Doctor Doom stands as one of the most compelling and complex characters in the Marvel Comics universe. Victor Von Doom, aLatverian monarch, scientific genius, and sorcerer of considerable power, is far more than a simple villain. He is a multifaceted individual driven by a strong, albeit skewed, moral compass and an unshakeable belief in his own superiority and right to rule, not just Latveria, but potentially the world. Doctor Doom #1, penned by Christopher Cantwell with art by Salvador Larroca, delves into the intricate world of Doctor Doom Comics, presenting a narrative that immediately captivates and sets the stage for a thought-provoking series.
Doctor Doom #1 Review
The story opens with a global initiative aimed at combating climate change – Project Antlion. This ambitious plan proposes creating a stable black hole on the moon to dispose of toxic CO2 emissions waste. Publicly, the project is lauded, but when Dr. Doom is invited to comment on a news broadcast, his warnings are dismissed, and his credibility is undermined with a mention of his past defeat by Squirrel Girl. This sets a tone of disrespect and disregard towards Doom, despite his intellect and experience, a recurring theme in Doctor Doom comics.
In Latveria, Doom faces further challenges as the suddenly prosperous Symkaria begins to exert pressure on their borders. Doom, already troubled by the Antlion project, seeks counsel from his advisor, Victorious, and even finds himself in an unexpected conversation with Kang the Conqueror, who appears disoriented and temporally displaced. Kang’s hazy recollections of Project Antlion deepen Doom’s unease. A poignant moment of vulnerability is revealed as Doom contemplates happiness and experiences a vision of an alternate, happier version of himself – a glimpse into the humanity that often lies beneath the imposing armor of Doctor Doom, a recurring element explored in Doctor Doom comics.
As Project Antlion progresses, seemingly successfully reducing CO2 levels, Doom remains cautiously observant. The media, eager for his endorsement, are poised to declare him wrong in his initial skepticism. However, Doom’s patience is abruptly shattered when a catastrophic explosion rocks the moon. Latverian missiles are launched in response, destroying the Antlion collection station, an act seemingly ordered by Doom, yet he appears genuinely surprised. Adding to the chaos, terrorists bearing the Latverian flag are reported at the station, and Latveria itself comes under attack, its defenses inexplicably offline. Framed as the instigator of the lunar disaster, Doctor Doom becomes a global pariah. In a move that seems uncharacteristic yet strategically sound, Doom orders Latveria to surrender, instructs Victorious to act as regent, and proposes ceding military control to NATO. As superheroes arrive on the scene, Doom prepares to face the consequences, fully aware that he is being framed for a crime he did not commit. This complex plot immediately establishes a compelling narrative within the Doctor Doom comics storyline.
The artwork in Doctor Doom #1, crafted by Salvador Larroca, is both traditional and modern, effectively capturing the duality of Doctor Doom himself. While the vision of an alternate timeline might initially cause a moment of confusion, it seamlessly integrates into the narrative, enhancing the exploration of Doom’s inner thoughts and desires. Larroca excels in depicting the subtle smarminess of the news anchors and contrasts it sharply with Doom’s imposing presence, often depicted in his castle against a backdrop of medieval grandeur. This visual storytelling is a hallmark of engaging Doctor Doom comics.
The large panels showcasing Latveria and Doom’s castle are richly detailed, lending an authentic European atmosphere to the fictional nation. The stark contrast between these scenes and Doom’s modern war room visually underscores the character’s blend of old-world authority and cutting-edge intellect. The action sequences are dynamic, and the visual damage inflicted upon Doom’s castle effectively symbolizes the sense of his world unraveling. The art style enhances the storytelling, making Doctor Doom #1 visually as engaging as it is narratively, a crucial aspect of well-received Doctor Doom comics.
Doctor Doom #1 successfully launches a compelling new chapter in Doctor Doom comics. The narrative cleverly places Doom in a precarious situation – needing to avert a global crisis he didn’t create while facing universal distrust. This role reversal, casting Doom as a reluctant, misunderstood savior, is a refreshing and intriguing direction for the character. The issue masterfully sets up a complex political and personal drama, leaving readers eager to see how Victor Von Doom will navigate this intricate web of deceit and danger. For fans and newcomers alike, Doctor Doom #1 is a solid entry point into the captivating world of Doctor Doom comics, promising a storyline filled with intrigue, action, and the nuanced character study of one of comicdom’s most fascinating figures.
