Today sees the release of THUNDERBOLTS #12, wrapping up our “Return of the Masters” 3-parter as the series heads into SECRET EMPIRE, Marvel’s big summer event. I’m not sure if Thunderbolts will return after Secret Empire or not, so I penned this letter for the back of the issue and wanted to share it here, just in case:

Hey Gang,

Thank you for joining us on this new-but-also-old school run of Thunderbolts! As my first monthly Marvel superhero series, it holds a very special place in my heart.

Right from the start when I was brought on board I knew that Bucky and Kobik’s story from Avengers Standoff would eventually lead to Secret Empire, but building the bridge between those two events as a fun and frantic story that stood on its own was an absolute blast each and every month. Our creative team (Jon Malin, Matt Yackey, and Joe Sabino, with Sean Izaakse in to pinch hit for a couple issues too) delivered their best and it really showed in every messed-up mission and sarcastic quip. From plot to printed page, it was a really fun ride.

Deep thanks to Tom Brevoort and Alanna Smith for entrusting me with this fan favorite series. I enjoyed reading Thunderbolts when it first hit the stands 20 years ago, and now, being a small part of the team’s legacy makes it even more incredible.

Where do we go from here? Well, Secret Empire, of course! Hydra’s greatest machinations are fulfilled and everyone in the Marvel Universe will be tested in ways you’ve never imagined. The ramifications of Secret Empire will reverberate for many years to come, especially with our team of criminals trying to be heroes except when they’re not.

What happens after that? I can’t say for certain. There are all kinds of wonderful plans still being percolated as I type this, and I’m hopeful we’ll see more of Justice, Like Lightning in one form or another before too long. (After all, we can’t just leave Songbird, Ghost, and Jolt out in the cold, can we? 🙂 )

In any case, please know that your support and excitement for this series has meant the world to me and that, on behalf of our whole creative team, we look forward to entertaining you again, whether that’s here or somewhere else in the mighty Marvel Universe.

Make Mine Moonstone!

Jim Zub

March 20, 2017

If you’ve enjoyed the work I’ve done on THUNDERBOLTS and want the series to continue in the Fall, please send an email to MHEROES@MARVEL.COM and let Marvel know!