In the pages of Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, the Winter Soldier accomplished an almost impossible task. He joined forces with his allies to expose and dismantle a long-standing conspiracy that had manipulated him for decades, as well as many significant events of the 20th and 21st centuries. With this newfound knowledge, he is now assembling a team of familiar faces to take on other seemingly invincible adversaries.
Starting this December, Bucky Barnes will embark on his crusade in a new four-issue Thunderbolts series. The series is written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, the same writers behind Sentinel of Liberty, and illustrated by artist Geraldo Borges. Bucky will team up with seven of the Marvel Universe's most skilled and dangerous spy-fi characters, all with the aim of bringing down notorious villains such as the Red Skull and the Kingpin. In an interview with CBR, Lanzing and Kelly discuss the book, Bucky's teammates, the intense and action-packed missions they will undertake, and the formidable foes they will be targeting.
CBR: Does your new Thunderbolts series have multiple intentions? Is it aimed at welcoming new readers, particularly those interested in the upcoming Thunderbolts film? Does it also aim to continue the storylines introduced in your Captain America run and carry on the rich legacy of Marvel's intriguing super team? Lastly, is it designed to deliver high-stakes, super-powered espionage and action akin to the likes of Secret Warriors? Is this an accurate depiction of your intentions?
Jackson Lanzing: Our primary focus is shifting the narrative of Bucky Barnes from his previous role in Sentinel of Liberty to a new phase in his life. This upcoming story is not just for Sentinel readers, but for anyone interested. In this four-issue run, we will delve into Bucky's transformation as he embraces the responsibilities of leadership and takes control of his own fate.
Collin Kelly: Additionally, we want to emphasize that this is an action-espionage book. From the beginning, we will be diving headfirst into intense, high-octane action while still delivering compelling character development. We're cranking up the action to the highest level, something we don't always do, but is a priority for this project.
Lanzing explains that the book focuses on action and teamwork, with Bucky teaming up with other Marvel Universe characters to take down powerful villains like Red Skull, Kingpin, Doom, and American Kaiju. The aim is to create dynamic and intense action scenes with these large-scale villains.
Regarding the movie aspect, Lanzing clarifies that although some may think the book is tied to a movie, they have no knowledge of any movie plans. Their intention is solely to continue Bucky's story from the Sentinel comic and explore his character further. The Thunderbolts book was created around Bucky, and although some characters from the movie are included, they were selected based on their emotional connection to Bucky's journey and their potential for growth.
So, the plot or tone of the Thunderbolts movie won't be reflected here. Instead, what you'll witness is our utilization of Marvel's interest in a Thunderbolts book to generate an exhilarating new comic that propels this legacy forward.
Bucky Barnes has faced numerous challenges. In our Captain America series, we uncovered that he was manipulated by a group called The Outer Circle from the beginning of his time as Captain America's sidekick. They orchestrated events that ultimately led to him becoming the Winter Soldier. Bucky is now delving deeper into this mysterious web of manipulation and uncovering the truth.
Realizing the extent of his involvement in the manipulative mystery, his journey took a turn as he partnered with Steve to dismantle the controlling grip of the Outer Circle. Utilizing the resources and information-gathering capabilities of this oppressive organization, he now aims to redirect them towards his own cause. Bucky's intentions mirror those of the Outer Circle, but with a focus on fighting for what he truly believes in. Instead of imposing control on the world, he plans to confront the villains who have thrived under the status quo represented by the Outer Circle. The Red Skull is the first target on his list, making him the central focus of our inaugural issue.
This new team consists of two former S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. One, Sharon Carter, is someone that Bucky trusts deeply due to their past history. However, the other team member, Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, raises suspicions as she has connections with organizations such as Leviathan and Janus. Can you provide more information about Sharon and Val's motivations and roles in your book?
Lanzing: Bucky has discovered that Val was involved with the Outer Circle in creating something called O.X.E. This project possesses significant capabilities and resources, making it capable of supporting an Avengers-style operation like the Thunderbolts.
Bucky approaches Val and expresses his dissatisfaction with the outcome of her creation, as everyone she designed it for has passed away. He, however, remains and is determined to utilize her creation for more meaningful purposes. Consequently, there exists a lack of inherent trust between them, as Bucky essentially implies that either Val works with him or meets the same fate as the others. In Issue #1, we will delve into Val's background, which will likely lead to the development of an intriguing and complex bond of trust between the two.
