The cover of Deadpool vs Thanos #1 by Tim Seeley & Elmo Bondoc, featuring art by Tradd Moore, might suggest a comedic clash between two titans. However, diving into the issue reveals something far more unexpected and, dare we say, bizarre: Deadpool seemingly kills Doctor Doom. Let’s dissect this shocking moment and the strange story that unfolds.
Deadpool vs Thanos #1 Cover Art by Tradd Moore
Image: Cover art for Deadpool vs Thanos #1, featuring Deadpool and Thanos in a dynamic pose, hinting at a direct confrontation.
The scene unfolds on Saint Cynthia Island, which is revealed to be Doctor Doom’s rather ostentatious vacation home. The island itself is named after Doom’s mother, adding a layer of personal significance to this location.
Saint Cynthia Island, Doctor Doom's Vacation Home
Image: A panel from Deadpool vs Thanos #1 showing Saint Cynthia Island, described as Doctor Doom’s vacation home.
Deadpool’s arrival is less than subtle. He’s seen dispatching the island’s manager, or at least someone in a position of authority, in a typically Deadpool fashion.
Deadpool kills the Island Manager
Image: Comic panel depicting Deadpool shooting a character identified as the island manager of Saint Cynthia Island.
Then, in a truly unexpected turn, we are introduced to Doctor Doom himself, casually dressed in vacation attire, on his island named after his mother.
Doctor Doom in Vacation Clothes on Saint Cynthia Island
Image: Doctor Doom in casual clothing, standing on Saint Cynthia Island, his vacation home, moments before encountering Deadpool.
And then, the unthinkable happens. With no preamble or grand battle, Deadpool simply shoots Doctor Doom. Twice.
Deadpool Shoots Doctor Doom
Deadpool Shoots Doctor Doom Again
Image: Two sequential panels showing Deadpool shooting Doctor Doom at close range.
The comic doesn’t offer any immediate explanation for how Deadpool managed to accomplish this feat so easily. It’s presented as a matter-of-fact event, leaving the reader in stunned disbelief.
Deadpool's Unexplained Victory Over Doctor Doom
Image: Deadpool standing over the seemingly defeated Doctor Doom, with no clear explanation for how he achieved this.
However, in true comic book fashion, and especially given it’s Doctor Doom, death is rarely the end. It’s quickly revealed that Doctor Doom isn’t actually dead, or rather, he comes back to life almost immediately.
Doctor Doom Revives After Being Shot by Deadpool
Image: Doctor Doom alive and well after being shot by Deadpool, highlighting the temporary nature of death in this story.
This isn’t just a Doctor Doom quirk; it turns out nobody in the Marvel universe can stay dead. Thanos is revealed to be behind this phenomenon, as the embodiment of Death has vanished. He enlists Deadpool to find her, setting up the larger plot of the mini-series.
Thanos Recruits Deadpool to Find Death
Image: Thanos and Deadpool in a panel discussing the disappearance of Death and their subsequent mission.
While the initial shock of Deadpool seemingly killing Doctor Doom is certainly attention-grabbing, the series quickly shifts focus. The “Deadpool vs Thanos” title is somewhat misleading, as the story becomes more about Thanos’s quest to restore Death to her rightful place. Doctor Doom essentially disappears from issues #2 and #3, making his initial “death” feel more like a plot device than a significant event for his character.
Deadpool and Thanos on their Quest
Image: Deadpool and Thanos embarking on their quest related to the missing Death entity.
In the final issue, #4, the reason for Death’s disappearance is revealed: Eternity, the embodiment of the universe, imprisoned her due to events stemming from the Infinity Gauntlet saga. This explanation raises some eyebrows regarding Marvel’s cosmic hierarchy, but thematically, it sets the stage for a confrontation.
Eternity Imprisons Death
Image: A cosmic panel depicting Eternity and the imprisonment of Death, explaining the universe’s inability to die.
Deadpool and Thanos, empowered by Death, confront Eternity. However, Deadpool’s presence often feels at odds with the serious cosmic stakes of the Thanos storyline.
Deadpool and Thanos Confront Eternity
Image: Deadpool and Thanos facing Eternity, empowered by Death, in a cosmic showdown.
Ultimately, Eternity reverses the events of the miniseries, including Doctor Doom’s death, rendering the entire event somewhat inconsequential for Doom himself.
Eternity Resets Everything
Image: Eternity undoing the events of the story, effectively erasing the consequences of the miniseries.
Was it Really Doom? The Doombot Theory
The ease with which Deadpool “kills” Doctor Doom raises questions. Doom is rarely defeated so easily. The original review even suggests the possibility of a Doombot, pointing to inconsistencies in Doom’s dialogue about his childhood. The idea that it was a decoy Doombot, someone impersonating Doom, or simply a comedic scene not meant to be taken seriously are all plausible interpretations.
Possible Doombot or Imposter Doom
Image: A panel prompting the question of whether the Doctor Doom killed by Deadpool was actually the real Doom or a Doombot.
Adding further intrigue, Mephisto later states in issue #3 that Doctor Doom truly died. However, Mephisto is hardly a reliable narrator, making this claim suspect.
Mephisto Claims Doctor Doom Really Died
Image: Mephisto declaring that Doctor Doom’s death was genuine, adding a layer of mystery and potential deception.
Conclusion: A Minor Doom Moment in a Muddled Story
Ultimately, Doctor Doom’s “death” in Deadpool vs Thanos #1 is a fleeting and arguably insignificant moment in his character’s history. It serves primarily as a shock factor to kick off a story that quickly becomes more about Thanos and the cosmic consequences of Death’s disappearance. While the series has interesting ideas, its execution is uneven, and Doctor Doom’s role is ultimately minimal. For Doom fans, this issue is skippable, rating a Doom significance: 0/10. The question of whether Deadpool really killed Doctor Doom remains ambiguous and perhaps intentionally so, lost within a somewhat messy narrative.
