Thunderbolts Prelude

Marvel’s Thunderbolts Prelude (1997) is a single-issue comic from the late 1990s that sets the stage for the team’s ongoing series. Written by Peter David with art by Mike Deodato Jr., it offers a quick, self-contained introduction to the concept of villains masquerading as heroes. While brief, this issue matters as a direct lead-in to one of Marvel’s most subversive team concepts, establishing the tone and moral ambiguity that would define the Thunderbolts for years to come.