The Thunderbolts, a fascinating team within the Marvel universe, have a rich and complex roster that has evolved over time. They are not your typical heroic group; instead, they often consist of reformed criminals, anti - heroes, and those with a checkered past, all coming together to undertake missions that require a different set of skills and a willingness to operate on the fringes.
Comic - Book Origins and Roster
The Original Line - up
The Thunderbolts first emerged in the comics after many of Earth's heroes seemingly perished in the battle against the psionic entity Onslaught. Helmut Zemo, the Nazi - raised Baron Zemo, saw this as an opportunity. He formed the team, initially with the intention of using them to further his own plans of world domination. Disguised as "Citizen V," he recruited a group of criminals.
- Techno (Fixer): Paul Norbert Ebersol, a genius criminal inventor. He brought his technological prowess to the team, using his skills to create advanced gadgets and weapons that aided the Thunderbolts in their early missions. His intelligence and resourcefulness were key in their operations, whether it was devising escape plans or building devices to counteract threats.
- Songbird: Melissa Gold, a cybernetically - enhanced wrestler formerly known as Screaming Mimi. Her sonic - based powers were a force to be reckoned with. She could project powerful sound waves that could stun enemies, create force fields, or even cause structural damage. As the team evolved, her character also underwent a transformation, becoming more heroic and an integral part of the Thunderbolts' identity.
- Mach - V (formerly the Beetle, then Mach - 1): Abner Jenkins, a master mechanic. His suit, which he continuously upgraded, provided him with enhanced strength, flight capabilities, and an array of offensive weapons. He was a crucial combatant in the team, often using his suit's versatility to engage in battles against various threats, from supervillains to alien invaders.
- Atlas: Erik Josten, a career criminal and army veteran. Atlas possessed superhuman strength, which made him a valuable asset in physical confrontations. He could lift extremely heavy objects, withstand powerful attacks, and was a key player in close - quarters combat situations.
- Moonstone (Meteorite): Karla Sofen, a manipulative psychologist. Her powers included enhanced strength, durability, and the ability to project energy blasts. She was also a master of psychological warfare, using her skills to manipulate enemies and gain the upper hand in battles.
Subsequent Iterations
Over the years, the Thunderbolts' roster has seen numerous changes.
- The New Thunderbolts: Alongside Songbird and Atlas, Jenkins formed the New Thunderbolts. This iteration added Donnie Gill (Blizzard), who could generate and control extreme cold, creating ice constructs and freezing his opponents. Genis - Vell (Captain Marvel, later known as Photon) joined the team, bringing his cosmic - based powers, such as energy projection and flight. Janice Yanizewski (Joystick) had the ability to manipulate machinery and technology with her mind, while Chen Lu (the Radioactive Man) possessed radioactive powers that made him a powerful, yet volatile, member.
- Norman Osborn's Team: After the Civil War event in the comics, former Green Goblin Norman Osborn led a version of the Thunderbolts. The team was tasked with enforcing the Superhuman Registration Act. Moonstone became the field leader, and the team included Bullseye, a deadly marksman; Penance, a guilt - ridden hero seeking redemption; Radioactive Man; Swordsman; Songbird; and Venom. This group was a complex mix of villains trying to find a new path, but their loyalties were often tested.
- H.A.M.M.E.R.'s Thunderbolts: Osborn's team took a dark turn. They turned on Songbird due to moral differences. Osborn then created a new Thunderbolts roster to act as assassins for H.A.M.M.E.R., the security agency he led that replaced S.H.I.E.L.D. after the Skrull invasion. This team included Scourge (Nuke) as the field leader, Eric O'Grady (Ant - Man), Black Widow II, Ghost, Grizzly, Headsman, Mister X, and Paladin.
- Luke Cage's Team: After Osborn ordered the Thunderbolts to steal Odin's spear and they were captured by the Mighty Avengers, Luke Cage, with Captain Steve Rogers' blessing, reformed the team. The team included criminals from the Raft, such as Ghost, Moonstone, Juggernaut, Crossbones, and Man - Thing. This version of the Thunderbolts faced unique challenges, including battles against Asgardian trolls.
