Doctor Doom Appreciation 2023 - Scientist, Sorcerer, Romani King

[Iron Maiden]

Romani, Sorcerer, Scientist, King




Welcome fellow Minions of Doom to the latest iteration of the Doctor Doom Appreciation thread where we discuss All Things Doom and pay homage to the most Dangerous Man Alive in the Marvel Universe. Created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Doom had his first appearance over 60 years ago in Fantastic Four #5 . For the benefit of any fledgling Doomophiles, here is a brief recap of the awesome origin of Doctor Doom by Artist Jim Cheung and written by Allen Heinberg as featured in Avengers: Children's Crusade #3. (as seen in Fantastic Four Annual #2 and Books of Doom #1-2)
[/CENTER]


Video created by FRC Coazze



Doctor Doom reading list by DoomScribe


Fantastic Four - Annual 2 1964 Stan Lee/ Jack Kirby “Origin of Doctor Doom”; & “The Final Victory of Dr. Doom!” (2 new stories) Origin story. Then rescued from space (issue 23) by Rama Tut; Dr Doom uses berry juice to turn FF against each other; but defeated by Reed at the Encephalo-gun. **

Marvel Superheroes 20 May, 1969 Roy Thomas/ Larry Lieber “This Man . . . This Demon!” Diablo. Retells Doom’s origin and the story of Valeria, as Diablo seeks a partnership to rule using Doom’s time platform, currently under armed guard at his replica castle in the USA. **

Fantastic Four 86 May, 1969 Stan Lee/ Jack Kirby “The Victims!” The FF & villagers defeat Omnipurpose robots; Doom destroys the village but Sue’s shield saves them. **
Fantastic Four 87 June, 1969 Stan Lee/ Jack Kirby “The Power and the Pride!” The FF storm the castle; Doom uses hypersound against Hauptmann to prevent destruction of valuable art. **

Astonishing Tales 1 Aug., 1970 Roy Thomas/ Wally Wood “Unto You is Born . . the Doomsman!” Prince Rudolfo. Doom creates an artificial being using cosmic power and his own brain patterns; Ramona who looks like Valeria, sets a trap. **
Astonishing Tales 2 Oct., 1970 Roy Thomas/ Wally Wood “Revolution!“ The Faceless One. Former Crown Prince Rudolfo seeks to usurp the throne of Latveria, aided by the mysterious Faceless, while the android Doomsman runs amok, toppling all in it’s path. **
Astonishing Tales 3 Dec., 1970 Larry Lieber/ Wally Wood “Doom Must Die!” Doom and Faceless struggle for control of Doomsman; an earthquake destroys Castle Doom & the hopes of the Rudolfo’s rebels. **
Astonishing Tales 5 Apr., 1971 Larry Lieber/ George Tuska “A Land Enslaved!” Red Skull. Doom battles Skull, is caught by surprise and trapped in an adamantine mummy, but he defeats them & uses shrinking ray on his enemies. **
Astonishing Tales 8 Oct., 1971 Gerry Conway/ Gene Colan “Though Some Call it Magic!” Mephisto. Doom embarks on a dangerous battle with demons on a midsummer’s eve for the soul of his lost mother. The first telling of this tragic tale. *******

Fantastic Four 116 Nov., 1971 Archie Goodwin/ John Buscema. “The Alien, The Ally and Armageddon!” The Watcher, and the Stranger. Reed is brainwashed by the alien Over-Mind (an Eternal), and Sue asks Doom to aid the rest of the FF in a desperate battle. *******

