Marvel’s latest event, One World Under Doom, kicks off in spectacular fashion, setting the stage for a nine-issue saga where Doctor Doom does what he does best—win. Writer Ryan North and artist R.B. Silva craft an ambitious, high-stakes narrative that blends superhero spectacle with political intrigue, making this feel like much more than a standard hero vs. villain story.
Doctor Doom’s rule isn’t built on brute force alone—it’s a battle of ideas. With world leaders willingly swearing allegiance to him, Doom controls the narrative, forcing Earth’s heroes to question their next move. It’s a fascinating premise that makes for an engaging, unpredictable start to Marvel’s biggest event in months.
The issue opens with Doctor Doom addressing the world, his voice broadcast on every screen, phone, and radio. His message? He is here to save them. Every leader on Earth has submitted to him voluntarily, making his rule legitimate in the eyes of the public. This is where the genius of the story lies—Doom hasn’t just conquered the world, he’s made it so the world wants to be conquered.
This isn’t your typical superhero rebellion against tyranny. The heroes can’t just punch their way out of this one, because they might be the ones in the wrong—or at least, that’s what Doom wants everyone to believe. It’s a story about control, perception, and propaganda, giving the event a weight that goes beyond simple action.
Of course, this doesn’t mean there’s no action. The heroes aren’t going to stand by and let Doom take over without a fight. This leads to a fantastic battle sequence where they attempt to strike back, only to be met with an unexpected twist involving Baron Zemo. Without diving into spoilers, it’s clear that Doom is always two steps ahead, forcing the heroes to rethink their entire approach.
While the issue delivers strong storytelling, Doom himself is somewhat distant. He makes his grand speech and plays his role as the reluctant hero, but we don’t get much internal monologue or behind-the-scenes insight into his thoughts. This is likely a deliberate choice to keep readers guessing, but for an event centered on Doom, it would be great to see more of his perspective.
R.B. Silva brings dynamic, high-energy visuals that make the action sequences pop off the page. From shattered buildings to explosive battles, every panel is packed with detail and movement, making the large-scale fights feel cinematic. Silva’s ability to cram multiple heroes into a single frame without losing clarity is impressive, ensuring that every character feels distinct and expressive.
One standout moment involves Doctor Doom’s tyrannosaurus (yes, you read that right), which is as absurd as it is awe-inspiring. Meanwhile, a scene featuring Spider-Man reacting to unseen forces adds a layer of surreal tension to the issue. Silva’s artwork makes every moment feel larger than life, perfectly matching the event’s epic scope.
Colorist Marte Gracia brings a bold, vibrant palette that makes every page visually striking. The contrast between Doom’s cold, imposing presence and the chaotic energy of the hero fights is well-executed, reinforcing the issue’s themes of order vs. resistance.
One World Under Doom #1 delivers a compelling, thought-provoking start to Marvel’s latest event. Ryan North takes a unique approach by making Doom’s conquest about persuasion rather than pure domination, forcing heroes into a moral and strategic dilemma. Meanwhile, R.B. Silva’s stunning artwork ensures that the action remains as exhilarating as ever.
While Doom’s personal perspective is somewhat absent, the mystery surrounding his true motives only adds to the intrigue. This is an event that feels massive in scale, yet also smart in execution, making it a must-read for anyone looking for more than just another superhero showdown.
Doctor Doom’s greatest weapon isn’t his magic or technology—it’s the ability to make you question who the real villain is.