The Shocking Thunderbolts Comics That Will Change How You See the MCU

Back in '96, a void opened up when Earth's mightiest, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, vanished into the cosmic ether. Suddenly, the world felt a little less secure, a little less...heroic. And then, BAM! The Thunderbolts arrived, seemingly out of nowhere, stepping into that very void. But here's the kicker, the twist that sent shockwaves through the comic book world right from their very first issue: they weren't heroes at all! That reveal? Pure genius. It's not just a highlight in the Thunderbolts' history; it's a landmark moment in Marvel Comics, period. And you're right, that kind of epic rug-pull likely has some tendrils reaching into the upcoming movie adaptation.

What makes the Thunderbolts so consistently engaging in the comics is their unpredictable nature, their willingness to throw together characters you'd never expect to see on the same team. You've got Deadpool's wild antics, like that time he wanted to, uh, "borrow" Ryan Reynolds. Then you have Hawkeye, a character often associated with straightforward heroism, leading the team down a path of actual accountability. Those pivotal issues you mentioned? They're perfect little windows into the soul of the Thunderbolts – a team that thrives on subverting expectations and carving out a truly unique space in the sprawling Marvel tapestry, a uniqueness that will hopefully electrify the MCU as well.

Thunderbolts (Vol.2) #23

So, we all remember that cheeky post-credits scene in Deadpool 2, right? The one where he, shall we say, deals with Ryan Reynolds. Well, Thunderbolts (Vol. 2) #23 took that meta-humor and cranked it up to eleven! This issue dives headfirst into Deadpool's fourth-wall-breaking tendencies, pushing the Thunderbolts into a truly bizarre scheme: kidnapping Reynolds himself! At this point in their run, the team had this interesting dynamic – one mission dictated by the gruff General "Thunderbolt" Ross, and another driven by their own...unique agendas. Deadpool's Reynolds plan, predictably, throws a massive wrench into the works, especially when Venom decides he wants a piece of that particular pie. What ensues is a glorious, messy internal conflict, a perfect snapshot of the Thunderbolts' inherently volatile and often hilarious team dynamic. It's these kinds of off-the-wall stories that truly highlight just how different and unpredictable the Thunderbolts can be.

Thunderbolts #124

Indeed, the Thunderbolts weren't just bystanders during Secret Invasion; they were right in the thick of one of Marvel's most impactful and paranoia-fueled storylines. And you're spot on, their role in the comics likely foreshadows some involvement in the MCU's adaptation as well. Thunderbolts #124 serves as a stark and unsettling reminder of just how dark things became during this Skrull infiltration, especially with the manipulative Norman Osborn lurking within their ranks.

Osborn's presence on the team, initially framed as a twisted path to his own redemption, took a horrifying turn in that issue. Faced with multiple Skrulls impersonating Spider-Man – a hero who often stands in stark contrast to Osborn's villainy – his facade completely crumbled. He didn't just defeat them; he brutally murdered them, reveling in the act with a chilling laughter. It's a truly disturbing moment, a stark illustration of the depths of Osborn's depravity and a chilling highlight in his long and checkered past. This issue masterfully captures the pervasive dread and moral ambiguity that defined Secret Invasion, and the Thunderbolts, under Osborn's influence, became a key instrument of that darkness.

Thunderbolts (Vol.2) #18

Yes, Thunderbolts (Vol. 2) #18 delivers a fantastic payoff to a hilariously gruesome three-issue detour. Picture this: Deadpool, in his infinite wisdom and with his characteristic disregard for the mission at hand, abandons the Thunderbolts' pursuit of three mafiosos targeted by the relentless Frank Castle. His priority? A quest for the ultimate New York City pizza slice. It's pure, unadulterated Deadpool.

And then comes the sublime punchline. Just as Deadpool finally achieves his cheesy, saucy nirvana and takes that first perfect bite, who should stroll into the pizzeria but the very mafiosos the Thunderbolts were supposed to be tracking! Thinking they've successfully evaded capture, they walk right into a culinary crossfire. In a moment that perfectly encapsulates the Thunderbolts' unique blend of darkness and humor, Deadpool casually dispatches them and then, without missing a beat, finishes his pizza. It's a scene that's both shocking and laugh-out-loud funny, a quintessential Thunderbolts moment that underscores the series' willingness to embrace the bizarre and the darkly comical.

Thunderbolts #147

Thunderbolts #147? That issue delivers a truly standout moment for John Walker. Following a brutal injury that cost him an arm and a leg in a previous conflict, Walker takes on the formidable role of Warden at the infamous supervillain prison, The Raft. You might think such devastating injuries would sideline anyone, but not John Walker.

When a full-blown jailbreak erupts at The Raft, Walker doesn't hesitate for a second. Despite his physical limitations, he throws himself headfirst into the chaos, a force of sheer will and determination. The ensuing battle is nothing short of epic, with Walker playing a pivotal role in securing the escaping prisoners. It's a breathtaking display of courage and commitment, proving that even in the face of immense adversity, John Walker's fighting spirit remains unbroken. This moment in Thunderbolts #147 isn't just a great John Walker scene; it's a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, even within the often morally gray world of the Thunderbolts.

Dark Avengers #1

You've hit on a crucial point. Dark Avengers #1 isn't just a great Thunderbolts-adjacent issue; it arguably embodies the core, twisted premise of the team in a chilling new way. Norman Osborn's audacious move to recruit figures like Moonstone into his "Dark Avengers," brazenly co-opting the mantles of beloved heroes like Ms. Marvel, is a stroke of villainous genius.

