The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team that first appeared in 1996, conceived as a group of former villains disguised as heroes to win public trust. Over time, the roster has evolved, with members oscillating between redemption, relapses, and leadership roles. Originally introduced during the “Heroes Reborn” storyline, the Thunderbolts became a fixture of Marvel’s wider conflict arcs, tackling themes of atonement, government oversight, and what it means to be a hero. This profile explains the team’s origins, lineups, notable missions, and how their legacy compares to better-established groups like the Avengers.