Moving on to Sharon Carter, Kelly affirms the profundity of the relationship between Bucky and Sharon. Within the Marvel Universe, their relationship is regarded as one of the most captivating. It is indeed a profound experience to love the same individual, thereby necessitating a certain level of empathy and establishing a rapport with your best friend's significant other.
It is crucial, and the interesting part is that these two individuals truly do get along well, especially now that we have uncovered and allowed Sharon to explore her untidy and aggressive side to some extent. One of the most entertaining aspects of Sharon is that she is not always composed and pristine. On occasions, she might indulge in excessive drinking and initiate a brawl at a bar. I believe she has been suppressing this side of her personality a lot, in order to present herself as the perfect girlfriend for Steve. Steve inspires all of us to bring out the best in ourselves, but even in being our best selves, we can still have moments of chaos. This is something she has fully embraced, and Bucky has always been aware of it.
The cast also includes the Black and White Widows. Natasha has been having adventures in Venom, and writer Sarah Gailey’s White Widow series starts on November 1st. Playing with these characters, given recent developments in those books, has been exciting. When we realized we could have two Widows, our writer brains went wild. It's wonderful to have them together with Bucky Barnes. There's a unique chemistry between them, with shared backstory. In the second issue, we'll bring them all together at a glamorous party. These attractive characters will be dressed in their sexiest cocktail outfits, and seeing them enter together was a delightful experience.
Lanzing: Issue #2 of our comic is like a triple-date scenario where Bucky, Black Widow, and White Widow venture into the Hellfire Club. The dynamic between them is going to be extremely intriguing.
I also wanted to mention the exceptional White Widow series. It's truly impressive! Just as we were getting started on Thunderbolts, that series debuted and we had the opportunity to read the scripts for the initial issues. They completely transformed our approach to writing the character. Sarah, the writer, possesses a genuine understanding of what makes White Widow a unique and captivating character, and she knows how to take it to the next level.
Thanks to everyone involved in providing Natasha with a Venom symbiote. We didn't know about it when we wrote Issue #2, but after we were informed, we realized that the action became more exciting, the beats more interesting, and Natasha's individual scenes became fresher when she dealt with the dark influence of the symbiote, which also interacted with the dark influence that Bucky was embracing.
Nat and Bucky deeply care about each other and have a remarkable synergy. As they acknowledge their similarities and develop romantic feelings for each other, they find themselves in the same emotional state, albeit originating from different experiences. This dynamic between them is generating compelling character development, and we're truly enjoying exploring it.
Kelly: The symbiote design for the Black Widow is absolutely amazing! It's like she was meant to wear this outfit.
Listening to you speak, it makes me question, is Yelena the calm and collected one in that trio? [Laughs]
Kelly: Agreed, she's the one who stands out for being both odd and level-headed.
Lanzing: The characters in Thunderbolts are far from stable. It's safe to say that Shang-Chi is the only one with a truly stable personality, and interestingly enough, he's the only one who didn't actively seek to join the team. He found himself in the group due to circumstances and eventually embraced it. Unlike the rest, he doesn't have a pressing need for therapy.
Yeah, and he’s coming to the book after trying to reform his own violent organization.
Lanzing: He and Bucky have an immediate understanding. You'll see how in Issue #3. He gets it, which makes him a perfect fit for the team. We wanted a character with his skills, and we're longtime fans of Master of Kung-Fu.
I believe that era in Marvel's history, with a grounded spy-fi book that focused on themes of death and deception, is difficult to maintain nowadays. We really wanted to capture that essence in Thunderbolts. So it felt natural for Shang-Chi, who is a major influence on our tone, to be part of the team and embrace that.
I believe Thunderbolts is filled with exciting dynamics, and among them, U.S.Agent and Red Guardian stand out as characters who will have an especially enjoyable interaction. We are currently working on Issue #4, where these two characters will finally come face to face. It will be interesting to see how they bounce off each other.
Kelly finds the process of writing John Walker in Thunderbolts fascinating because it forces all the characters, including John himself, to reassess their roles as heroes. Kelly believes that Issue #3 brings a humanizing element to John's character and allows readers to feel empathy towards him, a quality that has been lacking recently.
