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 an era, similar 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 villains, but not the usual suspects. Familiar names will be worn by new characters:

• Abomination: Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
• Dr. Octopus: A new, unnamed woman.
• Ghost: A nameless woman, seemingly connected to Ant-Man.
• Killmonger: A significantly different iteration than we've seen before.
• Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
• Onslaught: His presence adds to the ominous nature of the team.

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

This isn't a completely new concept. Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers in 2009 featured villainous replacements for the Avengers, and Hydra's Avengers in Secret Empire also utilized a similar tactic.

But how did Dr. Doom achieve this? World Emperor? Sorcerer Supreme? Dark and Superior Avengers? Let's explore the stepping stones leading to "One World Under Doom."

Table of Contents

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

Emperor Doom

While Emperor Doom (1987) by David Michelinie and Bob Hall is an obvious starting point, it's not necessarily required reading to understand this new storyline. While not his first global-scale power grab, it perfectly encapsulates the idea of a world ruled by Doom. The core concept is simple yet powerful.

President Doom 2099

In Doom 2099 by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, a futuristic Doom nearly conquers America, delivering lines like, "America is the greatest threat to the planet. I'll save the world by protecting America." It's a standout in the Marvel 2099 universe and showcases Doom's ambition on a grand scale.

Secret Wars

Doom's role in Jonathan Hickman's The Avengers and the 2015 Secret Wars is a crucial element. His actions, driven by his desire for power and good governance, are a prime example of his ambition and the lengths he'll go to achieve his goals. His "saving" of the universe, including marrying Sue Storm and transforming Johnny Storm, all stem from his own motivations. This is a fascinating look at what Doom would do with ultimate power.

Blood Hunt

The 2024 Vampire Invasion event (Blood Hunt) by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz is directly connected to "One World Under Doom." Doctor Strange turns to Doom to combat the vampire threat, granting Doom the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. Crucially, Doom retains this power even after the immediate threat is neutralized.

So, while we await the Russo/Downey Jr. vision in February, let's prepare ourselves for a world under Doom's absolute control.