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, than an "event" (see last year's Blood Hunt), meaning the Marvel universe will continue for most of 2025, but with Doom as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and head of the table at Superior Avengers.
As you can easily guess, the Superior Avengers will include villains. But not the usual versions of them; familiar names will be worn by new characters:
- Abomination: Here it's Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and also Reed Richards' half-brother.
- Dr. Octopus: Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but some other woman.
- Ghost: As in Ant-Man. A nameless woman.
- Killmonger: Not as usual.
- Malekith! Black Elves are staying on Earth.
- Onslaught.
The Superior Avengers series will be a 6-issue series, written by Steve Fox (X-Men '92: House of XCII, Dark X-Men, Dead X-Men, Spider-Woman), with art by Luca Maresca (X-Men: Forever, Children of the Vault). It's launching in April.
Image: ensigame.com
The idea isn't a new one. For example, in Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn already replaced the Avengers with sub-villains back in 2009: the first lineup included Iron Patriot, Scorpion (pretending to be Spider-Man), Moonstone (false Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (false Hawkeye), Daken (false Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares.
Or in the Secret Empire event, Hydra also organized its Avengers: the unworthy Thor, Vision (controlled by Arnim Zola), Scarlet Witch (controlled by Chthon), Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster, and Black Ant.
Wait a minute... Supreme Sorcerer? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How did Dr. Doom manage to do that! In this guide, I'm going to cover how One World Under Doom was created (the stepping stones to the event) to keep you up to date.
Table of Contents:
- Emperor Doom
- President Doom 2099
- Secret Wars
- Blood Hunt
Emperor Doom
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Although it's the first comic book that springs to mind, I doubt you'll need to read this 1987 graphic novel by David Michelinie and Bob Hall. Although Dr. Doom's theft of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 is not the first instance of Doom mastering something on a global scale, Emperor Doom best embodies the idea of a single world ruled by Doom.
The piece's primary strength is its straightforward and powerful premise.
President Doom 2099
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Speaking of eras when Doom ruled the globe, in Doom 2099, the future Doom nearly conquered America. In this series by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, the rad as hell 90's Doom 2099 rips off lines like "America is the greatest threat to the planet."
"I'll save the world by protecting America." It's the highlight of Marvel 2099 in my opinion, but it's also an excellent representation of Doom's finest exploits throughout history.
Secret Wars
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Was "greatest conquests" mentioned? To the God-Emperor, what is an emperor or president? Fans of the best in Marvel will always recommend Doom's role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's The Avengers, and the events of 2015's Secret Wars. It's also the best example of Doom's never-ending pursuit of immortality and power in the name of good governance in the modern era.
Naturally, Doom saved everything in his own name, and his decisions—such as marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—were motivated by his own unresolved grievances. This is by far my favorite story about what Doom would do if he had all of the Marvel universe's godpower.
Blood Hunt
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The most significant continuity element forming the path to One World Under Doom is the Vampire Invasion 2024 event from Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom in a final attempt to reverse the trend and rid the world of vampirism fueled by the Darkhold.
As Doom, he maintains that until the world is saved, Doom must be given the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme in order to use the magic that Stephen needs. You won't believe it, but Doom keeps his Sorcerer Supreme power because Dr. Strange concurs that the world hasn't been saved as thoroughly as it could be.
So while we wait for concepts, ideas, and a finished script from the tandem of Russo and Downey Jr. in February, let's dive into a world that belongs to none other than Doom alone.
