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 single event (like last year's Blood Hunt) and more of a prolonged era, similar to Dark Reign. This means the Marvel universe will continue largely as normal throughout most of 2025, but with Doom reigning supreme as World Emperor and Sorcerer Supreme, even heading the Superior Avengers.

As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will include villains. But not the usual suspects; familiar names will be donned by new characters:

• 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: As in Ant-Man's nemesis… a nameless woman.
• Killmonger: A significantly altered portrayal.
• Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
• Onslaught: Making an appearance.

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. Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers, back in 2009, similarly replaced the Avengers with villainous counterparts: Iron Patriot, Scorpion (masquerading as Spider-Man), Moonstone (posing as Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (as Hawkeye), Daken (as Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, Hydra's Avengers in the Secret Empire event featured 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 pull this off? This guide will detail the key events leading to One World Under Doom, bringing you up to speed.

Table of Contents

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

While Emperor Doom (1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Hall is the most obvious starting point, it's not strictly necessary reading. While Dr. Doom's seizure of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 wasn't his first globally impactful act, Emperor Doom best exemplifies the concept of a Doom-ruled world. The story's strength lies in its simple yet powerful premise.

President Doom 2099

Speaking of Doom's global dominance, Doom 2099, by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, showcases a future where Doom nearly conquers America. This 90s-era story features memorable lines like, "America is the greatest threat to the planet," and "I'll save the world by protecting America." It's a highlight of Marvel 2099 and a great example of Doom's historical exploits.

Secret Wars

Mentioning "greatest conquests"? To a God-Emperor, what's an emperor or president? Fans of Marvel will point to Doom's roles in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's Avengers, and the 2015 Secret Wars. This is arguably the best example of Doom's relentless pursuit of immortality and power, all under the guise of benevolent governance. Doom, of course, saves the day in his own way, his actions—such as marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—driven by his own personal vendettas. This is, for me, the best depiction of what Doom would do with ultimate power across the Marvel universe.

Blood Hunt

The most crucial continuity link to One World Under Doom is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom as a last resort to end the Darkhold-fueled vampirism. Doom, naturally, insists that he must be granted the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to wield the necessary magic. Surprisingly, Doom retains this power as Dr. Strange agrees the world hasn't been fully saved.

So, while we await the Russo/Downey Jr. collaboration's concepts and script in February, let's delve into a world ruled by none other than Dr. Doom.