Sub-Mariner 47 (vol 1) Mar-72 “Doomsmasque”
Sub-Mariner 48 (vol 1) Apr-72 “Twilight of the Hunted”
Sub-Mariner 49 (vol 1) May-72 “The Dream Stone” Sort of a campy story when read now, but overall an interesting take on these two titanic monarchs of the Marvel Universe told over three issues. An amnesiac Namor is re-acquainted with Doctor Doom, and taken on a hunt for the Cosmic Cube! With Modok. And contains a remarkably restrained, honorable, and self-reflective portrayal of Victor Von Doom.
Marvel Team-Up 42 Feb., 1976 Bill Mantlo/ Sal Buscema “Visions of Hate!” Spidey has time traveled to the time of the Salem Witch Trials. The Vision is drawn into the conflict with the Dark Rider. Doom joins them to defend the past. **
Marvel Team-Up 43 Mar., 1976 Bill Mantlo/ Sal Buscema “A Past Gone Mad!” The Dark Rider attempts to extract magical energies from Doom to increase his own power **
Marvel Team-Up 44 Apr., 1976 Bill Mantlo/ Sal Buscema “Death in the Year Before Yesterday!” Moondragon. Doom is almost lost, but finally uses his magical might with the aid of the others to defeat the Dark Rider. **

Super-Villain Team-Up 10 Feb.,1977 Bill Mantlo/ Bob Hall “The Sign of the Skull!” Captain American storms the Latverian embassy while Shroud and Rudolfo invade castle Doom, now controlled by Red Skull, who shoots down Doom & Cap’s plane. *****
Super-Villain Team-Up 11 Apr., 1977 Bill Mantlo/ Bob Hall “My Ally, My Enemy!” Red Skull plans to use the Hypno-Ray, Doom & Cap are shrunk, but make way to the castle where Namor and Shroud assist them against the Skull *****
Super-Villain Team-Up 12 June, 1977 Bill Mantlo/ Bob Hall “Death-Duel!” Doom and Red Skull battle on the Moon *******

Fantastic Four 198 Sept., 1978 Marv Wolfman Keith Pollard “Invasion!” ***
Fantastic Four 199 Oct., 1978 Marv Wolfman/ Keith Pollard “The Son of Doctor Doom!” ***
Fantastic Four 200 Nov., 1978 Marv Wolfman/ Keith Pollard “When Titans Clash!” ***

Superman and Spider-man Marvel Treasury Edition #28 1981 ***

Iron Man 149 Aug., 1981 David Michelinie/ John Romita Jr “Doomquest” Iron Man and Dr Doom are sent to England of the past, to King Arthur’s court! ******
Iron Man 150 Sept., 1981 David Michelinie/ John Romita Jr “Knightmare” Doom seeks to ally himself with Morgan LeFey, as Iron Man sides with King Arthur. But they must work together in order to return to their proper time. ******

Fantastic Four 236 Nov., 1981 John Byrne/ John Byrne “Terror in a Tiny Town!” ******
Fantastic Four 246 Sept., 1982 John Byrne/ John Byrne “Too Many Dooms!” *******
Fantastic Four 247 Oct., 1982 John Byrne/ John Byrne “This Land is Mine!” *******
Fantastic Four 258 Sept. 1983 John Byrne/ John Byrne “Interlude” *******
Fantastic Four 259 Oct. 1983 John Byrne/ John Byrne “Choices” ****

Secret Wars 1 – 12 (Limited Series) May 1984. Heroes and Villains are transported to Battleworld by the all powerful Beyonder, in order to battle to see who is the most powerful. Doom ostensibly leads the villains, all while plotting to take the power of Galactus, and then the Beyonder himself. ***

Emperor Doom (Graphic Novel) Jun-87 Dr Doom has harnessed the power of the Purple Man, and has declared himself Emperor of the Earth, instilling peace and prosperity throughout the world. But one Avenger must decide whether to take the power away from him, and risk returning the world to one of strife and conflict. Stars the Avengers. *******
Triumph and Torment (Graphic Novel) 1989 Roger Stern/Mike Mignola/Mark Badger. Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange battle Mephisto in order to free the soul of Doom’s mother from his infernal realm. Includes a synopsis origin story for each of the good doctors. ********

Amazing Spider-Man 349 July, 1991 “Man Of Steal!”
Amazing Spider-Man 350 Aug, 1991 “Doom Service!” Remarkable appearance for Doom’s ultimate restraint, and also for quite thoroughly kicking Peter’s butt. ****

Doom 2099 1 – 40 January 1993 Sometimes brilliant, ended too soon. Issues after #40 are best left unread. ******

Heroes Reborn: DOOM one shot, January 2000 “Doom!” ******
Heroes Reborn: Ashema one shot, January 2000 “Ashema” ****
Heroes Reborn: Doomsday one shot, January 2000 “A World Untamed” ******

DOOM 1 – 3 (Limited Series); October 2000 *** (starts out strong) Remarkable also for the nekkid Doom vs the male African lion in to the death combat!

