With its adorable little asterisk in the title, Thunderbolts* goes further than most Marvels in its focus on psychological torment, mental health and, more broadly, a shared search for self-worth among a half-dozen also-rans who learn what it takes to be an A-team.

Populated by the schlubs of the superhero world, "Thunderbolts*" is another step in the right direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it continues extricating itself from the mess of the Multiverse Saga.