The secrets that propel Victor Von Doom’s new quest as a hero start to reveal themselves, but that is nothing compared to the who’s who of heroes AND villains looking for a piece of revenge for his past sins – beginning with Ben Grimm!

The concept of Doctor Doom as Iron Man is an intriguing one and over the years the character has really been an alternate version of Tony Stark. That’s a concept that hasn’t been explored a lot in the Marvel universe but we get a version of it here.

Writer Brian Michael Bendis is sending this former villain in a new direction as he attempts to fill the hole that’s been left by whatever has happened to Tony Stark during Civil War II. It’s an interesting and good concept especially since we get it in another perspective as far as the adventures of Riri Williams.

But, there are some issues. Doom is a villain and he has a lot to pay for as far as his past sins. And we get that explored right away here with Ben Grimm stalking him to make him pay, or see what’s up, actually I’m not quite sure other than the two have been enemies. It’s definitely not a checkup considering the amount of damage Grimm does.

But, a lot of the issue is focused on Doom trying to do good. He goes up against a villain and the confrontation is pretty telling as far as how it goes. That really sets up the direction and the tone we should expect from the series.

What I also like is Bendis’ use of Grimm in that he sets it all up for us to question who is a hero and who’s the villain. Depending on your perspective that answer may differ a bit.

Alex Maleev‘s art is absolutely fantastic as usual. I’m a fan of the style and I know if his name is on a comic it’ll deliver in every way when it comes to the art department. Bendis and Maleev have worked together so much it’s not a surprise the art works so well. The art style too works with Doom’s villainous ways and his turn to the heroic side.

I’ll admit the concept cause me to roll my eyes when I first heard it but two issues in, the series is solid in so many ways and it actually shows a villain on his journey to be a hero. This has quickly become one of my favorites of Marvel NOW! so far and a favorite of mine for Marvel in quite some time.

Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Alex Maleev
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.65 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review