Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers are bringing Doctor Doom back to the forefront! Marvel's upcoming storyline positions Doom's conquest as an extended era, akin to "Dark Reign," rather than a singular event. This means the Marvel universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but under Doom's iron fist as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and leader of the Superior Avengers.
Predictably, the Superior Avengers will feature villains, but with a twist. Familiar names will be associated with new characters:
- Abomination: Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
- Dr. Octopus: A new, unnamed woman.
- Ghost: A nameless woman, reminiscent of the Ant-Man version.
- Killmonger: A reimagined portrayal.
- Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
- Onslaught: A significant addition to the team.
The 6-issue Superior Avengers series, written by Steve Fox and illustrated by Luca Maresca, launches in April.
This isn't a novel concept; similar storylines have explored villainous Avenger iterations. Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers (2009) and Hydra's Avengers in Secret Empire both featured villainous replacements for the original team.
But how did Doom achieve this level of dominance—World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and leader of a villainous Avengers team? This guide explores the key events leading to "One World Under Doom."
Table of Contents:
- Emperor Doom
- President Doom 2099
- Secret Wars
- Blood Hunt
Emperor Doom: While Emperor Doom (1987) is a significant storyline, it's not the origin point of Doom's global dominance. The core concept, however, remains relevant: a world ruled solely by Doom.
President Doom 2099: In Doom 2099, a future Doom nearly conquers America, showcasing his ambition and ideology. His memorable lines, such as "America is the greatest threat to the planet," highlight his character.
Secret Wars (2015): This storyline exemplifies Doom's relentless pursuit of power and immortality, even if for the sake of "good governance." His actions, like marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm, and establishing Ben Grimm, are driven by his personal motivations.
Blood Hunt (2024): This event is crucial to Doom's rise. Doctor Strange enlists Doom's aid to combat a vampire invasion. Doom, in exchange for saving the world, retains the title of Sorcerer Supreme.
While we await further details from Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers, we can anticipate a Marvel universe completely reshaped under Doctor Doom's absolute rule.