Thunderbolts #1 (2023)

With no heroes to stand in their way, crime groups like the Rat Pack_(Earth-616)) begin to prey on the city unchallenged. They steal valuable property from the homes destroyed by the Sentinel attack, even stealing from the bodies of the deceased, and are under orders by their employer to bring him living captives for his experiments. However, their spree is interrupted by the arrival of a new superhero team, the Thunderbolts), led by Citizen V.

The team — Citizen V, Atlas, Mach-1, Meteorite, Songbird, and Techno — takes down the Rat Pack, despite the criminals’ military training. Although the Rat Pack manages to escape, the Thunderbolts leave a strong impression, and Dallas Riordan from the mayor’s office is pleased about the arrival of the new heroes.

Back at their run-down headquarters, tensions arise among the team. Techno grumbles about their poor accommodations, while Meteorite notices a budding connection between Mach-1 and Songbird after their teamwork in the fight. Atlas voices frustration to Meteorite about Techno’s disregard for Citizen V’s orders during the battle.

Soon after, the Thunderbolts face the press. Citizen V insists they’re not trying to replace the Avengers, but that they’re here to protect the city under the motto “Justice, like Lightning!” When news comes in of the Rat Pack’s return, the Thunderbolts rush to confront them, only to find themselves ambushed by the Wrecking Crew at the Statue of Liberty. A fierce battle unfolds, but the Thunderbolts emerge victorious and even repair the statue’s damage. Dallas Riordan personally thanks the team, particularly catching Atlas’s attention.

Afterwards, the media quickly embraces the Thunderbolts, and established heroes like Spider-Man and the New Warriors commend them as well. However, the public is unaware of the truth: under the mask of Citizen V is none other than Baron Helmut Zemo), and the Thunderbolts are actually the Masters of Evil in disguise: Beetle), Fixer), Goliath), Moonstone) and Screaming Mimi).