This issue masterfully establishes a disturbing new status quo, one that eerily echoes Baron Zemo's original, manipulative intent behind the Thunderbolts. Villains, cloaked in the guise of heroes, bask in the warm glow of public adoration while simultaneously eroding that very trust from within. It's a deliciously wicked inversion of everything a superhero team should be.

And you're absolutely right to draw parallels to the MCU. The Contessa's seemingly deliberate recruitment of individuals with "heroic" pasts, like John Walker (as a twisted Captain America) and Yelena Belova (as a Black Widow successor), strongly suggests that this "villains in heroes' clothing" dynamic will indeed play a significant role in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie. Dark Avengers #1 serves as a potent reminder of the narrative potential in exploring the unsettling idea of who we trust and the deceptive power of appearances.

Thunderbolts #153

The Thunderbolts have certainly seen their fair share of powerhouse individuals, but when you throw the unstoppable force of the Juggernaut against the god-like might of Hyperion, you know you're in for something truly earth-shattering. And Thunderbolts #153 absolutely delivers on that promise.

This issue is a pure, unadulterated display of raw power. The image of the Juggernaut, with a single, earth-shattering punch, sending the cosmically empowered Hyperion crashing into the ground is justVisceral. It underscores Juggernaut's legendary strength in a way few other confrontations could. But Hyperion, never one to back down, retaliates with his searing "heat vision," managing to burn away the Juggernaut's iconic helmet. While this leaves the longtime X-Men villain vulnerable to psychic assault, the battle culminates in a stunning victory for the Juggernaut, with Hyperion ultimately falling in defeat. Thunderbolts #153 is a fantastic example of the sheer destructive potential contained within this unpredictable team and a thrilling testament to the immense power levels of its most formidable members.

Thunderbolts #39

While Baron Zemo is notorious for his manipulative schemes and all-around jerk behavior, Thunderbolts #39 serves as a powerful reminder that he's no slouch in a straight-up fight either. This issue is a masterclass in action, pitting Zemo against the deadly Scourge of the Underworld in an epic, knock-down, drag-out battle that spans the entire issue.

And you're right to call out Mark Bagley's incredible artwork. His dynamic and expert rendering of the fight truly brings the intensity and skill of both characters to life, foreshadowing the legendary run he would later have on Ultimate Spider-Man. Thunderbolts #39 isn't just a thrilling action sequence; it's a defining moment in the early history of the Thunderbolts, firmly establishing Zemo as a threat who can back up his villainous reputation with genuine, formidable martial arts skills. It's a showcase of why he was such a compelling and enduring antagonist.

Thunderbolts (Vol.2) #22

You've hit the nail on the head! Most Marvel heroes wouldn't touch a deal with Mephisto with a ten-foot pole, given his reputation as one of the most powerful and duplicitous magical entities in the entire universe. But the Thunderbolts? They went right ahead and did it anyway! And Thunderbolts (Vol. 2) #22 stands out as an incredibly inventive and laugh-out-loud funny issue precisely because of this insane bargain.

The sheer audacity of the Thunderbolts negotiating with Mephisto to regain control of his own demonic realm – after he'd been overthrown, no less – just to get a ride back to Earth and take down a villain named Mercy is peak Thunderbolts absurdity. Of course, being Mephisto, he tries his level best to weasel out of the agreement and pull a fast one on the team. But here's where the unexpected genius of the Leader comes into play. His meticulous and ironclad contract, the kind even a devil couldn't easily wriggle out of, saves the day and gets the Thunderbolts out of a truly infernal jam. This issue perfectly encapsulates the team's willingness to dive headfirst into the most bizarre and dangerous situations, all while injecting their signature brand of dark humor into the mix. It's a testament to the unpredictable and endlessly entertaining nature of the Thunderbolts.

Thunderbolts #1

Thunderbolts #1 doesn't just have a great twist ending; it arguably houses one of the most significant and game-changing reveals in the history of Marvel Comics. The moment Citizen V removes his mask to unveil the sinister grin of Baron Zemo, and the shocking truth that the seemingly heroic Thunderbolts are actually the villainous Masters of Evil in disguise, is a masterstroke of storytelling. It completely upended reader expectations and flipped the superhero trope on its head in the most spectacular fashion.

This single reveal wasn't just a clever plot point; it fundamentally altered the trajectory of the Thunderbolts series and had significant ripple effects across the entire Marvel Universe in the three decades that followed. The Thunderbolts, born from deception, carved out a unique and often morally ambiguous space in comic book lore. And with their imminent arrival in the MCU, the significance of their comic book origins, and particularly this earth-shattering first issue, only becomes more pronounced. It's a testament to the power of a well-executed twist and the enduring appeal of a team built on a foundation of surprise and subversion.

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour through some of the most electrifying, hilarious, and downright shocking moments in Thunderbolts comic book history! From their unforgettable debut twist to the promise of chaotic alliances and unexpected heroism, the Thunderbolts have consistently delivered stories that keep us on the edge of our seats.

As we eagerly anticipate their arrival in the MCU, diving into these classic issues offers a fantastic glimpse into the rich and unpredictable world of this unique team. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer drawn in by the movie buzz, these comics are sure to provide a thrilling ride.