With the recent D23 trailer teasing the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Thunderbolts* movie, fan anticipation is trending upwards. Encapsulating the team mantra “Justice, Like Lightning,” the ‘Bolts have enjoyed popularity since their inception. Founded as a team of anti-heroes in a world that sorely needed them, the ‘Bolts straddle the lines of good and evil, often settling somewhere in the middle.
Hence, while featuring numerous team line-ups since its inception, the ‘Bolts have played a pivotal role in Marvel comics. Luckily, many fans, myself included, believe the ‘Bolts will eventually become the MCU equivalent of Marvel’s Dark Avengers. Therefore, utilizing decades of comic source material, I’ve hand-picked the best Thunderbolts comics to read before Thunderbolts* hits theaters in April 2025.
Thunderbolts (1997) Annual
After the harrowing events of the Onslaught saga, with most heroes deemed K.I.A. and the villains running rampant, Thunderbolts’ 97 Annual introduces fans to a newly formed team. Adopting the team motto and tactical approach of “justice, like lightning,” the Thunderbolts offer former criminals a shot at redemption through public service.
In truth, the first ‘Bolts team is a cadre, the Masters of Evil, using the initiative to circumvent societal defenses. But, even their leader, Baron Zemo, can’t anticipate the gratification garnered as heroes, ultimately spurning a profound moral shift. Hence, this edifying comic checks in as a best Thunderbolts read, acquainting fans with foundational ‘Bolts and their modus operandi.
Avengers/Thunderbolts (2004)
Penned by Thunderbolts veterans Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, Avengers/Thunderbolts is an enjoyable series pitting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against its Most Unpredictable. Here, posing as Cobalt Man to infiltrate the ‘Bolts, Tony Stark gets an up-close look at the energy-storing Liberator machine. This pinnacles with an epic showdown between the titular teams over control of the Liberator.
Tragically, due to spotty histories, even when they have turned over a new leaf, the ‘Bolts still face wanton suspicion from the public and peers. Therefore, in poignantly demonstrating the differing moralities of the ‘Bolts and Avengers, where not every situation is black and white, Avengers/Thunderbolts profiles as a best ‘Bolts comic series.
Thunderbolts (2006) #100
A deftly conceived run culminating in Thunderbolts #100 depicts a two Moonstone-powered Zemo pushing his former teammates, rebranded as the New Thunderbolts, to the breaking point and beyond. Consequently, Zemo’s trials ready them to confront an unstable Genis-Vell with reality hanging in the balance.
The creative team of Nicieza, Grummett, and Erskine deliver a must-read ‘Bolts comic. Here, they eruditely tie in previous stories and bring the team full circle, with Zemo again at the helm. Ultimately, this forges a resilient, battle-hardened version of the ‘Bolts, traits the MCU version should wisely incorporate.
Thunderbolts (2006) Dark Reign
After his role in the victory over the Skrulls Secret Invasion, Norman Osborn is given presidential oversight over the Thunderbolts, disbanding their current 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 main goal of this ‘Bolts roster is enacting Osborn’s Napoleonic vision for the country. Moreover, Dark Reign marks a severe shift in the team, as Osborn’s darkness overshadows prior acts, infecting them from within. In summary, Dark Reign portends the morally flexible team dynamic upcoming in the Thunderbolts*.
Dark Avengers (2012) The End is the Beginning
Appropriately titled, ‘The End is the Beginning’ shows readers the multiple layers of deception permeating the Thunderbolts. Here, the Dark Avengers re-form as replacements for the ‘Bolts, lost in space-time due to Man-Thing. Additionally, with quality DA vs. ‘Bolts action, dystopian timelines, and Doctor Doom, Dark Avengers is a telling read on the ‘Bolts.
In this Thunderbolts best, team leader and perennial Avenger Luke Cage works diligently to rebuild the ‘Bolts’ image following Osborn’s Dark Reign. Indeed, this rebuilding illustrates the leading reason the ‘Bolts resonate with fans, as the members struggle against their nature; some strive for atonement, others toward wickedness, things all fans can relate to.
