Avengers Unite Against Doom in Epic Clash

Just when I thought I was moving on... Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers drag me back in! According to Marvel's plans, Doctor Doom's domination will unfold more like the Dark Reign era rather than a contained event (similar to last year's Blood Hunt), meaning the Marvel Universe will operate under Doom's rule as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and leader of the Superior Avengers throughout most of 2025.

As expected, the Superior Avengers roster will feature villains—but with unexpected twists. Familiar codenames will be carried by fresh faces:

Abomination. This time it's Kristoff, Doom's adopted son and Reed Richards' half-brother.
Dr. Octopus. Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but another female successor.
Ghost. The Ant-Man antagonist—now a nameless woman.
Killmonger. A radical reinvention.
Malekith! The dark elf establishes Earth as his new domain.
And Onslaught.

The Superior Avengers series launches in April as a 6-issue limited run, written by Steve Foxe (X-Men '92: House of XCII, Dark X-Men) with art by Luca Maresca (X-Men: Forever).

The concept isn't unprecedented. During 2009's Dark Avengers, Norman Osborn similarly replaced Earth's Mightiest Heroes with villainous stand-ins: Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (as Ms. Marvel), Daken (as Wolverine), alongside Sentry and Ares.

Hydra repeated the trick during Secret Empire with their compromised roster: Unworthy Thor, Arnim Zola-controlled Vision, Chthon-possessed Scarlet Witch, Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster and Black Ant.

Wait—Sorcerer Supreme? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How exactly did Doctor Doom achieve this global takeover? This guide traces the building blocks of the One World Under Doom event to get you fully prepped.

Table of Content

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

Emperor Doom

While this 1987 graphic novel by David Michelinie and Bob Hall might come to mind first, modern readers likely won't need it for context. Though Doom first demonstrated world-altering power by stealing the Silver Surfer's cosmic energy in Fantastic Four #57, Emperor Doom perfectly crystallizes the concept of planetary rule under Latveria's monarch.

The story's brilliance lies in its elegantly simple premise.

President Doom 2099

Another milestone in Doom's conquest chronicles—the 2099 timeline saw Doom nearly conquer America outright. Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick's radical 90s iteration delivered iconic lines like "America poses the greatest planetary threat" while Doom 2099 proclaimed "I'll save the world by controlling America."

A crown jewel of Marvel 2099, this run remains one of Doom's most compelling power plays.

Secret Wars

Speaking of conquests—what's mere planetary rule to a God-Emperor? Hickman's Avengers saga culminating in 2015's Secret Wars remains the definitive modern exploration of Doom's eternal quest for supreme power... ostensibly for humanity's benefit.

After salvaging reality itself, Doom's reign included marrying Sue Storm, transforming Johnny into Sun God, and appointing Ben Grimm as planetary warden—all rooted in his personal grudges. The ultimate "What If Doom Had Absolute Power" scenario.

Blood Hunt

The most direct prelude to One World Under Doom emerges from Jed MacKay and Pepe Larraz's 2024 vampire invasion event. In desperation, Doctor Strange turned to Doom—who demanded permanent Sorcerer Supreme status as payment for cleansing the Darkhold's vampiric curse.

Characteristically, Doom kept his magical authority when Strange conceded the world "wasn't fully saved."

While waiting for Downey Jr. and the Russos' creative developments arriving February, let's explore the world where only Doom reigns supreme.