Broken, depleted, but having bought the time he needed, Doom ensured that all Earth’s heroes would survive. These heroes now face a choice: They can allow Earth to fall to Dormammu – or they can align with Doom and fight for Earth beside him. Doom is at his highest – with Earth’s heroes behind him, nothing can stop him now. Nothing, that is, save for an unexpected return of an old foe… One World Under Doom #5 has doom rallying Earth’s heroes to take on Dormammu and leaves everyone questioning if maybe Doom is a good thing?

One World Under Doom #5 continues what has been one of Marvel’s strongest events in years. It not only feels relevant to the world today, it also presents a debate that isn’t so clear cut and lets the readers decide who’s right and who’s wrong. Written by Ryan North, the issue picks up on the previous one with Doom facing Dormammu, bruised, beaten, and looking like he might actually lose. But, Earth’s heroes who were banished by Dormammu have returned and are willing to fight by Doom’s side.

Where the issue gets interesting is the impact of this event. Doom really did stand up for Earth and protected it. Yes, there’s always a question if it was all a show, but on the surface, it makes Doom look like a hero. Add in his protecting individuals during the initial attack, you have a character who shows off the complexity he deserves. North has also played the long game with this aspect. He’s teased with each issue the good Doom is doing. There’s better healthcare, better education, better quality of life overall. But, you have a ruler who hates dissent making it all happen. Doom has become the benevolent dictator and the world is better off in many ways. Is “One World Under Doom” actually a bad thing? At least some heroes don’t think so which creates a spirited debate among them. North throws out some interesting examples, and questions if the way Earth has been run as a whole is the problem?

R.B. Silva’s art is of course fantastic. With David Curiel on color and lettering by Travis Lanham, the comic looks great with every page. Doom looks bruised, beaten, feeble, the weakest he’s been in years. It’s interesting visual storytelling in that that not only do we get to see these powerful heroes around Doom but also, it’s a perfect moment to strike Doom down. The only tease of that are in the art, adding to the storytelling, whether it was meant to or not.

One World Under Doom #5 taps into some interesting classic stories like Civil War, Dark Reign, and even to some extent Secret Empire, but mixes it all up making answers all the more gray and ambiguous. It’s the halfway point and has delivered with each issue mixing in big action along with big questions for readers to ponder.

Story: Ryan North Art: R.B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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