New Avengers: One World Under Doom to Blow Your Mind

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 typical "event" (think last year's Blood Hunt). This means the Marvel universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but with Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and leading the Superior Avengers.

As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will feature villains, but with a twist: familiar names will be donned 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 another woman.
• Ghost: As seen in Ant-Man, portrayed by a nameless woman.
• Killmonger: A different take on the character.
• Malekith: The Black Elves are staying on Earth.
• Onslaught: A powerful addition to the team.

The Superior Avengers series will span six issues, penned 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). The series is set to launch in April.

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This concept isn't new. For instance, in Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn replaced the Avengers with villains back in 2009, including Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (as Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (as Hawkeye), Daken (as Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, during the Secret Empire event, Hydra formed 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.

Now, let's explore how Dr. Doom managed to ascend to such heights, creating One World Under Doom. Here's a detailed look at the stepping stones that led to this monumental event:

Emperor Doom

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While Emperor Doom (1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Hall might come to mind, it's not essential reading. However, Doom's theft of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 showcases his early attempts at global domination. Emperor Doom embodies the idea of a single world ruled by Doom, with its straightforward and powerful premise being its main strength.

President Doom 2099

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In Doom 2099, written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Pat Broderick, Doom nearly conquers America. His iconic lines like "America is the greatest threat to the planet" and "I'll save the world by protecting America" highlight his grandiose ambitions. This series is a standout in the Marvel 2099 line and a prime example of Doom's historical conquests.

Secret Wars

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When discussing Doom's greatest conquests, we can't overlook Secret Wars (2015). As God-Emperor Doom, he showcases his relentless pursuit of power and immortality, all in the name of good governance. His actions, such as marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and making Ben Grimm the Wall, stem from his unresolved grievances. This storyline is a favorite for illustrating what Doom would do with ultimate power.

Blood Hunt

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The most significant continuity element leading to One World Under Doom is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event, Blood Hunt, by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. When vampirism threatens the world, Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom for help. Doom insists on becoming Sorcerer Supreme to wield the necessary magic, and even after the crisis, he retains the title with Dr. Strange's reluctant agreement.

As we await further developments from Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers in February, let's delve into a world that belongs entirely to Doom.