The release of One World Under Doom #9, written by Ryan North, brings the end of the Marvel event of the same name. One World Under Doom saw Earth under the rule of Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Doom, with the planet’s heroes powerless to stop him. What made things even more difficult for the heroes was how popular the rule of Doctor Doom was, with many people experiencing an improvement in their lives.
Spoilers ahead for One World Under Doom #9
In One World Under Doom #6, Scarlet Witch, Invisible Woman, and Black Widow had revealed that the Doom’s benevloent dictatorship was not benevolent at all. In fact, Doom had been siphoning the lives of a million people secretly to power his magic. This act began the final act of an assault on Doom, spearheaded by the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.
That attack failed, with Doom making his victory a fixed point in time, one that could never be changed. Unfortunately for Doom, his magical shard attack that had defeated the heroes had accidentally also killed his goddaughter Valeria Richards, becoming part of that fixed moment in time.
R.B. Silva beautifully illustrated, with the aid of colourist David Curiel, the anguish of Doom as he realised his mistake; green magic threatening to engulf Doom and Valeria. This moment becomes the plot direction for the issue as Doom tried to right his fatal error.
As Doom is Sorcerer Supreme, it was nice to see Doom use the full extent of his powers in this issue. He confronted the Vishanti, unleashing maximum effort in skill and will to get them to revive Valeria and bring her back from the dead. The incredibly powerful Vishanti are unmoved however and deny Doom any help. They are not the only ones he can try though.
Curiel and Silva combine again to make a stunning page as Doom is judged by the Living Tribunal. The omnipotent being finds that Doom not only has all of his dark attributes, such as guilt and greed, but also the purest – love. Love for Valeria. The Living Tribunal agreed to help Doom but for a cost.
Valeria was revived, her body mended and her consciousness returned to it, much to the joy of her family. The Living Tribunal’s fee for this deal was to strip Doom of powers and titles, including that of Sorcerer Supreme.
Doom visited Reed Richards in the aftermath. Their back and forth over the legitimacy of his actions, North likely showing his personal beliefs here, was cut short as Doom announced to Richards that he was dying. His life was forfeit in his deal with the Living Tribunal; Doom was dying. As his body disintegrated, his mask fell to reveal a message that not only would Richards be the executor of his will but Latveria was now up for grabs.
“…#%$@.”
Reed Richards
This now sets up Marvel for the next event in Will of Doom, which in turn will lead into Armageddon, both set for 2026.
Excluding the artwork, the best part of the issue was the conversation between Doom and Richards. Mr Fantastic suggested that the Doom made the world open to fascism, despite the return to democracy since his fall. The story, across the nine issues does show support among the public for Doom’s regime too.
Although there have been clumsy moments in the story as a whole, such as the reveal of Doom using people to fuel his magic, North handled the assignment well. Admittedly, it feels like North is better at handling a smaller roster of characters, this is a criticism of most writers. It is hard to get across any personal development in characters during these event series. Doom is given some, but we all knew he loved Valeria already.
If this event is not to be forgotten, Reed’s warning of a world with scars must have an impact on future developments in the world of Marvel. It would be an interesting dynamic to see pockets of the public trying to continue Doom’s legacy or perhaps even worshipping him. Will public opinion of heroes have changed after their actions to depose him?
What is certain is that Doom will be back before we know it and no doubt Valeria will be involved in that return.
Buy One World Under Doom #9 – Forbidden Planet UK (I earn a commission)
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