Strongest Thunderbolts Lineups In Marvel Comics

Key Takeaways

Original Thunderbolts led by Zemo were actually villains undercover with secret agendas.
Red Hulk Thunderbolts consisted of brutal anti-heroes like Punisher and Ghost Rider.
Winter Soldier led Thunderbolts with powerful fighters like Black Widow, Shang Chi, and Red Guardian.

As a seasoned Marvel fan, I must say that the Thunderbolts team has always been one of the most intriguing and dynamic groups in the Marvel Universe. From their humble beginnings as a team of villains turned anti-heroes to their various iterations throughout the years, each lineup brings something new and exciting to the table.

The announcement for the “Thunderbolts” movie has stirred quite a buzz among Marvel enthusiasts, as it ranks high on their list of anticipated superhero films. However, some may be curious as to why there is such excitement surrounding this team of characters – the Thunderbolts.

This collection highlights various formidable groups of characters, often portrayed as anti-heroes or villains, who have been collaborating from behind the scenes, sometimes even working covertly for the government in secret operations. The information provided includes details about the founding members, active team members, and the creative minds behind each group – the artists and writers who brought these teams to life.

5 Thunderbolts Original Lineup

Led By An Evil Mastermind, What’s The Worst That Could Happen?

Writers: Kurt Busiek, Glenn Herdling, Fabian Nicieza
Artists: Mark Bagley, Patch Zircher
Original Run: 1997 – 2003

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the original Thunderbolts crew I once followed, where I found myself among the ranks of Baron Helmut Zemo, disguised as Citizen V, and his ever-loyal bodyguard, Goliath – now known as Atlas. The team was a motley assembly that included the cunning masterminds Beetle and Fixer, who assumed the identities of Mach-1 and Techno. We also had Screaming Mimi, a criminal wrestler who later became Songbird, and Moonstone, who transformed herself into Meteorite.

It’s clear that these individuals weren’t the latest team of Thunderbolts; instead, they were a group of cunning villains with a secondary role. However, they possessed enough power to warrant the focus of teams like the Avengers (as well as others). In an unexpected move, even Iron Man, disguised as Cobalt Man, infiltrated their ranks to gather intel on their real objectives.

4 Red Hulk Thunderbolts

Led By A Monster/Military Genius

Writers: Daniel Way, Charles Soule, Ben Acker, Ben Blacker
Artists: Steve Dillon, Julian Tedesco, Philip J. Noto
Original Run: 2012 – 2014

Among the formidable groups of the Thunderbolts, there’s one particularly tough unit headed by Red Hulk. This team is made up of some of the Marvel Universe’s darkest anti-heroes, including Agent Venom (Flash Thompson), who has switched allegiances to the “not-so-virtuous” side; Elektra, a once-assassin now on the wrong path; The Punisher, who is notorious for his brutal methods; Deadpool, known for his reckless and chaotic actions; and lastly, the original Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze.

This motley crew, known as the Thunderbolts, ranks among the strongest manifestations of this team, yet it’s not the final version. Headed by military strategist General Ross, they form a powerful task force that can tackle some of the riskiest and questionable missions ordered by the U.S. Government and SHIELD. Some spectators liken them to DC Comics’ rogue gallery: The Suicide Squad, and their assessment could well be spot-on.

3 Norman Osborne’s Thunderbolts

Outright Evil, But Still Powerful

Writers: Christos Gage
Artists: Fernando Blanco
Original Run: 2008-2009

Throughout the events of the “Secret Invasion” series, the original Thunderbolts team and Songbird find themselves in disarray. In a bid to find purpose amidst the widespread suspicion and tumult, Songbird forms an unusual alliance with none other than Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, to revitalize the team and confront the Skrull invaders together.

However, after a while of working together, they developed some disagreements due to Green Goblin’s erratic behavior and Songbird’s allegiance to the good side. As a result, the team disbanded, and Norman Osborn formed the Dark Avengers. This new group consisted of Scourge, Ant-Man (Eric O’Grady), Paladin, Mr. X, Black Widow (Yelena Belova), Grizzly, Ghost, and Headsman, many of whom were Osborne’s frequent henchmen.

2 Hawkeye’s Thunderbolts

A Team Of New Marvel Heroes Led By A Former Avenger

Writers: Jim Zub
Artists: Sean Izaakse, David Nakayama, Sean Izaakse
Original Run: 2022

Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, handpicked the roster for this team called the Thunderbolts. For those who might have forgotten, Hawkeye is the skilled archer and tactician from the original Avengers. The team operates in New York City and features some of the freshest faces from the Marvel Universe, such as America Chavez, a Hellspawn spawned from Killgrave, Monica Rambeau (Spectrum), who bears a striking resemblance to Cable/cybersoldier Gutsen Glory, and Power Man, once Iron Fist’s disciple and former Defender.

Among the Thunderbolts teams, this particular one stands out as one of the strongest. Not only does it have an experienced Avenger at its helm, but over 90% of its members are superhuman combatants with extraordinary and shattered abilities. In terms of power, they’re comparable to Red Hulk’s Thunderbolts team, making them a formidable force indeed.

1 Winter Soldier Thunderbolts

Also Known As The Revolution Thunderbolts

Writers: Collin KellyJackson Lanzing
Artists: Geraldo Borges, Terry Dodson
Original Run: 2023 – to present.

In the latest version of the Thunderbolts, Revolution (previously known as Bucky Barnes, aka Winter Soldier) takes charge, working closely with Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine, who was once referred to as Madame Hydra. The team is rounded out by Black Widow (Yelena Belova), White Widow, Shang Chi, The Destroyer, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and the potent mutant with tech abilities, Gamemaster.

Among the exceptional lineups of the Thunderbolts team stands this one, headed by Captain America’s ex-apprentice and protégé who has faced his fair share of the murky side of superhuman operations. Not only does he possess knowledge, but he has been trained to an exceptional level to lead them flawlessly. Accompanied by the “reformed” Madame Hydra, they form a powerful duo. Additionally, they are supported by some of the world’s most gifted operatives and martial artists, embarking on numerous missions to neutralize formidable adversaries such as the Red Skull and Victor Von Doom.

2024-09-25 09:33