When you think about teams like the Suicide Squad in DC Comics, Marvel’s answer to that chaotic collection of anti-heroes is none other than the Thunderbolts. Created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley, the Thunderbolts first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 back in January 1997. While that particular issue was written by Peter David, Busiek and Bagley receive full credit for creating this iconic team. This article cover The Complete Origin and History of Marvel’s Thunderbolts — a tale of deception, betrayal, and redemption — that transformed a group of villains into true heroes.
The Thunderbolts: Marvel’s Suicide Squad
At their core, the Thunderbolts are Marvel’s version of the Suicide Squad. The team has gone through many different incarnations over the years, but the heart of the concept remains the same: the group is made up of anti-heroes or supervillains willing to cross lines that traditional superheroes won’t.
The original Thunderbolts team was assembled by none other than Baron Zemo, who was posing as a new hero called Citizen V. Unlike later versions, which included Norman Osborn’s personal hit squad or government-sponsored prison reform projects, the original team was much more sinister underneath their shiny new image.
The Birth of the Thunderbolts: Villains in Disguise
The Thunderbolts’ origin is rooted in the aftermath of Marvel’s Onslaught crossover event, where it seemed like the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and almost every major hero were wiped out. With no one left to oppose him, Zemo initially intended to simply rebuild his Masters of Evil. But after seeing a world without Captain America, Zemo shifted gears.
Instead of focusing on vengeance, he decided to gain world power by pretending to be a hero. With the technological genius of Fixer (another villainous cohort), Zemo and the Masters of Evil changed their appearances and rebranded themselves as a new team of superheroes — the Thunderbolts.
At first, the world completely bought it. The Thunderbolts even committed real heroic acts to sell the lie, battling other villains and winning the public’s trust. The shocking twist — that these “heroes” were actually the Masters of Evil in disguise — wasn’t revealed until the end of Thunderbolts #1.
Baron Zemo’s Plan for World Domination
In Thunderbolts #11 and #12, the true scope of Zemo’s ambitions comes to light. He didn’t just want to play hero; he aimed to control the entire world. With the help of the Fixer, Zemo developed the Bio-Modem, a terrifying device that allowed him to manipulate global communications and even mind control individuals.
Zemo explained to Fixer how their original plan to plant a virus in military systems was replaced by a smarter tactic: inserting a recognition code that let them maintain access long after authorities thought they had been locked out. By duplicating the plans for the Bio-Modem, they could control more than just computers — they could control people.
As Zemo activated his Bio-Modems across the globe, he addressed the world:
“People of Earth, greetings. I am Baron Zemo, first emperor of the world… Resist and I will crush you into the dirt. Surrender, and I will be merciful.”
However, Zemo’s grand plan didn’t go as smoothly as he hoped.
Thunderbolts’ Betrayal: The Heroes They Never Meant to Be
As Zemo’s plan unfolded, cracks formed within the Thunderbolts themselves. Members like Jolt, Mach-1, Meteorite, and Songbird started having second thoughts about their role in Zemo’s scheme. They had grown too attached to the heroism they were pretending to embody.
This internal conflict boiled over into a full-blown rebellion, with members breaking ranks and preparing to fight against Zemo. Their defection became even more critical when the Avengers and Fantastic Four arrived — although Zemo had already used his Bio-Modem to mind control them.
Moonstone, once one of Zemo’s loyal agents, hesitated when she realized the superheroes were no longer themselves. Zemo taunted her:
“Look closely, Moonstone. They’re Earth’s mightiest heroes — but now, they’re mine.”
The Turning Point: Iron Man’s Secret and Zemo’s Downfall
In Thunderbolts #12, a key revelation changes everything. Iron Man was never fully under Zemo’s control. Thanks to the safeguards he had built into his armor, Tony Stark resisted the Bio-Modem’s effects.
He played along, pretending to be mind-controlled so he could gather intelligence and find an opportunity to strike back. Once he joined forces with the Thunderbolts, Mach-1 and Iron Man developed a countermeasure that neutralized the Bio-Modem’s influence, freeing Earth’s mightiest heroes.
With his plan collapsing around him, Zemo fled, defeated by the very team he had created to serve his own interests.
Justice Like Lightning: The First Major Story Arc
Following their shocking debut, the Thunderbolts’ first major storyline — titled Justice Like Lightning (Thunderbolts #1–14) — chronicled their evolution. After the Onslaught disaster, the public desperately needed heroes. The Thunderbolts filled that void, earning admiration even from Spider-Man and the New Warriors.
But by the end of the very first issue, the truth was out: they were the Masters of Evil in disguise.
As the story progressed, many Thunderbolts began enjoying their heroic personas more than their villainous pasts. This slow transformation led to a growing rift with Zemo and culminated in their decision to truly become heroes — not just pretend.
New Thunderbolts (2004–2006): The True Redemption Arc
Years later, Marvel launched the New Thunderbolts series, where the team officially embraced their new roles as legitimate heroes. Songbird and Mach-IV led the reformation, with former villains like Blizzard, Speed Demon, and Radioactive Man joining the roster.
This series focused heavily on redemption — on whether people truly could change and find second chances.
Luke Cage’s Thunderbolts: Reformation Through Accountability
In the 2010 Thunderbolts series (issues #144–147), Marvel introduced a completely new dynamic: Luke Cage became the team’s leader. His mission was to reform dangerous criminals by making them accountable for their actions.
This version of the Thunderbolts included a wild group of characters: Juggernaut, Ghost, Moonstone, Crossbones, and Man-Thing. It was messy, tense, and full of the complicated emotions that made the Thunderbolts so compelling in the first place.
Thunderbolts Red: Marvel’s Most Dangerous Team Yet
One of the most beloved versions of the Thunderbolts came from Thunderbolts Vol. 2 (2013–2014) — often called Thunderbolts Red. Led by Red Hulk (General Ross), this roster included Deadpool, Punisher, Elektra, and Agent Venom, later joined by Ghost Rider and Red Leader.
General Ross acted as the group’s version of Amanda Waller, strong-arming them into missions aimed at eliminating threats too dangerous for traditional heroes. It was bloody, dark, and brutal — and fans loved every second of it.
Thunderbolts Today: Bucky Barnes and Beyond
More recently, Marvel launched a 2023–2024 Thunderbolts series inspired by the MCU. Bucky Barnes teams up with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine to build a new covert operations team featuring Winter Soldier, Red Guardian, and U.S. Agent.
Even more recent is Thunderbolts: Doom Strike, a 2025 miniseries where the team faces off against none other than Doctor Doom — who has somehow become the Sorcerer Supreme!
Also Read: One World Under Doom (2025) Issue 3: How Doctor Doom Outsmarted Everyone, Even Himself
Leave a Comment