Doom has confronted all of Earth’s heroes in battle – and he’s won. What’s more, he’s used the magical power of Sorcerer Supreme to ensure that this victory has become a fixed moment in time: a thing that will stand forever, impervious to magic or time travel alike. But unbeknownst to Doom, in that climatic moment that can now never be changed, the seeds of Doom’s downfall were also fixed for all eternity. Left with an intolerable defeat that cannot be changed, Doom makes a choice he can never undo – and the rest of the world will pay his price… One World Under Doom #9 wraps up the latest status quo, shaking things up for what’s next and leaving readers to ponder.

Written by Ryan North, I’ve enjoyed One World Under Doom not for its action and excitement, but because it asks a lot of questions about leadership, Marvel’s heroes, and our real world. Within its pages, it has had Doctor Doom ruling over the world and wielding unimaginable power. He gave the world peace, healthcare, education, generally better living conditions, but at the price of their freedom and the people’s willingness to give their submission. The world’s leaders didn’t fight back, instead they caved to order that kept them in power and delivered what they chose not to. It reflected our world and far too many willing to dance with and accept fascism. It directly challenged Marvel’s heroes who could, if they chose to, deliver some of what Doom did as Emperor, but they have chosen not to.

North presented Doom as a cold and calculating character, thinking ahead and leaning on logic over heart. And, it’s his heart and love of Valeria Richards, his goddaughter, that was his undoing. North showed the one thing that could really defeat Doom and gave us a character, and event, that elevated him in some ways. There is a character with heart and love underneath the armor, but that also means he chooses not to experience those things generally.

Where One World Under Doom #9 truly gets interesting is in its final moments. Doom and Reed Richards have one last conversation as we the readers learn about the state of things. Reed posits how Doom has left the world in a worse place with those who want him back, instability in the vacuum of power, a question of so many who took advantage of the open borders. He left chaos after his order. And Doom’s lesson? To get rid of the heroes first thing. Doom will be back at some point, and he’ll be back smarter and more cunning and manipulative than ever. And, North leaves us a question, without fascism, do we get chaos, instability, and lawlessness? It’ll be interesting if the Marvel Universe explores this question and hopefully it takes it up more so than it has with questions and remaining plot threads from previous events.

The art by R.B. Silva continues to entertain with Doom traveling throughout the universe attempting to save Valeria’s life. With color by David Curiel and lettering by Travis Lanham, the art conveys a character desperate for a solution and a hectic search and quest to find exactly that. Doom feels sad, broken, and worried as he begs and bargains for someone to step forward with what he needs. There is a bargain that’s reached and while the art looks good, the moment and the art do feel a little empty. Overall, while the art looks good there’s still an underlying lack of real emotion to it all. Doom goes through a wide range of things but the comic overall comes off a little cold, even in the art.

One World Under Doom #9 is an interesting event finale. It doesn’t end with a bang, but rather a whimper. It’s pages focus on delivering a Doom that’s more than the cold, calculating individual we’re used to. Instead, it leaves an intriguing future for the Marvel Universe and an even more intriguing future for Doom. One World Under Doom #9 nails down its themes but overall lacks real emotion and connection.

Story: Ryan North Art: R.B. Silva
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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