Doom: The Emperor Returns 1 – 3 (Limited Series); January 2002 ** (ends poorly)

Books of Doom 1 – 6 (Limited Series); November 2005. An expanded re-telling of the rise of Victor Von Doom, and the conquest of Latveria. Great new insights, fabulous art, very well done and highly recommended. *******

Stan Lee Meets Doctor Doom – one shot December 2006. *** Amusing and ties in to continuity in interesting ways.

Iron Man: Legacy of Doom 1 – 4 (Limited Series) April 2008; Iron Man and Doctor Doom tangle again over fragments of Excalibur, magic and science do battle. ****

Doctor Doom & the Masters of Evil 1 – 4 (Limited Series) January 2009 **** A fun mini series aimed at all ages. Great individual moments downgraded by inconsistent art.

Fall of Hulks: Alpha one shot, Feb-10 “Meeting of the Minds” The Intelligentsia gather knowledge from the world, Doom keeps it. Fall of Hulks was difficult to follow unless you got all of the Hulk titles, but this one-shot was a particularly nice showing for Doom. **

Spider-Man & the Secret Wars 1 – 4 (Limited Series) January 2010 Another all-ages title, recaps Secret Wars from Spider-Mans POV, with Dr Doom; again providing a new take on a classic story. ****

___________________________
[I]The following notable Fantastic Four arcs are purposefully left off this list for unforgiveable transgressions against the Master, but there were some elements in each that were laudable. Reader, draw your own conclusions.
Fantastic Four (vol 3) 67 – 71/500 May, 2003. “Under Her Skin” and “Unthinkable” parts 1 – 4.
Fantastic Four 566 to 569, July 2009 “Doom’s Master” and “Million Year Old Doom”

[Iron Maiden]

Recommended Reading by ImperiousWrecked




BOOKS OF DOOM: GRAPHIC NOVELS, PROSE NOVELS AND COLLECTED WORKS (TPBs)








GRAPHIC NOVELS


Emperor Doom OGN 27
Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment OGN 49
Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment (new printing) ( Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment OGN, Doctor Strange (1974) 57 and material from Astonishing Tales (1970) 8 and Marvel Fanfare (1982) 16 & 43)

PROSE NOVELS

The Harrowing of Doom - A Marvel Untold Novel by David Annandate (Aconyte Books)
The Fantastic Four: Doomsday Marv Wolfman 1979 Doctor Doom captures the Fantastic Four
The Amazing Spider-Man Stan Lee & John Romita 1980 Reprints newspaper comic strips where Doom visits the UN
Fantastic Four: To Free Atlantis Nancy A. Collins 1995 Dr Doom has usurped Sub-Mariner from his throne, and Namor seeks the FF for help
Doom's Day: Rampage Book One Danny Fingeroth & Eric Fein 1996 Spider-Man and Hulk team up to fight an army of Hulk clones
The Ultimate Super-Villains Edited by Stan Lee 1996 Anthology: Doom, by Joey Cavalieri
You Are Spider-Man vs The Incredible Hulk Richie Chevat 1997 Doctor Doom is behind the kidnapping of the Hulk
Doom's Day: Sabotage Book Two Pierce Askegren & Danny Fingeroth 1997 Spider-Man and Iron Man team up as Dr Doom seeks a new energy source
Doom's Day: Wreckage Book Three Eric Fein & Pierce Askegren 1997 Dr Doom has teamed up with Doc Ock against the FF and Spider-Man
X-Men Doctor Doom The Chaos Engine book 1 Steven A. Roman 2000 The X-Men return to an earth ruled by Doctor Doom
Fantastic Four: The Baxter Effect Dave Stearn 2007 The Thing, a gypsy girl, the FF, and a nightmare wielded by Doom
Fantastic Four: Doomgate Jeffrey Lang 2008 From Victor Von Doom's lab notebooks, a gate between worlds is opened
Doctor Doom: Reign of the Devourer David Annandale 2022 Doctor Doom seeks to control the Devourer of souls before it destroys Latveria



