New Avengers: One World Under Doom to Astonish Fans

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 one-off "event" (think last year's Blood Hunt). This means the Marvel Universe will continue throughout most of 2025, but with a twist: Doom as the World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and the head of the table at 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: Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and also Reed Richards' half-brother.
• Dr. Octopus: Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but another woman.
• Ghost: From Ant-Man, a nameless woman.
• Killmonger: Not the usual version.
• Malekith: Black Elves will stay on Earth.
• Onslaught.

The Superior Avengers series will be a 6-issue run, penned 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). It's set to launch in April.

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The concept isn't entirely new. For instance, in Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn replaced the Avengers with sub-villains back in 2009, including Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (as a faux Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (as a fake Hawkeye), Daken (as a false Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, during the Secret Empire event, Hydra organized its own Avengers team, featuring the unworthy Thor, Vision (under Arnim Zola's control), Scarlet Witch (under Chthon's influence), Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster, and Black Ant.

Wait a minute... Supreme Sorcerer? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How did Dr. Doom manage to pull this off? In this guide, I'll cover the stepping stones to the event, "One World Under Doom," to keep you up to date.

Table of Contents:

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

Emperor Doom

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While the 1987 graphic novel by David Michelinie and Bob Hall might be the first that comes to mind, you likely won't need to read it. Although Doom's theft of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 wasn't his first global-scale conquest, Emperor Doom best encapsulates the idea of a world ruled by Doom. The story's strength lies in its straightforward and powerful premise.

President Doom 2099

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Speaking of eras when Doom ruled the world, in Doom 2099, the future Doom nearly conquered America. In this series by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, the rad-as-hell 90's Doom 2099 delivers lines like "America is the greatest threat to the planet." "I'll save the world by protecting America." This is a highlight of Marvel 2099 and an excellent representation of Doom's finest exploits.

Secret Wars

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Did someone mention "greatest conquests"? To the God-Emperor, what's an emperor or president? Fans of Marvel's best will always recommend Doom's role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's The Avengers, and the 2015 Secret Wars. It's the ultimate showcase of Doom's endless pursuit of immortality and power in the name of good governance in the modern era. Naturally, Doom saved everything in his name, and his actions—such as marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—were driven by his unresolved grievances. This is, by far, my favorite story about what Doom would do if he had all the godpower of the Marvel Universe.

Blood Hunt

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The most significant continuity element paving the way to "One World Under Doom" is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. When Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom in a last-ditch effort to reverse the vampire surge fueled by the Darkhold, Doom insists that until the world is saved, he must be given the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to wield the magic Stephen needs. Surprisingly, Doom retains the Sorcerer Supreme power because Dr. Strange agrees that the world hasn't been saved as thoroughly as it could be.

So, as we await concepts, ideas, and a finished script from the duo of Russo and Downey Jr. in February, let's dive into a world that belongs to none other than Doom alone.