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Marvel Day Series: Why Doctor Doom Is Marvel’s Greatest Villain

Marvel Day Series: Why Doctor Doom Is Marvel’s Greatest Villain

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MARVEL DAY SERIES

In 'The Emperor Doom' graphic novel, Doctor Doom takes over the world and brings peace.
In “Avengers: The Emperor Doom” (1987) graphic novel, Doctor Doom takes over the world and brings peace. AP Photo/Marvel Comics.

IN SUPERVILLAINS

INTRO

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STAN LEE’S FAVORITE VILLAIN

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Doctor Doom was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Originally, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four Vol. 1 (1962) #5.

Interviewed by leukemia survivor KJ Ricci, Stan Lee revealed Doctor Doom is his favorite supervillain. The legendary writer said he does not see Doom as a villain and would like to clear his name.

PER IGN: MARVEL’S GREATEST VILLAIN

IGN’S TOP 100 COMIC BOOK VILLAINS OF ALL TIME

In 2009, IGN counted down the Top 100 Comic Book Villains Of All Time from both DC and Marvel comics. The list features some of the best villains in the two universes such as Magneto, Thanos, Black Adam and Joker. The list even ranks our own Doctor Doom.

On the list, Doctor Doom ranked number three. In 2019, IGN would rank Doctor Doom as the greatest Marvel villain of all time citing his supreme arrogance and lust for power. Let’s look at reasons why this is the case.

 

Doctor Doom.
Doctor Doom. AP Photo/Marvel Comics.

ORIGIN STORY

Doctor Doom’s origin story is one of tragedy and crime. Victor von Doom was born to gypsy parents. His mother dealt in the dark arts. Tragically, a bargain with Mephisto went awry and the demon claimed Victor’s mother’s soul. Victor studied magic in Latveria then science in America to reclaim his mother’s soul.

Victor Von Doom, Reed Richards and Ben Grimm studied at State University, New York. Apparently, Ben may have been responsible for Victor becoming Doctor Doom. Combining magic and science, Victor’s experiment failed and his face was scarred. Donning armor and mask, he became… Doctor Doom.

CHARACTER MOTIVATION

What makes Doom a great villain is the fact that he originally was not a villain. His dedication to saving his mother is understandable though the means he uses are abhorrent. In many respects, Doom is a product of his upbringing: tortured, lonely and violent.

Doom’s central motivation is his belief that the world can find peace only under Doomworld. In many respects, this is the belief of all tyrants which shows that Doom’s belief actually stems from those tragic circumstances that developed his lust for power. Why is Doom’s Marvel greatest villain? He has conviction and unmatched willpower.

Doctor Doom’s story is that of tragedy and crime. AP Photo/Marvel Comics

VILLAIN OR ANTI-HERO?

Early stories showcase Doctor Doom as an exclusive Fantastic Four villain. IGN even considers him a fifth member of the Fantastic Four as its necessary antagonist. What makes Doom an interesting villain are his motivations. Ultimately, though he always seeks ultimate power as his goal, his purposes are always devious.

Of course, his final goal is world domination but his methods are infinite. As head of state of Latveria, Doom uses the vast resources at his disposal to do war against the Fantastic Four and Marvel Earth. In some portrayals Doctor Doom has allied himself with the forces of good to face a common enemy. In “Infinity Gauntlet,” Doctor Doom even allied himself to the heroes who banded together to fight Thanos. However, it is always for a devious purpose.

POWERS: SCIENCE AND MAGIC

Doctor Doom is one of the most brilliant minds on Marvel Earth, rivaling Mister Fantastic in scientific expertise. A rarity, Doom has managed to unite both science and magic, upgrading his armor with spells, cosmic energy and other sources of power. What makes Doom so dangerous is his skill in both departments and his viciousness, since he is willing to go to any lengths in order to further his power.

Multiple times, Doctor Doom has succeeded in achieving ultimate power. Doctor Doom managed to steal the Beyonder’s power and become the Supreme Being of the Marvel Universe. In the “Avengers: Emperor Doom” storyline, Doom became the benevolent Emperor Doom who succeeded in bringing peace on Earth with the Purple Man’s psycho-prism. In the “Secret Wars” event, Doom stole the Beyonders’ power again, this time, to re-make reality in his image. Indeed, a feat not even Thanos has achieved.

VISIT DOCTOR DOOM’S INTELLIGENCE FEAT.

In ‘Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars’ (1985) #10, Doctor Doom becomes the Marvel Universe’s Supreme Being. AP Photo/Marvel Comics.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: DURING ‘FOREVER EVIL,’ THE METAL MEN GIVE THEIR ALL AND TAKE ON GRID.

FAVORITE DOCTOR DOOM MOMENT: DOCTOR DOOM STEALS THE POWER COSMIC

In 'Fantastic Four' (1968) #57, Doctor Doom steals the Power Cosmic in order to challenge Galactus.
In ‘Fantastic Four’ (1968) #57, Doctor Doom steals the Power Cosmic in order to challenge Galactus. Photo/Marvel Comics

In a classic story from the ’60s, Doctor Doom proves his grandiloquence by trapping Silver Surfer and stealing the Power Cosmic.

