There is little doubt that Doctor Doom is the greatest villain in all of Marvel Comics. There is some debate, however, as to how evil the sovereign of Latveria truly is. While believing the ends justify the means, Doom also has a strict moral code and many noble traits. However, a battle with his future self in Doomed 2099 #1 confirms that, from a certain point of view, Victor Von Doom is undeniably evil.
Written by Frank Tieri, with art by Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar, Doomed 2099 #1 sets up a battle for the ages. The Doom of 2099 learned of how his past incarnation had become the Sorcerer Supreme and the events of One World Under Doom. This risked destroying his alternate future, prompting the future Doctor Doom to beat some sense into his past self. Unfortunately, he knew himself well enough to know any persuasive effort was doomed to failure.
Doom 2099 tried and failed to tame the modern Doctor Doom repeatedly. In his final effort, he assembled a brute squad the likes of which the world had never seen. Old Man Logan, the Maestro Hulk, and Cosmic Ghost Rider were only some of the recruits to the future Doom’s team. Unfortunately, their plan of attack had a major flaw due to a factor that may reflect the intrinsic evil of Doctor Doom.
What marks Doctor Doom as Marvel’s most evil villain?
With most of the team disabled by a blinding spell, Cosmic Ghost Rider made his move. He attempted to use his Penance Stare on Doctor Doom. This trademark Ghost Rider attack hits the target with the guilt they feel for every sin they have ever committed.
Unfortunately, this plan had a major flaw, which Doom explained as he reflected the Stare back at Cosmic Ghost Rider. The Penance Stare only works on those who feel guilt for their past actions. Doctor Doom, for better or worse, feels no guilt at all.
The fact that Doctor Doom has no regrets may be a nod to Doctor Doom and the Masters of Evil. This 2009 miniseries found Doom joining forces with villains ranging from the Sinister Six to the Circus of Crime on a series of heists. While seemingly beneath him, there was a grand purpose to his trading favors from one team to the next. That purpose was safely securing a wish from the Black Queen Selene to rid himself of his greatest enemy forever.
Rather than destroying Reed Richards, as Selene expected, Doctor Doom wished to rid himself of any sense of guilt. His conscience, Doom reasoned, was a far greater threat to him than Mister Fantastic. Without guilt, Doom explained, there was nothing he could not do. Presuming one without guilt to be entirely evil, this would confirm Doctor Doom as the most evil villain in all of Marvel Comics. He’s certainly the most dangerous, as his ability to shrug off the Penance Stare confounded even his future self.
Doomed 2099 #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
