Thunderbolts Vol. 1: The Shocking Twist That Fooled Marvel!

As the MCU’s Thunderbolts are set to debut at the beginning of next month, let’s rewind time to the introduction of one of Marvel Comics’ most significant and recognizable teams from the late 90s – the Thunderbolts. The team emerged following the events of Onslaught, a sentient psionic entity born from the subconscious of Charles Xavier and Magneto. The X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers had to unite to defeat Onslaught, with Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four seemingly giving their lives in the process to ensure victory. With these A-list superheroes apparently deceased, the Thunderbolts stepped into the power void they left behind, but with a twist – they were actually villains pretending to be heroes! The team’s origin story is compiled in the Thunderbolts Vol. 1 TPB: “Justice, Like Lightning…,” which includes issues #449 of Incredible Hulk, Tales of The Marvel Universe, Thunderbolts #1-4, the Thunderbolts 1997 Annual, and Spider-Man Team-Up #7.

Justice, Like Lightning…: Volume 1 TPB

The story is penned by Kurt Busiek, with illustrations by Mark Bagley, inkwork by Vince Russell, colors by Joe Rosas, and lettering from Dave Lanphear and Oscar Gongora of Comicraft. The Thunderbolts, in their initial appearances, nab the Hulk and save a tenement building. Following this, they embark on their independent journey, rescuing the Statue of Liberty from the Wrecking Crew, which propels them to instant fame.

As the first issue of Thunderbolts comes to an end, it is unveiled that the team, in a show of modesty, has saved Franklin Richards and formed a bond with Spider-Man. They then confront a fresh version of the Masters of Evil and welcome Jolt, a naive teenager, into their ranks who remains oblivious to their true intentions.

Thunderbolts #1 Delivers a Massive Twist That Shocked Readers in ‘96

The Original Thunderbolts Were Actually Villains That Fooled The Marvel Universe For Over Ten Issues

In my gaming world, diving into the Marvel Universe through the Thunderbolts Volume 1 TPB: “Justice, Like Lightning…” feels like stepping right into a stormy parallel reality of the MCU. Both universes share some striking similarities and intriguing contrasts just before the Thunderbolts’ grand debut.

Despite no catastrophic event resembling the Thunderbolts’ debut preceding it, the team seems to lack familiar faces. Notably, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers have passed away, though Steve’s Captain America mantle has been taken up by someone else. Thor is currently unaccounted for, and the Fantastic Four are yet to make their appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

As a gamer, diving headfirst into the electrifying world of Thunderbolts Vol. 1 TPB: “Justice, Like Lightning…” I found myself in a universe devoid of Avenger-level hero teams. The stage was set for a dramatic rollercoaster ride that left me utterly captivated. The opening act hinted at a shocking revelation, subtly foreshadowed by three decades of comic book lore. Yet, when it finally unfolded, I couldn’t help but be left speechless. Busiek’s masterful storytelling technique built an intense atmosphere, only to deceive us with a false sense of security before unleashing one of the most mind-bending twists in comic book history.

Compared to the Thunderbolts from the first volume of “Thunderbolts” TPB: “Justice, Like Lightning…”, the MCU’s Thunderbolts have come together under completely different circumstances. Instead of being brought together by a villain like Zemo, these Thunderbolts are being orchestrated by CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. It seems that she is assuming a role more akin to Amanda Waller in the DC Universe than Baron Zemo, taking charge to handle risky and questionable tasks.

The Original Iteration Of The Thunderbolts Is Completely Different to the MCU Version

The Masters of Evil In Disguise vs. The MCU’s Scrappy Underdog Anti-Heroes

In contrast to the characters in the comic series “Thunderbolts,” the protagonists of the trade paperback volume 1 of “Thunderbolts: Justice, Like Lightning…” follow a distinctly different path. While the standard Thunderbolts team is an authentic assortment of reformed villains and anti-heroes striving to become heroes, the original Thunderbolts harbor much more sinister motives.

In contrast to the clandestine operations of the Thunderbolts*, the Thunderbolts themselves operate in a more flamboyant manner, deliberately performing their heroics in public view. Their goal is not just to save the day but also to win over hearts and minds. The Marvel Universe welcomes this fresh team of dedicated heroes safeguarding New York, unaware that they are unwittingly furthering Baron Zemo’s grand, nationwide confidence trick.

*Note: In this context, *Thunderbolts refers to a fictional supervillain-turned-superhero team in the Marvel Universe.

Yelena Belova poses an inquiry that challenges the norm, “Are we simply resorting to fists and bullets?” The main characters, including Belova, The Winter Soldier, U.S. Agent, Taskmaster, Ghost, and Red Guardian, are primarily skilled in combat.

Justice, Like Lightning…” Vol. 1 TPB highlights a versatile and superpowered team of heroes. While Citizen V, also known as Baron Zemo, excels in hand-to-hand combat, Techno and Mach-1, who go by The Fixer and The Beetle respectively, are tech geniuses. Meteorite, formerly Moonstone, harnesses energy, Songbird, or Screaming Mimi, constructs energy shapes, and Atlas, known as Goliath, can alter his size.

In the higher power-level of Thunderbolts Volume 1 TPB: “Justice, Like Lightning…”, the characters have a greater scope for nuanced but deliberate actions. From a storytelling point of view, their roles are exceptionally unique. Mark Waid skillfully creates villains who pose as heroes, which adds an enjoyable undercurrent of tension. The contrast between their thinly veiled heroics and the instances when they discard their facade is gripping and offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

Thunderbolts Vol. 1 TPB: Justice, Like Lightning… manages to avoid the worst pitfalls of 90s comics

Thunderbolts Vol. 1 TPB: Justice, Like Lightning… has a splashy and nostalgic art style that has aged incredibly well

Back in the ’90s, some comic books were practically unreadable for today’s standards. It could be due to outdated art styles, overly airbrushed coloring, cheesy storylines, or simply offensive content that doesn’t sit right with modern sensibilities. However, when it comes to Thunderbolts Vol. 1 TPB: Justice, Like Lightning…, it manages to capture a refreshing, retro vibe instead.

The artistic collaboration between Bagley, Russell, Lanphear, and Gongora is simply extraordinary. Their work exhibits an impressive level of dynamism, enhanced by skillful lettering from Lanphear and Gongora. Rosas’ colors beautifully tie together these outstanding components, providing a delicate touch that hints at the hidden depths and dark mysteries within the story without fully revealing them.

The unique and captivating narrative unfolds as these villains finally gain the approval they’ve long desired from the public. This intriguing development is skillfully unraveled in a gradual, satisfying manner.

Hallie Takahama, who evolves from a kidnap victim to the heroine Jolt, is an ingeniously created character that adds depth and tension to the potential drama surrounding when the Thunderbolts will ultimately be revealed.

Thunderbolts Vol. 1 TPB – “Justice, Like Lightning…” is an exceptional snapshot capturing some of Marvel’s finest stories from the 1990s. It’s filled with action, adventure, intrigue, and thought-provoking psychological dynamics among its main characters.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but see echoes of the idea behind the original Thunderbolts comic in the upcoming MCU team. Despite significant differences, the concept of gathering a group of villains to pose as heroes has an undeniable allure. The dynamic storytelling and intriguing premise explain why this team has managed to adapt and thrive through numerous variations in lineup and motives, much like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings.

This initial debut continues to stand out as a fresh and revolutionary twist on readers’ expectations, and it remains hailed by fans as some of the finest Thunderbolts comics ever produced.

2025-05-02 22:36