Lanzing agrees that John Walker is a unique character who makes numerous mistakes without feeling much guilt. He sees John as an intriguing reflection of both Steve and Bucky. It is essential to understand that John is not a villain but walks a fine line between good and bad. His beliefs differ from those of other Marvel heroes, but they are still valid in their own right.
Content must be rewritten in a better way.
Alanna Smith, our editor, aptly named him "The Johnny Lawrence of the Marvel Universe," and she couldn't be more accurate! While he may not be the top-notch Captain America, he undeniably embodies a relatable and playful character, as long as you can handle his unique personality.
Another compelling reason for featuring this character is that the search for the Red Skull has a continuation beyond Issue #1. Although it may seem episodic, this series offers a more complex and interconnected storyline.
We ensured that the characters we introduced had a personal grudge or motive to be present. John's presence was driven by his parents' murder at the hands of the Red Skull. His quest for vengeance was a key aspect that needed to be emphasized.
I had the opportunity to see Geraldo Borges' artwork for Thunderbolts. It is evident that his work effectively captures three vital elements: action, magnitude, and portrayal of emotions.
Lanzing: Wow! Geraldo is absolutely amazing.
Kelly: He's showcasing his inner Mignola, which is unbelievably impressive for a Marvel action comic. The result is an unparalleled design and visual appeal, with vibrant colors that burst out in a captivating manner.
If you're seeking an exhilarating action-packed read, rest assured, you won't be disappointed. Moreover, brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster!
As previously stated, when Bucky sets his sights on the Hellfire Club and the Kingpin, you and your team will be thrust into the midst of the current X-Men mayhem.
Come see what's happening on our side with Fisk if you're following his story on the X-Men side. It might reveal that despite his heroic act, Fisk is still far from being a hero. He remains just as corruptible as before. While this series incorporates both episodic and long-form storytelling elements, the pace of only four issues promises to be truly exhilarating.
Kelly: Utilizing the writing tip "Start late, get out early," we aim to be as economical as possible in telling the story. This technique is evident in the abundance of comic in this comic! [Laughs] If Thunderbolts gains an audience, would you be open to creating more content?
Lanzing: We are definitely open to doing more. However, Marvel has made it known that we are currently committed to only four.
Kelly: Our main focus at the moment is crafting an amazing, four-issue adventure. If we have the opportunity to continue with another set of stories, then absolutely! But for now, we are giving our all to this project. Eventually, it will be compiled into an incredibly thrilling trade, reminiscent of a high-stakes Jason Bourne adventure!
Welcome to Thunderbolts: World Strike! In this thrilling adventure, we follow a group of eight heroes, four villains, and encounter an abundance of action-packed moments. Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled experience, as the pacing will keep you on the edge of your seat. The intensity of the action will leave you breathless, and the profound impact it has on the Marvel Universe is something we're aiming for. Our mission is to bring about significant changes, especially when it comes to the formidable Red Skull. We intend to make a lasting impression on this character, one that he truly deserves.
It's astonishing to realize that almost a century has passed since World War II, and yet the battle against the Red Skull persists. This presents an intriguing sociological aspect, which Bucky has come to recognize through The Century Game. Determined to put an end to this ongoing conflict, he faces the challenge of defeating a seemingly unending stream of Red Skulls. The Red Skull is synonymous with Hydra, constantly resurfacing. This will be the core focus of our story, where our marvelous spy-fi heroes get the chance to unleash their fury upon the Nazis. Writing these scenes has been an incredibly cathartic experience! [Laughs]
Thunderbolts #1 is due out on December 6.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan, I am thrilled about the upcoming Thunderbolts series featuring Winter Soldier. The idea of Bucky Barnes leading a team of skilled and dangerous spy-fi characters on a mission to take down notorious villains like the Red Skull and the Kingpin is incredibly exciting.
The fact that the series will continue the storylines introduced in the Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty run and carry on the rich legacy of Marvel's intriguing super team is an added bonus. I am particularly interested in seeing how Bucky evolves as a leader and takes control of his own fate. The promise of high-stakes, super-powered espionage and action akin to Secret Warriors has me eagerly anticipating each issue.
