The One World Under Doom event has seen many unthinkable occurrences. With world leaders willingly bending the knee to Doctor Doom, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are desperate for answers. Indeed, The Avengers are desperate enough to ally themselves with several major villains, including the enemies of Spider-Man.
Written by Ryan North, with art by R.B. Silva, One World Under Doom #2 centers around the Fantastic Four. The long-time enemies of Doctor Doom conspire to provoke the new Sorcerer Supreme into attacking them or revealing the true goal of his benevolent despotism. The plan backfires, however, making the Fantastic Four look like idiots and Doom the persecuted party.
(Image Source: Marvel / R.B. Silva)
The Avengers held themselves in reserve, letting the Fantastic Four take the lead. When the Four’s plan fails, they move forward with their own plan. As Scarlet Witch guides a team of psychics and mages to explore the minds of Earth’s leaders, Captain Marvel will lead a direct assault on Doctor Doom. To further tip the balance, they recruit several of their former enemies, as the fight with Doom “transcends many of our old differences.”
The final page reveals the former enemies Captain Marvel spoke of to be the latest incarnation of the Masters of Evil. Originally the team was founded by Baron Zemo to stand against the Avengers. It went through several incarnations afterward, led by a number of would-be world-conquerors. The current Masters are made up of MODOK, Doctor Octopus, Baron Mordo, Mysterio, Arcade, and the Goblin Queen, Madelyne Pryor.
(Image Source: Marvel / R.B. Silva)
Curiously, only Arcade and Doctor Octopus were previously members of the Masters of Evil. Another curiosity is why these particular characters might agree to work with the Avengers against Doctor Doom. As the current ruler of Limbo, Madelyne Pryor is the only member of the team with a clear motive (apart from madness or ego) for fighting Doom.
The Goblin Queen was last seen running a demonic embassy in Manhattan. This is not the sort of thing Doom is likely to tolerate, given his own history with the nether-realms. Whatever their reasons, it is unlikely to be out of loyalty to Zemo, who was killed by Doctor Doom in the first chapter of One World Under Doom.
One World Under Doom #2 is now available in comic shops everywhere.