COLLECTED EDITIONS:

Doctor Doom TP Vol 2: Bedford Falls. Collecting Doctor Doom #6-10. Available February 17th 2021
Doctor Doom TP Vol 1: Pottersville. Collecting Doctor Doom #1-5
Savage Avengers TPB Vol 2: To Dine with Doom. Collecting Savage Avenger 6-10 and Annual #1
Infamous Iron Man v1 Infamous (Infamous Iron Man 1-6)
Infamous Iron Man v2 The Absolution of Doom (Infamous Iron Man 7-12)
Secret Wars 2015 (Secret Wars 1-9, Free Comic Book Day 2015)
Doomwar (Doomwar 1-6)
Avengers: The Children's Crusade (Avengers: The Children's Crusade 1-9)
Doctor Doom and the Masters of Evil (Doctor Doom and the Masters of Evil 1–4)
Thor: Latverian Prometheus (Thor 604-606, Sif 1, and material from Thor 600)
FF: Books of Doom (Books of Doom 1-6)
Doom (Doom 1-3, Doom: Emperor Returns 1-3)
Heroes Reborn: The Return (Heroes Reborn: The Return 1-4; Heroes Reborn: Doomsday, Ashema, Masters Of Evil, Rebel, Remnants, Young Allies And Doom)
Doom 2099 The Complete Series by Warren Ellis ( Doom 2099 24-39 and material from 2099: The World Of Doom)
Secret Wars (Secret Wars 1-12)
Iron Man: Legacy of Doom (Iron Man: Legacy of Doom 1-4)
Iron Man vs. Doctor Doom Doomquest (Iron Man (1968) 149-150 and 249-250)
FF: Overthrow of Doctor Doom (Fantastic Four (1961) 192-200)
Essential Super-Villain Team-Up (Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up 1–2 and Super-Villain Team-Up 1–17) Black and White
Super-Villains Unite: The Complete Super-Villain Team-Up (Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up 1–2; Super-Villain Team-Up 1–14, 16–17; The Avengers 154–156; Champions 16)
Private War of Doctor Doom (Avengers 150-156, Annual 6; Super -Villain Team - Up 9)
Marvel Masterworks Marvel Rarities (Amazing Adventures (1961) 1-5, Tales of Suspense 49-58, Silver Surfer (1968) 1-7, Marvel Super Heroes (1966) 20 and 23, and Astonishing Tales (1970) 1-8)
The Villainy of Doctor Doom (Fantastic Four (1961) 39-40, 84-87, and 239-240 and Annual 2)

[Iron Maiden]

Interviews, Youtube Vidoes and Podcasts

The immortal Jack Kirby sketching Doctor Doom and explaining his small scar theory. Video hosted by the Jack Kirby Museum






Interview with Fantastic Four Writer Ryan North: Some questions about Doctor Doom are answered for Fantastic Four #700

Doctor Doom series (2019-2020) Interviews with Christopher Cantwell

WMQ Comics: Christopher Cantwell opens up on 'She Could Fly', 'Doom' and 'Everything' My favorite quote from this article "The character is dangerously arch, and you have to be careful writing him for a media-savvy audience in 2020. There has to be just enough self-awareness and humor. There has to be humanity without making him needlessly gooey. The villainy can be amped now to pretty high levels, to remind people that he’s a bad person, in a real world that is increasingly run by very bad people. To me, Doom is both Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster. He is able to love, but he feels he is unable to be loved" (January 24, 2020)

Newsarama: Why Doctor Doom is one of Marvel's most interesting and enduring characters: Doctor Doom writer Christopher Cantwell opens up about why Victor Von Doom is one of the coolest comic book characters (November 24,2020)

