For six months, Doctor Doom has wielded the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. Yet apart from charging Spider-Man with a mystic geas, the sovereign of Latveria has not been seen outside his nation’s borders in all that time. Now, he has made his presence known, declaring himself the effective ruler of One World Under Doom.
The issue opens with Doom addressing the whole of the world. Most of the national rulers have agreed to let their countries become provinces of a new Latverian empire. In exchange, Doom promises to elevate their nations to the same high standards he holds for Latveria. To that end, he promises an end to war, free universal healthcare, and free public education.
(Image Source: Marvel / R.B. Silva)
This does not sit well with the Fantastic Four or Avengers, who are sure Doom is up to something sinister. However, they are stuck on a course of action until HYDRA invades Latveria. The heroes launch their own invasion, only to be flummoxed when Baron Zemo suddenly declares his support for One World Under Doom. Again, the heroes smell a rat, but their efforts only push public opinion further in Doom’s favor.
Longtime comic readers will be quick to note this is not the first time Victor Von Doom has conquered the world. However, writer Ryan North has lucked into presenting One World Under Doom at a time when global politics are as absurdly over the top as the events of this comic. (There are many jokes to be made about American superheroes being spurred to fight promises of free healthcare.) However, there is no direct political commentary beyond the eternal yet timely theme of freedom verses security.
(Image Source: Marvel / R.B. Silva)
Curiously, despite being famously funny, North largely plays things straight in One World Under Doom #1. There is some levity, however, such as the reintroduction of Doctor Doom’s tyrannosaurus rex variant. It is hard to say what is funnier: the sheer absurdity of Doom’s dinosaur mount or the understated reaction of the Fantastic Four compared to the other heroes.
(Image Source: Marvel / R.B. Silva)
The artwork is similarly involved. R.B. Silva is a master of action blocking, and the fight scenes in this issue are amazing. The character designs are unique, and the general aesthetic is detail-driven without being cluttered. The colors by David Curiel are equally eye-catching, providing the perfect finishes for every panel.
While some may quibble with some of the character portrayals (such as Doom telling a lie by omission), this first chapter of One World Under Doom is a solid start. The action and artwork are engaging, and the core message is uncannily well-timed. This may ultimately prove to be the best miniseries of 2025.
Grade: 9/10
One World Under Doom #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.