Doctor Doom is already one of Marvel’s fiercest villains. However, while the MCU’s variant of the villain promises to be a harrowing threat, there is one version of Doctor Doom more horrifically terrifying than any other yet. This is the story of the cannibalistic monstrosity known as Victor von Doom.

In 2010, Marvel Comics introduced Marvel Universe Vs. The Punisher - written by Jonathan Maberry - which sees a grim, alternate reality that has been overtaken by a ravenous disease that transforms the infected into gruesomely cannibalistic reflections of their former selves.

While some heroes like Wolverine or the Punisher were spared long enough to deliver lethal justice to their fallen comrades, another more villainous character persevered through their cannibalistic infection to reforge themselves as the Emperor of the World - Doctor Doom. While still wrestling with his own potential infection, Doctor Doom has discovered a way to stave off the plague.

Doctor Doom Becomes The World's Sole Savior

Marvel Universe vs. The Avengers #1-4 (2012) - Written by Jonathan Maberry; Art by Leandro Fernandez; Color by Lee Loughridge; Lettering by VC’s Cory Petit

By the time readers are introduced to Earth-11080 in the Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher, the world has already been overthrown by the flesh-craving disease. In Marvel Universe vs. The Avengers, Doctor Doom later notes that, while the origin of this infection remains unknown, the plague had infested itself in the planet’s biosphere, perverting all living things long before “patient zero” took their first cannibalistic bite. As the Avengers try to hold their ground against hordes of their former allies and enemies, Reed Richards works tirelessly to discover a cure.

Meanwhile, the Incredible Hulk has long succumbed to the illness, transforming into an even more brutish form than his previous self, now leading an entire army of the infected. As the heroes repeatedly fail to hold back the spreading infection, an unexpected ally descends from the sky with grim news. Doctor Doom soon emerges from his vessel with ill warnings that no place in the world is safe, that is, except Latveria. With promises that he will become the Earth’s sole savior, Doctor Doom reveals he has discovered a way to stave off the infection.

The Avengers Elect Doctor Doom As Emperor Of The World

All Kneel Before Doom

To save himself and his people, Doom combined his mastery of science and the mystic arts to forge an artifact called the “Doomstones.” According to the Latverian ruler, the Doomstones have the power to preserve one’s intellect and memories, sparing their mind from the impulsivity that the plague enforces. While the Avengers are initially hesitant, Doom promises to provide his artifacts of power to any that swear fealty to his rule. Left with no other choice, the Avengers kneel before Doom as he takes his new title as Emperor of the World.

Hawkeye can’t seem to shake his distrust of Doom as the rest of the Avengers tepidly accept their new ruler.

Soon, the Doomstones are distributed to every hero and citizen in New York City who has yet to be taken over by the disease. While the Hulk and his hordes of infected still infest the surrounding landscape, Doctor Doom effectively creates an iron dome around New York City, transforming the metropolitan into one of Earth’s last bastions of peace. Yet, despite all the good Doctor Doom has brought and the countless lives he has saved, Hawkeye can’t seem to shake his distrust of Doom as the rest of the Avengers tepidly accept their new ruler.

Doctor Doom Became A Cannibalistic Messiah

He Rules Over His Kingdom Of Meat

Unsatisfied with Doctor Doom’s promises of peace, Hawkeye launches an investigation into the Emperor. After catching a glimpse of Deadpool dragging a bloody bag into the Baxter Building, the Avenger tails behind, only to discover with horror that his suspicions were just. As Hawkeye approaches Doom’s quarters within the Fantastic Four’s old base, he catches the grueling sight of Doctor Doom preparing to feast on Mystique’s still-living body. Here, Doom reveals that he has always been infected and plans on establishing a new world order where he will rule over the world’s meat supply as the planet’s most powerful cannibal.

This is easily one of Doctor Doom’s most terrifying variants if not the most petrifying in Marvel history. Like Earth-616’s Doom’s many exploits, this variant comes with promises of salvation while disguising the ugly authoritarian rule he truly seeks to erect. While he maintains his intellect and memories, he cannot truly control his urges. This Doctor Doom is just as much a victim of the plague as anyone else, but, in classic Doom fashion, finds a way to capitalize on his misfortune to rise to a higher station.

More monstrous and sinister than any other multiversal variant yet, this Doctor Doom is an unparalleled horror that no other could ever hope to become.