PreviewsWorld: Best of 2020 Interview: Christopher Cantwell's Doctor Doom "In the following interview, Christopher Cantwell gives a glimpse into the creative thought process behind DOCTOR DOOM, how 2020 impacted the series, and more!" (December 28th, 2020)

Adventures in Poor Taste: A Not So Wonderful Life: Christopher Cantwell Reflects on "Doctor Doom". This is Cantwell's exit interview for the series (December 29th, 2020)

Websites, YouTube Videos & PODCASTS

CMRO: The Complete Marvel Reading Order/Doctor Doom Reading Order

Comic Watchers Show episode 112 Interview with Christopher Cantwell (January 14, 2021). The conversation starts with his Iron Man series and switches to a discussion of the Doctor Doom series at the 42 minute mark. There is also a viewer question about Boris and Kristoff at the 59 minute mark that gets answered

Miscellaneous

This is a copy of a memo from Stan Lee that Roy Thomas posted a while back. Note that Stan Doom a three star ranking

[Iron Maiden]

THE PRONOUNCENTS OF DOOM

(updated 8/23/2022 with contributions by Doomscribe and K7P5V)

What is Doom? The flesh and blood that I can swap out of at my convenience? The mind I have copied to a thousand machines? No, Doom cannot fit in such small containers. I am not my body, my mind. I am the old trunk filled with ancient mysteries, I am the explosion in the college library. I am the mask that burns with the fires of vengeance. I am the legend that unites this nation. (Loki Agent of Asgard #5)

I was a God, Valeria. I found it beneath me (Fantastic Four #611)

Doom is no man's second choice (New Avengers #24)

There is no good in me, Kang. There never was. And there never shall be. (Doctor Doom #10)

Fear is for lesser men (Secret Wars #7 - 1985)

I must arrange for spontaneous outpourings of joy among the peasantry to greet my homecoming (Astonishing Tales #5)

The activities of society's elite are meaningless to me (Astonishing Tales #5)

Doom: Isn't that what so many of you constantly waste your time doing? Trying to save me?
Stark: You're right. Maybe it's time we all gave up on that
(King in Black: Iron Man/Doctor Doom)

My greatest flaw...I surround myself with idiots - Emperor Doom

" King of Space?" "Master of the Sun"? You claim such vast dominions. Is it to balance your small souls? Could I not lay claim to the light and the void, if I wished it? Have I not earned such titles? I, who have mastered all arts, all sciences, all secrets? Whose technology and magic cross the stars as easily as they scramble an alpha telepath's mind? Who would dare to say I have not earned the right? Yet I am king of only a simple nation. On a simple planet. A beloved garden tended by iron hands. And the only title I have ever claimed... is doctor. - Guardians of the Galaxy (2021) #13

I trust you enjoyed that last witticism -- for it is the last you shall ever utter - Fantastic Four #40

You blundering atavism! Brute strength can never triumph against the power of supremely harnessed science! - Fantastic Four #40 again. Stan was on a roll.

The King of Latveria is no common murderer. If I cannot magnificently win a victory, it affords me little pleasure to slay a foe merely slay a foe - Daredevil #38 Stan strikes again!

You think you have known fear. You think you have known oppression. You have not yet known Doom - Doom #1 (2003)

Dracula! Cease trying to eat me you undead idiot! - Dark Ages #6 (2022)

Alas, the pizza party is over - Iron Man #17 (2022)

It is a childish trick, not worthy of my great talents (Fantastic Four annual #2)

Never will this mass of teaming humanity ever forget that Doctor Doom once walked among them (Fantastic Four Annual #2)

Of course I speak the truth! Victor von Doom has no use for petty falsehoods! What is a paltry mistruth in the grand arena within my life is played? (Fantastic Four #247)

But I have brought modern technology to Latveria, and forged in the white hot furnace of science a new nation that one day might have ruled the world (Fantastic Four #247)

Doom tolerates no weakness (Astonishing Tales #7)

I never fully understood other human beings (Fantastic Four #17)

