Marvel Comics defined themselves with unconventional characters. Their heroes were flawed people, for all their nobility. Contrastingly, their villains were often shown to have their good points. This balance was explored in one recent event comic, which ended with one villain making a noble sacrifice that ended their life.
The sacrifice came in the climax of One World Under Doom #9, by Ryan North and R.B. Silva. The previous chapter found Doctor Doom, now Sorcerer Supreme and Emperor of Earth, fighting the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. The battle ended, however, when an unexpected party entered the fight; Valeria Richards, daughter of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman. She is also the goddaughter of Doctor Doom, who declared himself her godfather after helping Sue Storm through a troubled delivery in Reed Richards‘ absence.
Valeria had entered the war zone hoping to talk sense into her godfather directly. Unfortunately, she was caught in the crossfire and killed instantly. This accordingly set into motion a chain of events that would change the Marvel Universe. It would also lead Doctor Doom to an unthinkable sacrifice.
Why did Doctor Doom die and sacrifice himself?
For all his ambition, Doctor Doom honestly loved Valeria Richards. Indeed, he loved her more than anything else. A flashback in One World Under Doom #9 showcased their relationship, recreating several classic moments from earlier Marvel Comics.
Unable to cope with the idea that his actions killed Valeria, Doctor Doom uses his power to challenge various cosmic beings. When that fails, he bargains and humbles himself before the Living Tribunal; the cosmic avatar of Justice in the Marvel Universe.
The Living Tribunal looked into Doctor Doom’s soul and confirmed that his love and desire to atone were both true. Accordingly, it agreed to rewrite reality across the Marvel Universe, despite Doom’s magic making the battle an unalterable fixed point in time. However, a price would be enacted; Doom would forfeit the title of Sorcerer Supreme, his life, and his soul. Doom agreed without hesitation.
One World Under Doom ends with the world in turmoil, as Doom’s actions inspire conflict between his followers and detractors. Many, particularly Reed Richards, are convinced that Doom had some ulterior motive beyond saving his beloved goddaughter. In any case, the ramifications of Doom’s death will be explored in an upcoming mini-series, The Will of Doom.
One World Under Doom #9 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
