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 fleeting "event" (see last year's Blood Hunt). This means the Marvel universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but with Dr. Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and the head of the table at the Superior Avengers.
As you might have guessed, the Superior Avengers will feature villains, but with a twist. Familiar names will be donned by new characters:
- Abomination: Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and also Reed Richards' half-brother.
- Dr. Octopus: Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but another woman.
- Ghost: A nameless woman from the Ant-Man universe.
- Killmonger: A new take on the character.
- Malekith: The Black Elves are staying on Earth.
- Onslaught: Making a powerful return.
The Superior Avengers series will be a 6-issue run, written by Steve Fox (known for 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 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: the 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. Similarly, during the Secret Empire event, Hydra organized its own Avengers team featuring 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 pull off becoming Supreme Sorcerer, World Emperor, and lead the Dark and Superior Avengers? In this guide, I'll cover the stepping stones that led to the creation of 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 Emperor Doom by David Michelinie and Bob Hall from 1987 might be the first comic that comes to mind, you probably won't need to read it. Although Doom's theft of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 isn't the first instance of him mastering something on a global scale, Emperor Doom best embodies the idea of a single world ruled by Doom. The story's strength lies in its straightforward and powerful premise.
President Doom 2099
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When discussing eras where Doom ruled the globe, Doom 2099 by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick showcases a future where Doom nearly conquers America. With iconic lines like "America is the greatest threat to the planet" and "I'll save the world by protecting America," this series is not only a highlight of Marvel 2099 but also an excellent representation of Doom's finest exploits throughout history.
Secret Wars
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Speaking of Doom's greatest conquests, what is an emperor or president to a God-Emperor? Fans of the best in Marvel will always point to Doom's role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's The Avengers, and the events of 2015's Secret Wars. This event is the pinnacle of Doom's never-ending pursuit of immortality and power, all 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 driven by his 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 paving the way 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 final attempt to reverse the trend. Doom insists that until the world is saved, he must be given the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to use the magic Stephen needs. Surprisingly, Doom retains his Sorcerer Supreme power because Dr. Strange agrees 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 dynamic duo of Russo and Downey Jr. in February, let's dive into a world that belongs to none other than Doom alone.
