Thunderbolts

Thunderbolts refers to a fictional superhero team in the Marvel Comics universe, first introduced in the 1997 series “Thunderbolts” by writer Kurt Busiek. The team is notable for being composed primarily of reformed supervillains who pose as heroes in an effort to earn redemption or as part of a larger scheme. The central concept of the Thunderbolts is the exploration of moral ambiguity, as these characters grapple with their pasts and attempt to redefine themselves while operating under the guise of heroism.

The original lineup included characters like Baron Zemo and the Fixer, who initially tricked the public into believing they were heroes after the Avengers’ absence. Over time, the membership has varied, with numerous characters joining and leaving the team, often highlighting themes of redemption, villainy, and the complexities of heroism. The Thunderbolts have been involved in various storylines across the Marvel Universe, interacting with other superhero teams and characters, thereby reinforcing their place within the greater narrative of Marvel Comics.