New Year, New Me: Marvel characters that switched sides
By Mark Lynch
Victor Von Doom
Victor Von Doom is possibly the greatest villain in Marvel Comics history. While he spent most his time battling the Fantastic Four, Doom did go up against other heroes. And everyone knew one thing; you NEVER underestimate Victor Von Doom. Most recently in Secret Wars, Doom accomplished something other villains cannot claim. He lorded over the entire multiverse. Eventually Doom was defeated by Reed Richards (big surprise). After this defeat, Doom came to realize that being a villain for so long was wrong.
After the world returned to normal, Doom dedicated his life redeeming himself in the eyes of others. He no longer wanted to rule the world, he wanted to help it grow. He started by helping Tony Stark defeat Madam Masque when she developed mystical powers. After Tony Stark was in a coma, Doom took on the Iron Man persona. Doom is responsible for the largest capture of super-powered villains ever. Doom is currently still a hero and helping Riri Williams locate Tony Stark.
Ultimate Reed Richards
We know the story of how the Fantastic Four got their powers. In most realities, an experiment gone wrong infused their bodies with all sorts of energy that gave them their amazing powers. Turning the once adventurers into some of Marvel’s greatest heroes. Ultimate Reed Richards is no different. Except, this Reed Richards kept getting smarter. Like his body, his mind kept expanding. As time went on, Reed started to see the world as a mess and it disappointed him. The world was a greedy place and it made him sad. So, Reed set out to find a new world. But, unfortunately, he needed to destroy his world first.
As the phrase goes, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The idea of science being used in evil hands and not for good drove Reed insane. Reed decided to find a new world and start from scratch. But instead of trying to find a peaceful way to do this, Reed killed his family and attempted to kill everyone who could stop him. Reed Richards, now called “The Maker” is currently in the 616 Universe and still an evil genius. Possibly the most dangerous person in the universe.