While we wait for the New Avengers: One World Under Doom should 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 less of a fleeting event (like last year's Blood Hunt) and more of a prolonged era, akin to Dark Reign. This means the Marvel universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but with Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor and Sorcerer Supreme, even leading the Superior Avengers.

As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will include some… unexpected members. Familiar names, but with new faces:

• Abomination: This time, it's Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
• Dr. Octopus: Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but a different woman entirely.
• Ghost: Think Ant-Man… but a nameless woman.
• Killmonger: A significantly altered version of the character.
• Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
• Onslaught: His presence adds a formidable element to the team.

The Superior Avengers series, a six-issue run written by Steve Fox (known for X-Men '92: House of XCII, Dark X-Men, Dead X-Men, Spider-Woman) and illustrated by Luca Maresca (X-Men: Forever, Children of the Vault), launches this April.

This isn't a completely novel concept. Remember Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers in 2009? He replaced the Avengers with villains like Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (a false Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (a false Hawkeye), Daken (a false Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, Hydra's Avengers in Secret Empire included an unworthy Thor, a Zola-controlled Vision, a Chthon-controlled Scarlet Witch, Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster, and Black Ant.

But wait… Sorcerer Supreme? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How did Dr. Doom manage this? Let's explore the key events leading to "One World Under Doom":

Table of Contents

• Emperor Doom
• President Doom 2099
• Secret Wars
• Blood Hunt

While Emperor Doom (1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Hall is the obvious starting point, it's not necessarily required reading. Though not his first globally impactful act, it strongly embodies the concept of a Doom-ruled world. The story's strength lies in its simple yet powerful premise.

President Doom 2099

In Doom 2099, by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, a future Doom nearly conquers America. This 90s-era story features lines like, "America is the greatest threat to the planet," and "I'll save the world by protecting America," showcasing Doom's ambition and twisted logic. It's a highlight of Marvel 2099 and a prime example of Doom's historical exploits.

Secret Wars

Speaking of grand conquests, Doom's role in Jonathan Hickman's Avengers and 2015's Secret Wars is legendary. It perfectly illustrates his relentless pursuit of power and immortality, all under the guise of benevolent governance. Doom saves the day, but on his own terms, his actions—like marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—driven by personal agendas. This is arguably the best depiction of Doom wielding ultimate power.

Blood Hunt

The most crucial link to "One World Under Doom" is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. Desperate, Doctor Strange turns to Doom to combat the Darkhold-fueled vampirism. Doom agrees, but only on the condition that he becomes Sorcerer Supreme. And, surprisingly, he retains the power even after the immediate threat subsides, setting the stage for his ultimate ascension.

So, while we await the Russo/Downey Jr. vision in February, let's prepare ourselves for a world ruled by none other than Doctor Doom.