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 and more of a prolonged era, akin to Dark Reign, rather than something like last year's Blood Hunt. This means the Marvel universe will continue largely as normal throughout most of 2025, but with Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor and Sorcerer Supreme, even heading the Superior Avengers.
As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will feature some familiar villainous faces, albeit with a twist. These won't be the villains we know and love; instead, familiar names will be donned by new characters:
Abomination: This time around, 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 significantly altered version of the character. Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth. Onslaught: The classic villain makes an appearance.
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.
This isn't a completely novel concept. Remember Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers in 2009? He replaced the Avengers with villainous stand-ins, including Iron Patriot, Scorpion (masquerading 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 the Secret Empire event featured 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? This guide will explore the events leading up to One World Under Doom, bringing you up to speed on Doom's rise to power.
Table of Contents
- Emperor Doom
- President Doom 2099
- Secret Wars
- Blood Hunt
While Emperor Doom (1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Hall might be the first comic that comes to mind, it's not essential reading for understanding this storyline. Although Dr. Doom's acquisition of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 wasn't his first global power grab, Emperor Doom perfectly encapsulates the idea of a world ruled solely by Doom. The story's strength lies in its simple yet powerful premise.
President Doom 2099
Speaking of eras of Doom's global dominance, Doom 2099 by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick depicts a future where Doom nearly conquers America. This 90s-era Doom delivers 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 one of Doom's most memorable historical achievements.
Secret Wars
Mentioning "greatest conquests"? For a God-Emperor, what's an emperor or president? Fans of Marvel will point to Doom's role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's Avengers, and the 2015 Secret Wars event. This showcases Doom's relentless pursuit of immortality and power, all under the guise of benevolent governance. Doom, naturally, saves the day in his own way, with decisions—like marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—driven by his personal motivations. This is arguably the best example of what Doom would do with godlike power over the Marvel universe.
Blood Hunt
The most crucial continuity element leading to One World Under Doom is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom as a last resort to stop the Darkhold-fueled vampire plague. Doom, naturally, demands the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to wield the necessary magic. And, surprisingly, he keeps it, with Dr. Strange agreeing the world isn't yet completely saved.
So, while we eagerly await the Russo/Downey Jr. collaboration's vision in February, let's explore a world under the absolute rule of Doom.
