The first issue of Marvel's One World Under Doom begins with Victor von Doom making good on his promise to save the Earth (this happens in the final issue of Blood Hunt). Doom told everyone that the rulers of the world’s nations gave Victor control willingly. Even Wakanda accepted Victor's authority over their country. An outsider doing this is something that's never happened in Wakanda's history. All of this leads The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, The Avengers, and more to search for the truth.
So far, everything seems like it’s on the up and up. However, that won’t stop the heroes from digging further. Unfortunately, someone inside of Marvel’s First Family is on Doctor Doom’s side and it shouldn’t shock anyone that it’s the daughter of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, Valeria Richards.
In a new preview for the next installment, Marvel.com asked readers if Valeria Richards believes in her Uncle Doom or if she’ll be, “blinded by jealousy like her foolish parents.” If you know the Fantastic Four’s lore and Valeria’s relationship with her uncle, you know that either is possible.
One World Under Doom creative team
- Writer: Ryan North
- Artist: R.B. Silva
- Color artist: David Curiel
The Fantastic Four know Doom better than anyone…but he knows them just as well too.
— Marvel Comics (@MarvelComicsHQ) December 10, 2024
As the team prepares to face Doom at the United Nations, there’s only one person who can change his mind…Valeria Richards.
🎨 Variant Cover: @RB_Silva pic.twitter.com/m5mFsLI2sZ
Sometimes, Valeria seems smarter than her father. A lot of this is because she can look at things that her father thinks are abnormal or illogical (and that thought process stifles his creativity). Doom allows Valeria to embrace her genius in ways her father can’t accept or understand. It brought them closer together and it's why she trusts him. All of this suggests that Valeria could potentially be on Doom’s side. Well, that and the possible mind control.
Doom using mind-control on Valeria isn’t something you’d think Doom wouldn’t do to his niece. It’s a surefire way to ruin their relationship, hurting even Victor in a way he didn’t think possible. But that’s the beauty of this: It would change the way she looks at him and also establish Doctor Doom as a true villain in the eyes of readers.
Another possibility is Valeria is working with Reed in secret. It would seem out of nowhere since the preview shows that the Fantastic Four were blindsided by Valeria being with Doom at the United Nations. Nevertheless, it’s still possible. Valeria could have contacted Reed while they were en route to the U.N. Or maybe she’s working an angle of her own. Either way, things during One World Under Doom will certainly be interesting with more secrets and surprises on their way.
What’s next for Dr. Doom in One World Under Doom? Whose side do you think Valeria is on? Let us know on our social media sites Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.