While Doctor Strange may have held the title the longest,Doctor Doomis without a doubt Marvel’s most powerfully well-rounded Sorcerer Supreme to date. Not just a master of the mystic arts, Doom is a nearly unparalleled super-genius and an incredibly talented diplomat. His growing iron grasp around the world isn’t just justified but expected. Right now, Doom has all the power needed to reforge his perfect world.
Ahead of the nine-issue special seriesOne World Under Doom’slaunch later this February, the series’ lead writerRyan North answered a few questionsabout the upcoming project in an interview with Marvel Comics.
When asked what challenges Marvel’s heroes can expect from the Emperor Supreme, North especially reinforced how powerful Doctor Doom is at the moment. The character already sits in a delicate position as a villain. Genuinely wanting to do what he believes is best for the world,Doom has amassed endless power and knowledge, emboldened by the magnitude and scope of his dreams.
Doctor Doom Is At the “Peak of Magic”
One World Under Doom #1 -Written by Ryan North; Art by R.B. Silva; Color by David Curiel; Cover Art by Ben Harvey
“Doom is in a place where he’s at the peak of magic and at the peak of the science. That outclasses him, not just physically, but he’s always been very smart. You’re not going to punch Iron Man or Squirrel Girl enough that they’ll agree that you are the best boss. That’s just not who these people are. You have to convince them. Part of the conflict is that at the end of this, he wants this to be recognized. He wants them to support him. He wants to show the world that he can do it better than anyone.” - Ryan North
Doctor Doom has been atthe peak of the scientific and mystical fields of studyfor decades. Before moving to New York to pursue a collegiate career in science, Doom was first a student of the mystic arts. Born in a traveling Romani camp outside Latveria, Doom’s mother taughtthe future Sorcerer Supremethe basics of witchcraft. However, after making a bad deal with Mephisto, Doom’s mother was killed. His quest to amass knowledge began as a desperate attempt to save his mother’s soul.
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While Doom still struggles to surpass Reed Richards’s genius, he has alreadylong dominated Doctor Strangeas the most powerful Sorcerer Supreme since Merlin. Strange has acknowledged Doom’s power on multiple occasions. Strange has known for a long time that if anything were to happen to him,Doom would be a likely candidate to be anointed as the Sorcerer Supreme.Strange mainly attributes this to Doom’s lack of boundaries. There are realms of magic even Stephen Strange is afraid to travel that the likes of Doom openly embrace. Doctor Doom knows how to push magic past its supposed limits.
Emperor Supreme Doom’s Only Weakness Is His Ego
Variant Cover Art by Rod Reis
Writer Ryan North continues to expand on the importance ofDoctor Doom’s poweras Marvel moves into its next major event, especially as it relates to his status. Victor von Doom is an interesting character whoseego expands beyond simple self-conceitedness. Doom has convinced himself that the path to world peace requires global unity. While his convictions may be fair, his ego is what molds his actions into evil. Right now, more than ever, Doom wants to be seen and to be recognized. But ego is a delicate thing and reacts with force if challenged.
“For me, it’s less taking it to everyone else and more focusing it on Doom. I think more than any other super villain, Doom is concerned about appearances. He’s this wonderful mix of ridiculous confidence and pinching insecurity, especially around Reed, who is the one man who is smarter than him— and that is something he can’t accept.”
“Doom shows up and he’s like, ‘I have more power and I’m going to use it wisely.’ He’s willing to say, ‘the best form of government is putting the best guy in charge and, good news, I’m the best guy!’ He’s trying to prove that the ends justify the means.” - Ryan North
The quickest way to take Doom down is to target that ego, however, he has builtan iron dome of magic and science around him to hide that weak spot.When he ruled asGod Emperor Doomover Battleworld, he was only felled by a cheap distraction and a plea to his inner conscience. To bury his weaknesses, Doom pursues knowledge and power with a reverence that Stephen Strange wishes he could. While his ego may later give way toward his defeat, there’s no arguing thatDoctor Doomwill always command the station of Sorcerer Supreme with unmatchable strength.
One World Under Doom #1releases on June 05, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
