MCU Missed Out on a Thunderbolt Even Stronger Than Sentry!

by

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*.

Although the initial lineup for the debut of the team known as Thunderbolts* is impressive, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia since one character from the comics who is exceptionally powerful, perhaps even more so than Sentry, was not included. This would have taken the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) story to uncharted, exhilarating heights. The conclusion of Phase 5 was marked by the explosive Thunderbolts*, signaling the end of this chapter in the MCU timeline in a memorable and distinctive manner. However, the MCU film could have taken an even more extraordinary turn if it had explored other avenues for increased absurdity.

The series “Thunderbolts” seems to pull from various aspects of its extensive comic book background, while maintaining close connections to its original content without being a direct copy. However, it deliberately avoided adapting one of the most prominent storylines in the Thunderbolts canon, which is associated with a key character. Considering the broader context, this choice is difficult to dispute.

Thunderbolts*’s Team Is Solid, But Misses Many Of The Comic’s Most Powerful Members

The Thunderbolts squad boasts a group of truly captivating members. The Thunderbolts cast encompasses a variety of characters that haven’t graced our screens for quite some time, coupled with well-known figures such as Yelena and Bucky Barnes, who have been more prevalent in recent times but are now given the main stage in a narrative that primarily focuses on them rather than previous productions. It should be noted, however, that Thunderbolts also delves into an interesting aspect of its team composition: it is predominantly composed of super-soldiers and assassins.

Given the extensive roster of characters that my team has had in its comic history, it’s quite intriguing. Considering they debuted back in 1997 in the comics, they’ve had ample time to establish such a diverse lineup compared to the MCU. However, the interesting choices still stand out, especially since the team transitioned from being known as the Thunderbolts to the New Avengers, as shown in the ending of the Thunderbolts movie, where Valentina bestowed the title upon them.

As a fan, I’ve always appreciated the dynamic of the Thunderbolts group, a team that’s seen powerhouses like America Chavez and Monica Rambeau in action. Both these characters, already well-established in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), bring an incredible punch to any team they join due to their extraordinary abilities.

Intriguingly, there are other powerful characters yet to make their MCU debut, but who have connections to notable figures. For instance, Persuasion, the daughter of the Purple Man, and Victor Alvarez, the successor of Power Man, played significant roles in the Thunderbolts team during the 2022 comic run. These characters could potentially add a fresh and exciting dimension to the MCU if introduced correctly.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, let me share my thoughts: One member of the Thunderbolts stands out as an unparalleled comic force, making the other heroes seem almost subdued in comparison. This might be why they were absent from the team’s initial MCU movie appearance, which I must admit left me feeling a tad disappointed. Imagine the intrigue and excitement their inclusion would have brought to the franchise, not just for that movie but also for its future installments!

The MCU Made It Essentially Impossible For Thunderbolts* To Not Dodge One Of The Team’s Strongest-Ever Heroes

During the Thunderbolts comic series from 2016-2017, the group inadvertently acquires a new member named Kobik who significantly boosts their collective power. Being a sentient embodiment of a Cosmic Cube, Kobik wields immense and transformative powers over the universe. However, her childlike demeanor raises concerns because she’s unaware of the gravity of her abilities or the importance of using them responsibly.

Concerned about SHIELD’s intentions for such a potent character, the Thunderbolts led by Bucky aim to conceal Kobik from those who wish to exploit her as a weapon. However, they fail to keep her safe for an extended period. The foundation of this narrative was initially set with the introduction of the Tesseract and the vague idea of Cosmic Cubes within the MCU. This could have also expanded several significant storylines, given Kobik’s tale mirrors Bucky’s experience as Winter Soldier, as well as Yelena, Ghost, and Taskmaster’s upbringings. Regrettably, these possibilities were not realized.

In simpler terms, the plot of Thunderbolts revolves around a team of ordinary heroes facing an extremely powerful enemy known as The Void. However, if Kobik, a significant character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was involved, this storyline wouldn’t have worked effectively. Given Kobik’s importance to the MCU and her potential connections to numerous major storylines, it seems likely that there wasn’t enough time in the movie to explore such a crucial figure, despite the intriguing narrative possibilities she could have offered for the Thunderbolts franchise.

I Think Thunderbolts* Was Right To Not Introduce Kobik, But The Character Is Still A Concept I Think The MCU Could Nail

Personally, I believe the creators of “Thunderbolts” made a shrewd decision by leaving out Kobik in this film adaptation. While she is a significant character in the comics, introducing her might have complicated matters unnecessarily in the movie’s narrative. Even if they had found a way to keep her in the background, her divine powers could have overshadowed the central themes and power dynamics that the story relies on. As a die-hard Marvel fan, I think this decision allowed for a more focused and engaging film experience.

Although incorporating Kobik into the Thunderbolts story might not have been essential, it would have added an extra layer of excitement due to her unpredictable nature and significant impact on major Marvel storylines. So, here’s hoping that the MCU will eventually introduce Kobik in future installments, given her important role in some iconic Marvel narratives that could translate well into their adaptations.

By introducing a new character similar to Kobik, the MCU has a foundation to develop such a storyline further. This character not only has the potential to display one of the franchise’s strongest characters but also emphasize why other characters generally don’t surpass a certain power level. Additionally, this could enhance the significance of Bucky’s future in the MCU. Although Thunderbolts might not bring Kobik into the universe immediately, her potential contribution to the franchise is substantial.

Read More

2025-05-03 20:58