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 fleeting event (like last year's Blood Hunt) and more of an era, akin 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 heading the Superior Avengers.

As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will include villains, but not the versions we're used to. Familiar names will be worn 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 altogether.
• Ghost: As in, Ant-Man's Ghost… a nameless woman.
• Killmonger: A significantly altered version.
• Malekith: The Black Elves remain on Earth.
• Onslaught: He's in the mix as well.

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. Remember Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers in 2009? He replaced the Avengers with villains like Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (a false Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (a false Hawkeye), Daken (a false Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares. Similarly, Hydra's Avengers in the Secret Empire event included 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 events leading up 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 first comic that comes to mind, it's not essential reading. Although Dr. Doom's acquisition of the Silver Surfer's cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 wasn't his first global-scale achievement, Emperor Doom best encapsulates the idea 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, in Doom 2099 by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, future Doom nearly conquered America. This 90s-era story features 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 showcases Doom's historical exploits.

Secret Wars

Mentioning "greatest conquests"? For a God-Emperor, what's an emperor or president? Fans will point to Doom's role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's Avengers, and 2015's Secret Wars. This exemplifies Doom's pursuit of immortality and power for good governance in the modern era. He saved everything, but in his own way, his actions—marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and making Ben Grimm the Wall—stemmed from his personal grievances. This is a favorite portrayal of Doom wielding the Marvel universe's god-power.

Blood Hunt

A key element leading to "One World Under Doom" is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event from Jed McKay and Pepe Larraz. Doctor Strange turns to Dr. Doom to reverse the Darkhold-fueled vampirism. Doom, in exchange for saving the world, demands the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. He keeps it because Strange agrees the world isn't completely saved.

While we await the Russo/Downey Jr. collaboration's script in February, let's explore a world ruled solely by Doom.