In great Jack Kirby’s style, Doctor Doom utters his grandiloquent speech to challenge the Devourer of Worlds and world domination.

Respect Doctor Doom!

PREVIOUS: RESPECT DOCTOR DOOM. JULY 6TH.

NEXT: How Doctor Doom Stole The Beyonder’s Power In ‘Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars.’ SEPTEMBER 2ND.

RESPECT DOCTOR DOOM RESOURCES

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[Respect] Dr. Doom (Marvel 616) from respectthreads

COMICVINE: Respect Doctor Doom (2000 – 2015 Era Respect Thread

Marvel Graphic Novel: Emperor Doom — Starring the Mighty Avengers Vol 1 1 in Marvel Database.
Doctor Doom in Comic Vine.
Fantastic Four Vol 1 5 in Marvel Database.
Stan Lee Says Doctor Doom Is Not A Villain in Comicbook.
Doctor Doom in IGN.
The Top 25 Marvel Villains in IGN.
Fantastic Four Vol 4 9 in Marvel Database.
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol 1 10 in Marvel Database.
Fantastic Four Vol 1 57 in Marvel Database.
Marvel Day: Stranded On Earth, Silver Surfer Is Reunited With Shalla Bal, Only To Lose Her Again Because Of Mephisto!

Marvel Day: Stranded On Earth, Silver Surfer Is Reunited With Shalla Bal, Only To Lose Her Again Because Of Mephisto!

Pat

MARVEL DAY

In 'Silver Surfer' (1968) #3, Silver Surfer has found Shalla Bal only to lose her again.
In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1968) #3, Silver Surfer has found Shalla Bal only to lose her again.

IN ROMANCE

SILVER SURFER IN REVENGE FOR HUMANITY’S REJECTION BRINGS CIVILIZATION TO A STANDSTILL

In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1968) #3, Silver Surfer is reunited with Shalla Bal only to lose her again. At the beginning of the issue, Silver Surfer attempts to heal with his Power Cosmic a girl that was a victim of an alien abduction by the Badoon. However, the hospital staff and the police interfere. With one blast of cosmic shock, Silver Surfer heals the girl.

The police reacts with a blast but the Surfer’s invulnerability protects him. At that moment, the girl begins to move and one of the police officers notes that maybe the Surfer healed the girl. Surfer melts the police officers’ weapons with a cosmic wave. However, angered at humanity’s aggression, the Silver Surfer vows revenge. In a series of cosmic bursts, the Silver Surfer brings civilization to a standstill: all machines fail to run and humanity is enshrouded in darkness.

In 'Silver Surfer' (1968) #3, Silver Surfer brings civilization to a standstill.
In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1968) #3, Silver Surfer brings civilization to a standstill. AP Photo/Marvel Comics.

THE CALAMITY ON EARTH CATCHES MEPHISTO’S ATTENTION

 

In 'Silver Surfer' (1968) #3, Mephisto's attention is drawn to Silver Surfer who has created a calamity on Earth.
In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1968) #3, Mephisto’s attention is drawn to Silver Surfer who has created a calamity on Earth. AP Photo/Marvel Comics.

SHALLA BAL MAKES A DEAL WITH MEPHISTO IN ORDER TO SEE NORRIN RADD AGAIN

In order to conquer the Silver Surfer, Mephisto departs for Zenn-La. In her quarters on Zenn-La, Shalla recalls the glorious sacrifice of Norrin Radd, who became Silver Surfer and served Galactus that Zenn-La be spared. She mourns him and pledges her love to him, as he pledged his love to her. As she reminisces on the couch, she is overtaken by a strange cold. Mephisto is here! Mephisto says he has come to claim Shalla Bal. He tells her he has the power to reunite her with the Silver Surfer. Shalla Bal makes a deal with Mephisto and accepts his offer.

Deviously, Mephisto transports Shalla Bal to a Zenn-Lavian space ship. They are headed for Earth. Soon, they see the Silver Surfer who has relented from his revenge. At that moment, the space ship approaches its speedy descent towards Earth which activates nuclear defenses. The Silver Surfer attacks the bases and destroys their missiles. But it is too late. The space ship is downed and Mephisto departs as Shalla Bal lays on the ground. The space ship hurtles towards Earth. Silver Surfer races to the Zenn-Lavian space ship, only to find his beloved. With a cosmic balm, he heals her. Now, Mephisto’s devious plan unravels.

In 'Silver Surfer' (1968) #3, Shalla Bal makes a deal with Mephisto in order to see Norrin Radd again.
In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1968) #3, Shalla Bal makes a deal with Mephisto in order to see Norrin Radd again.

SILVER SURFER VS MEPHISTO

Since the dawn of time, Mephisto has not sensed the purity he senses in the Silver Surfer and which he loathes. In order to have the final victory on the day of Armageddon, the Silver Surfer must die.

Mephisto must destroy the Silver Surfer but on his own terms and at a place of his choosing. The Prince of Lies transports Shalla Bal to the stygian depths. Silver Surfer tracks Mephisto to the stygian depths. In order to save Shalla Bal, Silver Surfer must battle Mephisto.