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Roster
Winter Soldier (James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes)
Bucky Barnes has a long and tragic history. A childhood friend of Steve Rogers, he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. Captured by Arnim Zola, he was experimented on and gained super - soldier abilities. After falling from a train during a mission, he was thought dead but was actually captured by Hydra. They turned him into the elite assassin known as the Winter Soldier, brainwashing him and using him for decades to carry out their dark deeds. In the MCU, after Hydra's fall, he went into hiding. He was later framed for the bombing of the Vienna International Centre, sparking the Avengers Civil War. Eventually, he found some peace in Wakanda and overcame his mental conditioning. He joined the Thunderbolts, perhaps as a way to continue making amends for his past actions as the Winter Soldier. His super - soldier strength, combat skills, and the cybernetic arm that gives him enhanced abilities make him a formidable member of the team.
Yelena Belova
Yelena Belova is a former member of the Black Widows, having been under the control of Dreykov. In 1992, she was part of a mission in Mount Vernon, Ohio, posing as the daughter of Melina Vostokoff and Alexei Shostakov. After the mission, she was taken to the Red Room and subjected to mind control until 2016 when she was freed using red dust. She reconnected with her adoptive sister Natasha Romanoff and worked to kill Dreykov and destroy the Red Room academy. After the snap, she was resurrected and discovered Natasha's death. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine assigned her to kill Clint Barton, believing him responsible for Romanoff's death. Although she later reconciled with Barton, her skills as a highly trained assassin, including her combat expertise, espionage skills, and proficiency with a variety of weapons, make her a valuable addition to the Thunderbolts.
U.S. Agent (Jonathan F. "John" Walker)
John Walker was a highly decorated former captain of the United States Army's 75th Rangers Regiment who served in Afghanistan. In 2024, he was chosen to succeed Steve Rogers as the second Captain America. However, during the Flag Smashers' political ultimatum, he came into conflict with Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson. After a failed attempt to capture the Flag Smashers and some controversial actions, he was publicly stripped of his title of "Captain America" by Congress. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, seeing his value as a super - soldier, approached him. She outfitted him with a new suit and gave him the moniker "U.S. Agent." His super - soldier serum - enhanced strength, speed, and combat training make him a key combatant for the Thunderbolts, and his military background gives him leadership skills that can be utilized in their missions.
Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov)
Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, was Russia's equivalent of Captain America during the Cold War. He was married to Melina Vostokoff, and they, along with Yelena Belova and Natasha Romanoff, formed a fake family for a mission in the United States. He has super - soldier strength, enhanced durability, and combat skills. After being imprisoned for years, he was freed and reunited with his "family." His experience and physical abilities make him a strong addition to the Thunderbolts, bringing a sense of patriotism and a wealth of combat knowledge from his time as a Soviet super - soldier.
Ghost (Ava Starr)
Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, has the unique ability to phase through solid objects. She gained these powers due to an accident during an experiment. Her molecular instability also causes her a great deal of pain, which she constantly battles. In the MCU, she initially clashed with Scott Lang (Ant - Man) but later had a change of heart. Her phasing ability is incredibly useful for the Thunderbolts, allowing her to perform reconnaissance missions, bypass security, and even launch surprise attacks on enemies. Her tragic backstory and her desire to find a cure for her condition also drive her to be part of the team, hoping for a chance at redemption and a better life.
Taskmaster
The identity of Taskmaster in the MCU is still somewhat mysterious. In the comics, Taskmaster has the ability to instantly learn and mimic any combat technique just by watching it once. This makes them an extremely dangerous opponent, as they can counter any attack with the same or a more effective move. In the MCU, they are shown to be a highly skilled mercenary with a unique mask that conceals their identity. Their combat skills, whether it's sword - fighting, marksmanship, or hand - to - hand combat, make them a valuable asset to the Thunderbolts, providing them with a combatant who can adapt to any situation.