Thunderbolts (2012)
A run any comic enthusiast can appreciate, Thunderbolts depicts Red Hulk enlisting Deadpool, Elektra, Agent Venom, Punisher, Red Leader, and Ghost Rider, intent on cutting out evil like cancer. But, being the ‘Bolts, fireworks ensue as their abrasive personalities and inclinations towards acting solo sow distrust throughout the team.
Penned by Daniel Way and acclaimed Star Wars vet Charles Soule, this ‘Bolts run presents fans with a star-studded roster awash with complex personalities and agendas. Thus, Thunderbolts checks in as a best ‘Bolts read, supplemented by its intriguing, cloak-and-dagger plotlines and obvious tie-ins to A Brave New World.
Thunderbolts (2016-17)
Thunderbolts picks up in the aftermath of Captain America’s assault on S.H.I.E.L.D’s secret, reality-bending super prison, Pleasant Hill, following the Avengers: Standoff event. Upon discovering this unethical gulag, Bucky “Winter Soldier” Barnes enlists the help of founding ‘Bolts members to protect its “warden” Kobik, the sentient cosmic cube powering Pleasant Hill, who took the form of a young child.
The ‘Bolts altruistic mission puts them in the crosshairs of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Masters of Evil, who view Kobik as a threat and are eager to possess her power. Notably, creators Zub, Malin, and Yackey give fans vital insight into Bucky’s leadership acumen and temperament, traits Sebastian Stan will likely incorporate into his evolving portrayal of the Winter Soldier in the upcoming Thunderbolts*.
King in Black: Thunderbolts (2021)
Set during the massively popular event debuting the symbiote God, Knull, King in Black: Thunderbolts details Wilson Fisk’s Thunderbolts attempt at defending New York from a symbiote invasion. In this best Thunderbolts read, Mayor Fisk sees the crisis as a perfect way to increase public support, believing that if his ‘Bolts taskforce destroys Knull, the populous will rally behind him.
To this end, Fisk orders his ‘Bolts, headed by Taskmaster, to rendezvous with Norman Osborn at the Ravencroft Penitentiary. The hope is that Osborn’s symbiote familiarity can help devise a way 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 seems.
Devil’s Reign (2021)
Unquestionably a banger arc, Devil’s Reign follows the newly elected Mayor Fisk as he recruits his “Thunderbolts” team. Comprised of Crossbones, Taskmaster, Typhoid Mary, Shocker, Whiplash, Rhino, and Kraven, Fisk’s ‘Bolts will solidify his reign. Indeed, acting as judges, juries, and executioners, the ‘Bolts enforce Fisk’s full political power on the heroes residing in New York.
Keeping up a prevailing Thunderbolts theme, Devil’s Reign sees a power-hungry villain use the team toward selfish and nefarious ends. Often, the person(s) leading the ‘Bolts determines whether the team profiles as heroes or villains. Thus, in this best ‘Bolts comic, Fisk’s unwavering will provides all the motivation this ‘Bolts iteration needs.
Thunderbolts: Worldstrike (2023)
Following Hydra’s fallout after implementing the Secret Empire, Thunderbolts: Worldstrike picks up with the Winter Soldier heading another Thunderbolts team. The team’s main objective is simple: use the plethora of intel Bucky inherited from dismantling Hydra’s Secret Empire to destroy the legacy of the heavy hitters like Red Skull and Kingpin.
Most importantly, this concise, time-friendly series is a great precursor to Thunderbolts*, including many critical MCU ‘Bolts like Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and Contessa Valentina. Lastly, throw in tussles with American Kaiju and the MCU-bound Doctor Doom, and Worldstrike checks all the boxes as a best ‘Bolts read.
Published: Sep 21, 2024 09:43 am