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 and more of a prolonged era, similar to Dark Reign, rather than something like last year's Blood Hunt. 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 adopted by new characters:

• Abomination: This will be Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
• Dr. Octopus: Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but a different woman entirely.
• Ghost: A nameless woman, reminiscent of Ant-Man's Ghost.
• Killmonger: A new take on the character.
• 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 in 2009, for instance, already replaced the Avengers with villainous counterparts: 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.

But wait… Sorcerer Supreme? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How did Dr. Doom pull this off? This guide will explore the 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 might be the first comic that comes to mind, it's not strictly necessary 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 perfectly encapsulates the idea of a world ruled by Doom. 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 series 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 showcases Doom's impressive historical exploits.

Secret Wars

Mentioning "greatest conquests"? For a God-Emperor, what's an emperor or president? Fans will point to Doom's roles in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman's Avengers, and 2015's Secret Wars. This showcases his relentless pursuit of immortality and power, all in the name of (his version of) good governance. Doom, naturally, saves the day in his own way, with decisions like marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and establishing Ben Grimm as the Wall—all stemming from his personal grievances. This is arguably the best depiction of what Doom would do with the Marvel universe's god-like power.

Blood Hunt

The most crucial continuity element leading 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 the Darkhold-fueled vampire plague. Doom, naturally, conditions his help on becoming Sorcerer Supreme to wield the necessary magic. And, surprisingly, he retains this power after Dr. Strange agrees the world isn't quite saved.

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