While Doctor Strange may have held the title the longest, Doctor Doom is 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 series One World Under Doom’s launch later this February, the series’ lead writer Ryan North answered a few questions about the 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 him. He wants to show the world that he can do it better than anyone.” - Ryan North

Doctor Doom has been at the peak of the scientific and mystical fields of study for 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 taught the future Sorcerer Supreme the 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.

While Doom still struggles to sur Reed Richards’s genius, he has already long dominated Doctor Strange as 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 of Doctor Doom’s power as Marvel moves into its next major event, especially as it relates to his status. Victor von Doom is an interesting character whose ego 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 built an iron dome of magic and science around him to hide that weak spot. When he ruled as God Emperor Doom over 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 that Doctor Doom will always command the station of Sorcerer Supreme with unmatchable strength.

One World Under Doom #1 releases on February 12, 2025 from Marvel Comics.

Source: Marvel Comics