What’s the FIRST thing a tyrant does when he gets in power? He starts going down his enemies list. Your Major Spoilers review of One World Under Doom #2 from Marvel Comics awaits!

ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM #2

Writer: Ryan North
Artist: R.B. Silva
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: March 19, 2025

Previously in One World Under Doom: Doctor Doom has taken over the world, and Earth’s mightiest heroes have failed twice: first to stop him, and now to overthrow him. But the Fantastic Four know Doom better than anyone, which makes them ideally suited to take on Earth’s new Emperor, except for the fact that he knows THEM just as well. As Reed, Ben, Sue, and Johnny prepare to face down Doom at the United Nations, Doom pays a secret visit to speak to the only person on Earth who holds both his favor, his respect… and his love.

But can Valeria Richards change her uncle’s mind?

STORYTIME WITH UNCLE DOOM

Since securing the post of Sorcerer Supreme from Doctor Strange to end the vampire crisis, Doctor Doom has used his powers to unite humanity. He has built schools and education centers around the world, taken the time to deal with poverty, inequity, and societal ills around the world, declaring every nation a part of Latveria, and thus under his direct protection. His noblesse oblige has paid off, as world leaders have all agreed to his terms, even as portions of their populations rebel against the idea. Among those are the Fantastic Four, who have always opposed Doom in his plans for world conquest, and have no intention of stopping now. But as the adult heroes develop a strategy, their teen daughter Valeria slips away to ask the important questions of the only man who can truly explain: Doctor Doom himself! His argument is that world domination is a question of anarchy vs. order and that all he wants is the glory for the world to remember that Victor von Doom did what lesser men couldn’t. When the FF attacks his speech to the United Nations, Doom is saved not by magic or technology, but by the common people of the world… The people who believe in his message and support him!

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN THE VILLAIN’S SINCERE

I’m not gonna lie, reading this was very hard for me, as the cynical part of my mind feels that all these arguments and impressive philosophical arguments are going to end in a disappointing fist-fight, but moreover, the sight of amoral jerks taking power and inexplicably having support is just a bit too real for me as a native of the US. Bygones! The discussion between Doom and Valeria is actually pretty wonderful, reminding us that Victor is a layered character who loves Valeria like his own child. It’s also chilling to hear his argument and find it to have merit. The humiliation of the Fantastic Four and the desperate measures taken by the Avengers are a clear sign that this story shouldn’t just go away. Silva’s art is perfectly suited to this story, proving able to handle a tour of the world powered by Doom-magic, a quiet conversation between uncle and niece, a war council of Avengers, and even a series of person-on-the-street interviews equally well. Having seen Silva’s work in Powers of X a couple of years ago, I was sure this book would be visually distinct, but it’s even more impressive than my expectations.

BOTTOM LINE: AN INTERESTING PREMISE, EXECUTED WELL

Though my cynical side still maintains that it won’t, possibly even can’t end well, One World Under Doom #2 gives us some personal insight into what Doctor Doom is up to, with impressive art and story beats that really sell it all, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall. I have literally no idea where this is going, which right now feels like a good thing.

Dear Spoilerite,

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.