I would no more waste the Power Cosmic on you than I would use a cannon to slay a flea (Fantastic Four #58)

Your unselfish concern touches me deeply, you unearthly clod! (Fantastic Four #59)

I must make myself appear to be entirely innocent ... or she will never believe me (Hulk #144)

I had thought you a lady but if you insist on speaking like a kitchen wench I'll treat you like one (Fantastic Four #259)

Even a jackal my speak with the tongue of a fox (Fantastic Four #86)

What greater strength does a man have .... than the strength of his far-seeing mind? (Astonishing Tales #8)

[CJStriker]

Happy New Years 2023 to Lord Doom, Lets hope for some News for him on the MCU Fronts as well cause when he gets drop the World Changes like it always should for Doom, Just by his Voice Alone which can shape Destiny!

[ImperiusWrecked]

Happy New Year Doom Fans!!! Remember all we need is Doom, so I hope we get lots of new content!

[Doom'nGloom]

Happy new year to everyones favorite master of science and sorcery. Let 2023 be a festive year for Latveria and its ruler.

[Iron Maiden]

My wish for 2023 is that we get some news about Doom in the MCU! It's way overdue IMO.

[Frontier]

Happy New Year to Victor and his fans !

[InfamousBG]

Cheers to the greatest of them all...DOOM!!!!!!!!!

[llozymandias]

Victor von Doom is descended from german nobility. And He is the rightful ruler of Latveria.

[K7P5V]

Hoping 2023 will be AWESOME for Doom

[Iron Maiden]

Victor von Doom is descended from german nobility. And He is the rightful ruler of Latveria.

That is a bit vague. To be sure the "Von Doom" name implies it but we know his birth parents were both Romani. Perhaps Victor's father is half German, half Romani. We've never seen a writer/editor come up with a family tree so it's anyone's guess. I think over the years Kang is no longer considered a relative and he has been one of the few possible family relations other than his parents.

[Iron Maiden]

Books and Novels for 2023

Tyrant Skies by David Annandale




The infamous Doctor Doom must face his deadliest enemy, the evil Red Skull, to save his people and himself in this thrilling Marvel Untold novel



Victor Von Doom has many enemies, but he has a special loathing for the Red Skull. When the Red Skull creates a flying haven for the billionaire elite who share his deplorable values, Doom prepares himself for the worst. When Latveria is beset by a rash of terrorist attacks, his suspicions are confirmed: the Red Skull is coming for Doom’s homeland. Now he must infiltrate the shielded microstate drifting in the skies above Latveria to save his people from annihilation. But finding a way on board the floating city is just the first in a series of trials that will test Doctor Doom to the limits of his beliefs, his strength and his powers.

STATUES, ACTION FIGURES


Hasbor Doctor Doom Secret Wars 1985 paired with Photon



Semic Studio Doctor Doom Statue



From the classic drawing by Jack Kirby, Dr. Doom comes to life in this new statue from Semic Studio! Doom was carefully sculpted by Alban Ficat and skillfully painted by Daniel Moreira to bring you a unique addition to your collection.


Product Features

• 10.23 inches (26cm)
• 1/8 Scale
• Made of polystone
• Based on the Marvel Comics character
• Sculpted by Alban Ficat
• Painted by Daniel Moreira
• Limited edition of 399 units

[Reviresco]

Okay. I'm definitely going to give those Doom books a try this year.

Victor von Doom is descended from german nobility. And He is the rightful ruler of Latveria.

Uhnn. Not the origin I remember for Doom. But I haven't read the big Omnibus yet, either, to refresh my memory.

That is a bit vague. To be sure the "Von Doom" name implies it but we know his birth parents were both Romani. Perhaps Victor's father is half German, half Romani. We've never seen a writer/editor come up with a family tree so it's anyone's guess. I think over the years Kang is no longer considered a relative and he has been one of the few possible family relations other than his parents.

Kang. That character's backstory is a mess -- which I guess makes sense for a time traveller. I thought the last Krang mini had them connected?

Any family tree would be a creation of DOOM. ;p