Just when I thought I was out... Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers are pulling me back in! If Marvel is to be believed, Doom's conquest will be more of an era, like Dark Reign, rather than a traditional "event" (think last year's Blood Hunt). This means the Marvel Universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but with Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and the leader of the Superior Avengers.
As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will feature villains, but with a twist: familiar names will be worn by new characters:
- Abomination: Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and also Reed Richards' half-brother.
- Dr. Octopus: A new woman, not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus).
- Ghost: A nameless woman from Ant-Man.
- Killmonger: A new take on the character.
- Malekith: The Black Elves are staying on Earth.
- Onslaught: A formidable addition to the team.
The Superior Avengers series will be a 6-issue run, penned by Steve Fox (known for X-Men '92: House of XCII, Dark X-Men, Dead X-Men, Spider-Woman) and illustrated by Luca Maresca (X-Men: Forever, Children of the Vault). It's set to launch in April.
Image: ensigame.com
The concept isn't entirely new. For instance, in Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn replaced the Avengers with sub-villains back in 2009, featuring characters like Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (as a false Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (as a false Hawkeye), Daken (as a false Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, during the Secret Empire event, Hydra organized its own Avengers, including the unworthy Thor, Vision (controlled by Arnim Zola), Scarlet Witch (controlled by Chthon), Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster, and Black Ant.
But how did Dr. Doom manage to achieve such power? Let's explore the stepping stones that led to One World Under Doom to keep you up to date.
Table of Contents:
- Emperor Doom
- President Doom 2099
- Secret Wars
- Blood Hunt
Emperor Doom
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While the 1987 graphic novel by David Michelinie and Bob Hall might come to mind, you likely won't need to read it. Although Doom's theft of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 wasn't his first global-scale endeavor, Emperor Doom perfectly encapsulates the idea of a world ruled by Doom. The story's strength lies in its straightforward and powerful premise.
President Doom 2099
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In Doom 2099, written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Pat Broderick, the future Doom nearly conquers America. With lines like "America is the greatest threat to the planet" and "I'll save the world by protecting America," this series is a highlight of Marvel 2099 and a prime example of Doom's grandest exploits.
Secret Wars
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When discussing Doom's greatest conquests, what is an emperor or president to a God-Emperor? Fans of Marvel's best will always point to Doom's role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's The Avengers, and the 2015 Secret Wars event. This story showcases Doom's relentless pursuit of immortality and power, all in the name of good governance. In Secret Wars, Doom saves everything in his own name, making decisions like marrying Sue Storm, turning Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall, all driven by his unresolved grievances. This is my favorite depiction of what Doom would do with the godpower of the entire Marvel Universe.
Blood Hunt
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The most significant continuity element leading to One World Under Doom is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event from Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. As vampirism fueled by the Darkhold spreads, Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom in a last-ditch effort to reverse the trend. Doom insists that he must be granted the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to wield the necessary magic, and Stephen agrees. Surprisingly, Doom retains his Sorcerer Supreme powers because Dr. Strange believes the world hasn't been saved as thoroughly as it could be.
As we await concepts, ideas, and a finished script from Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers in February, let's dive into a world that belongs to none other than Doom alone.
