Valentina. Lastly, throw in tussles with American Kaiju and the MCU-bound Physician Doom, and Worldstrike checks all of the packing containers as a greatest ‘Bolts learn.
