Just when I thought I was done with it all... Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers are pulling me right back in! According to Marvel, Doom's takeover will be more like an era, such as the Dark Reign, rather than a single "event" (think last year's Blood Hunt). This suggests the Marvel universe will persist through most of 2025, but with Doom reigning as World Emperor, Sorcerer Supreme, and leader of the Superior Avengers.

As you might expect, the Superior Avengers will feature villains—though not the usual versions. Familiar names will be taken up by new characters:

Here, it's Kristoff—Doom's adopted son and also Reed Richards' half-brother.Dr. Octopus. Not Caroline Trainer (Lady Octopus), but another woman.Ghost. As in Ant-Man: a nameless female character.Killmonger. Not the familiar version.Malekith! The Dark Elves are here to stay on Earth.And Onslaught.

Superior Avengers will run for six issues, written by Steve Fox (X-Men '92: House of XCII, Dark X-Men, Dead X-Men, Spider-Woman) with art by Luca Maresca (X-Men: Forever, Children of the Vault). The series kicks off in April.

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The idea itself isn't new. Back in 2009, Norman Osborn replaced the Avengers with reformed villains in Dark Avengers, featuring Iron Patriot, Scorpion (posing as Spider-Man), Moonstone (impersonating Ms. Marvel), Swordsman (fake Hawkeye), Daken (pretending to be Wolverine), Sentry, Marvel Boy, and Ares.

Or take the Secret Empire event, where Hydra assembled its own Avengers: the unworthy Thor, Vision (under Arnim Zola's control), Scarlet Witch (manipulated by Chthon), Deadpool, Superior Octopus, Taskmaster, and Black Ant.

Hold on… Sorcerer Supreme? World Emperor? Dark and Superior Avengers? How exactly did Doctor Doom pull this off? In this guide, I’ll walk through how the "One World Under Doom" storyline came together—covering the key prelude events—so you’re fully up to speed.

Table of Contents

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Emperor Doom

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While this 1987 graphic novel by David Michelinie and Bob Hall may be the first story that comes to mind, you probably don’t need to read it. Although Doom’s theft of the Silver Surfer’s cosmic power in Fantastic Four #57 wasn’t his first attempt at world domination, Emperor Doom perfectly captures the idea of a unified planet under Doom’s rule.

The story’s main strength is its straightforward yet powerful premise.

President Doom 2099

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Speaking of Doom ruling the world, in Doom 2099 he nearly conquered America. In this series by Warren Ellis and Pat Broderick, the supremely confident 90s-era Doom 2099 delivers iconic lines like “America is the greatest threat to the planet.”

“I’ll save the world by protecting America.” For me, this is the highlight of Marvel 2099 and a brilliant showcase of Doom’s most memorable exploits throughout history.

Secret Wars

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Did someone mention “greatest conquests”? To a God-Emperor, what are titles like president or emperor? Fans of Marvel's best storylines consistently point to Doom’s role in Fantastic Four, Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers run, and the landmark 2015 Secret Wars event. It’s also the ultimate modern example of Doom’s relentless quest for immortality and power—all in the name of benevolent rule.

Of course, Doom saved reality in his own name and made decisions—such as marrying Sue Storm, turning Johnny Storm into Sunshine, and appointing Ben Grimm as the Wall—driven by his own unresolved grudges. This remains my favorite story exploring what Doom would do if he possessed the full godlike power of the Marvel universe.

Blood Hunt

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The most important continuity thread leading into One World Under Doom is the 2024 Vampire Invasion event by Jed MacKay and Pepe Larraz. In a final attempt to reverse the Darkhold-fueled vampiric plague, Doctor Strange turns to Doctor Doom for help.

Doom insists that in order to wield the magic Strange needs, he must be granted the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme until the world is truly safe. Incredibly, Doom retains his Sorcerer Supreme status because Strange agrees the world hasn’t been fully secured yet.

So while we await more details, concepts, and a finished script from the Russo–Downey Jr. partnership in February, let’s immerse ourselves in a world that belongs to one ruler: Doom.