Doom battles the combined might of an entire world to maintain his control: But can even he stand against the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four…and every other hero on Earth? It seems like all hope is lost: until a desperate gambit gives the heroes exactly what they need to win! But Doom has a desperate gambit of his own: one that, though it’s never been attempted before, combines all his sorcery and science into a single brutal attack. One World Under Doom #8 leads to a shocking conclusion – with consequences that will reverberate throughout the entire Marvel Universe in this penultimate issue!

Written by Ryan North, One World Under Doom is one of the best events Marvel has released in some time. The series has delivered twists and turns with a focus on leadership, the role of heroes, and how many will allow fascism for the illusion of peace and stability. The series has delivered a lot to chew on and think about but also more than enough action. It also has depicted a Doom that feels like it meets the high expectations around his power and abilities. He’s a formidable foe that’s always a step ahead of his opponents and a trick to play to win the day.

One World Under Doom #8 is the penultimate issue of the series and sees Doom pressed on multiple fronts. The world’s heroes have attacked him with a physical and mystical front. People around the world have risen up forcing him to split his focus. Then there’s his motivation behind it all. One character, above all, can get Doom’s attention and maybe challenge him, and that’s Valeria Richards, Sue and Reed’s daughter and Doom’s goddaughter. North delivers a debate between the two where she lays out how Doom’s noble intentions have been corrupted and even with his victory, they’re tainted. The people will be subjugated no matter what at this point, he’ll rule through fear and brute strength instead of what he can deliver to the world. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

R.B. Silva does masterful work here with the art. With color by David Curiel and lettering by Travis Lanham, the comic packs a lot into a single issue. With massive battles on the physical and astral planes, a spirited debate between Doom and Valeria, and a hell of a lot of characters and moments to juggle, the art nails it. You really get a sense that Doom is both struggling but winning. That the heroes are giving it all with team-ups and power moves we haven’t seen before. It all leads to an end that just feels right both written and especially visually. It’s impressive work just getting it all in there and every moment really hitting it when it comes to the visuals (and writing as well).

One World Under Doom #8 is the penultimate issue but it delivers a hell of a punch. Marvel has kept it tight to their chest as to exactly what we can expect post this event and who is left standing and who isn’t. The event as a whole has delivered in every way and this issue builds a crescendo that will pay off when the final issue drops.

Story: Ryan North Art: R.B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle