Six months ago, Doctor Victor Von Doom became Sorcerer Supreme – then disappeared behind Latveria’s closed borders. For most, there’s enough going on in the world that Doom’s absence is not a priority, and some time without him feels like a blessing. Only a few recognize it for what it truly was…the calm before the storm. It is a storm that has now arrived. One World Under Doom #1 is the official start to Marvel’s new status quo that shows us a world under the rule of Doom, one where the leaders are going along with it.

Planned for quite some time, Marvel has once again tapped into the zeitgeist with a storyline that feels like it has some underlying exploration of the world we currently face. A villain has taken over and while they promise a lot, can they deliver, and what will we give in return?

What’s interesting with One World Under Doom #1 is we see the complicated nature of Doom. The man is driven by jealousy of Reed Richards, he’s a villain in many ways, but he’s also a statesman, the leader of the nation of Latveria, one who is adept in both science and magic. It’s the statesman part that’s intriguing. We’ve been told the people of Latveria live a relatively good life but one under possible fear and tyranny, and definite instability with Doom as the leader. And, the vision that Doom delivers to the world is a complicated one. There is now universal healthcare. There is now universal education. In theory, these are good things. Doom has outlawed war. He crushes Hydra and twists them to help build schools and hospitals. He just wants loyalty and fealty. In theory, he’s bringing peace and stability. There’s just the question of the cost to it all. Is it all worth a dictatorship? What’s the fine print.

Writer Ryan North doesn’t answer those questions but instead focuses on the shock of what has happened. Earth’s heroes aren’t sure what to do. Earth’s villains are in the same boat. The people too are surprised at this new reality. What Doom has done might be good? Should the heroes oppose it? How can they? And what else does Doom have up his sleeve to counter the heroes eventual attack?

R.B. Silva‘s art captures the shock of it all quite well. There’s an ominous feel and cloud that feels like it overhangs the issue. The rather bewildered and unsure nature of what’s going on pervades every aspect. The comic looks solid overall with some minor quibbles on certain characters and moments. The color by David Curiel adds to the rather odd nature of what’s going on and lettering by Travis Lanham really hits the moments well.

One World Under Doom #1 nails the complicated nature of what I think is one of the best villains out there and teases a story that might explore the current dilemma the world faces, demagogues promising the world in exchange for our fealty. There’s massive potential in this series which is a concept we’ve seen before but one that’s never been more relevant than today.

Story: Ryan North Art: R.B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.65 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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