INTERESTED IN THIS BATTLE? CLICK ON “ESSENTIAL SILVER SURFER VOL. 1” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: After She Finished Off Ares Impaling First Born And Him To Prevent The Prophecy, Olympus Declared Wonder Woman The New Goddess Of War.

THE LOVE OF THE SILVER SURFER FOR SHALLA BAL WINS THE BATTLE, BUT THE SILVER SURFER MUST LOSE HIS LOVE AGAIN

In an attempt to claim the Silver Surfer’s soul in bondage, Mephisto turns the Silver Surfer into a thought. Then, he implants the Surfer into his satanic brain. Mephisto seeks to bend the Silver Surfer to his will and claim his soul. However, the Silver Surfer’s purity hurts Mephisto and the Surfer is freed.

In a last effort, Mephisto asks the Silver Surfer to pledge his soul or else, he will send Shalla Bal to Zenn-La and the Silver Surfer will be separated from Shalla Bal forever. Shalla Bal explains to Silver Surfer that this is their victory: For their love to be true, it must be free of Mephisto’s bondage. In a last ditch effort, Silver Surfer attempts to touch Shalla Bal’s right hand but Mephisto does not grant even that. Silver Surfer’s love for Shalla Bal wins the battle, but he is heartbroken. And Mephisto has eternity to plan.

In 'Silver Surfer' (1968) #3, Silver Surfer has found Shalla Bal only to lose her again.
In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1968) #3, Silver Surfer has found Shalla Bal only to lose her again.

SOURCES

Silver Surfer Vol 1 3 in Marvel Database.
Doctor Doom

Doctor Doom

Pat
Doctor Doom – Earth-616

NAME: VICTOR VON DOOM

RELATIVES: WERNER VON DOOM (FATHER, DECEASED), CYNTHIA VON DOOM (MOTHER, DECEASED)

BASE OF OPERATIONS: DOOM ISLAND, LATVERIA

AFFILIATION: PARLIAMENT OF DOOM (MULTIVERSE)

CHARACTERISTICS

HEIGHT: 6′ 2″ (1.88 m) (6’7″ when armored)

WEIGHT: 225 lbs (102.06 kg) (415 lbs when armored)

ALIGNMENT: EVIL

ORIGIN STORY

Early Years

Victor von Doom was born in a Romani camp outside Haasenstadt, Latveria.[34] His mother, Cynthia, was killed in a bargain with Mephisto that went wrong. Despite his father’s attempts to care for her, a noblewoman died and Werner von Doom fled with a young Victor on a cold winter’s night. Victor survived the cold, but unfortunately his father did not.[39] Doom sought to increase his knowledge of both science and magic in order to rescue his mother,[40] whose death he blamed on Mephisto. In his youth, Victor fell in love with a woman named Valeria, but she resisted his advances.[41]

Becoming Doctor Doom

The State University in Hegeman, New York offered Victor a scholarship. While attending classes there, he met Reed Richards and Ben Grimm for the first time.[38][40] They developed a dislike for each other, leading to Reed Richards commiting the first prank he had ever pulled, changing Victor’s last name on a trophy to “Doof.”[18] Doom became obsessed with developing a machine that could project the astral form of a being into other dimensions, seeing it as a way to free his mother’s soul from Mephisto’s clutches. Reed pointed out a flaw in Doom’s calculations, but Doom arrogantly ignored his warnings, feeling Reed was trying to upstage him, likely due to their dislike for each other. The machine exploded, scarring Doom’s face. He was soon expelled for conducting unethical experiments. From then on, he blamed Reed Richards for the destruction of his face as well as his expulsion.[38][40]

Disgraced and bitter, Doom traveled the world. Eventually he came upon a small Tibetan village of monks who assisted him in creating a suit of armor. He returned to his homeland of Latveria to overthrow the leader and declare himself king. He then began to use his country’s resources in order to further his plans of world domination. These schemes led Doom into conflict with the Fantastic Four on many occasions, as well as many other superheroes.[40]

– Victor von Doom (Earth-616), Marvel Database

POWERS

POWERS
  • Magic.
  • Mystical Blasts.
  • Mystical Force-Fields.
  • Spell Casting.
  • Teleportation.
  • Dimensional Travel.
  • Mystical Portals.
  • Healing.
  • Banishment.
  • Time Travel.
  • Power Absorption.
  • Psionics.
    • Mind Transference.
    • Hypnotism.
    • Technopathy.
    • Telekinesis.
ABILITIES
  • Super-Genius Intelligence: Doctor Doom has built “Doombots” that look and talk like him.
  • Master Martial Artist.
  • Indomitable Will.
  • Charismatic Leader.
  • Multilingual.

PARAPHERNALIA

EQUIPMENT
  • Titanium Armor.

STORY ARCS

  • Emperor Doom.
  • Prisoners Of Doom.
  • The Doomwar

NOTABLE COMIC BOOK BATTLES

  • Doctor Doom vs Fantastic Four.