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, akin 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 worn by new characters:

• Abomination: Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
• Dr. Octopus: A new, unnamed woman.
• Ghost: An unnamed woman, seemingly connected to Ant-Man.
• Killmonger: A significantly altered version.
• Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
• Onslaught: Present and accounted for.

The Superior Avengers six-issue miniseries, 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 new concept. Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers in 2009 featured villainous replacements for the Avengers, including Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (as Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (as Hawkeye), Daken (as 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.

Supreme Sorcerer? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How did Dr. Doom manage all 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 essential reading for understanding this new storyline. Although not his first global-scale power grab, it perfectly embodies the concept of a Doom-ruled world. The story's strength lies in its simple yet powerful premise.

President Doom 2099

Another era of Doom's global dominance is depicted in Doom 2099, by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick. This 90s-set story features a future Doom who nearly conquers America, delivering memorable lines like, "America is the greatest threat to the planet. I'll save the world by protecting America." It's a highlight of Marvel 2099 and showcases Doom's ambition throughout history.

Secret Wars

Speaking of "greatest conquests," what are emperors and presidents to a God-Emperor? Doom's role in Jonathan Hickman's Avengers and 2015's Secret Wars are essential reading for any serious Marvel fan. This arc exemplifies Doom's relentless pursuit of power and immortality, all in the name of (his version of) good governance. He saves the day, naturally, but his actions—like marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—are driven by his own personal agendas. This is a fantastic example of Doom's potential with godlike power.

Blood Hunt

The most direct link to "One World Under Doom" is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event, by Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. Dr. Strange turns to Dr. Doom as a last resort to stop a Darkhold-fueled vampire plague. Doom agrees to become Sorcerer Supreme to wield the necessary magic, and—surprisingly—retains the power even after the crisis, with Strange agreeing the world isn't quite saved.

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