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 less of a fleeting event (like last year's Blood Hunt) and more of a prolonged era, similar to Dark Reign. This means the Marvel universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but with Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor and Sorcerer Supreme, even leading the Superior Avengers.
As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will include some… unexpected members. Familiar names, but with new faces:
- Abomination: This time, it's Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
- Dr. Octopus: Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but a different woman entirely.
- Ghost: Think Ant-Man's Ghost… but a nameless woman.
- Killmonger: A new take on the classic villain.
- Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
- Onslaught: The powerful villain joins the ranks.
The Superior Avengers series, a six-issue run written 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), launches this April.
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This isn't a completely new concept. Remember Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers in 2009? He replaced the Avengers with villains like Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (a false Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (a false Hawkeye), Daken (a false Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, Hydra's Avengers in Secret Empire included an unworthy Thor, a Zola-controlled Vision, a Chthon-controlled Scarlet Witch, Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster, and Black Ant.
But wait… Sorcerer Supreme? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How did Dr. Doom pull this off? Let's explore the events leading to "One World Under Doom."
Table of Contents
- Emperor Doom
- President Doom 2099
- Secret Wars
- Blood Hunt
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While Emperor Doom (1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Hall is a classic, it's not the only example of Doom's global dominance. This graphic novel showcases Doom's seizure of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power (Fantastic Four #57), but Emperor Doom best exemplifies a world ruled by Doom. The simple, powerful premise is the story's strength.
President Doom 2099
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In Doom 2099, by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, a future Doom nearly conquers America. This 90s-era story features lines like, "America is the greatest threat to the planet," and "I'll save the world by protecting America." It's a highlight of Marvel 2099 and showcases Doom's ambition.
Secret Wars
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Doom's role in Jonathan Hickman's Avengers and 2015's Secret Wars are essential. This arc exemplifies his relentless pursuit of power and immortality, all in the name of (his version of) good governance. He saves the day, but on his own terms—marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—driven by personal agendas. This is a prime example of Doom's potential with ultimate power.
Blood Hunt
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The Blood Hunt (2024) event by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz is crucial. Dr. Strange turns to Doom to stop a vampire invasion fueled by the Darkhold. Doom accepts, becoming Sorcerer Supreme. Even after the crisis, Strange agrees Doom retains the title, believing the world isn't fully saved.
So, while we await the Russo/Downey Jr. vision in February, let's explore a world under Doom's absolute rule.
