During the Marvel Comics event Blood Hunt, Stephen Strange made a deal with Doctor Doom that allowed the latter to become Sorcerer Supreme and save the world. The agreement was that Victor von Doom would return the title and everything that comes with it after he saved the world. Although that didn't happen, Doom technically didn’t lie because he wasn't done saving the world.
As he said, “Doom does nothing halfway.” And with that, the new Sorcerer Supreme set out to accomplish his goal.
One World Under Doom creative team
- Writer: Ryan North
- Artist: R.B. Silva
- Color artist: David Curiel
For months, Latveria was cut off from the rest of the world in a magical bubble. No one knew what he was doing inside, but it was assumed that it couldn’t be good. During the newest Marvel Comics event One World Under Doom, we get a glimpse at what that is. Victor addresses everyone worldwide to say that he's assumed control of the world's nations. The best part is, so far, he did it the right way and doing a great job.
"Doom is above money. Doom is above desire. Doom is above all. And in his magnanimity, in his pity, in his greatness, Doom will save you."
Victor tells everyone that the world’s leaders “willingly swore fealty” to him and that the people in charge would keep their jobs, but Doom’s new world laws must be enforced. Among the new rules was true universal healthcare worldwide, war was outlawed, and everyone was a member of the world. The latter means that borders no longer exist since we all live under (what’s now called) Pax Victoris.
As predicted, The Avengers, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and other heroes don’t believe Doom. Why would they? Victor has been one of their fiercest enemies. Why would he change now? While readers know that Victor is up to something, Doctor Doom did start start his rule by killing two Nazis (Red Skull and Baron Zemo), destroying Hydra, and promising healthcare for everyone. Even if it's the same person who's tormented Marvel's First Family for decades, Doom has been committing to the idea of making the world a better place.
The issue ends with the Avengers playing into the hands of Victor. As Hydra is about to kill innocent people, Doctor Doom swoops in like a knight (except his riding a Doom T-Rex instead of a horse) and kills every Hydra agent trying to murder civilians. After he’s done, a woman holding a baby reaches up to take Victor’s hand and says only Doom can save everyone. You couldn’t pay for better publicity.
Not only does Victor look like the savior we’ve always wanted, but he made his enemies look bad in the process. This is only the first issue of One World Under Doom by writer Ryan North (Fantastic Four) and artist R.B. Silva (Powers of X). Trust me when I say, that things are going to get worse for the heroes long before they get better. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out how.
What’s next for Doctor Doom in this Marvel Comics event? Do you think he's the leader the world needs? Let us know on our social media sites Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.