Scientist. Statesman. Sorcerer. These are but some of the roles played by Doctor Doom. And yet, the sovereign leader of Latveria is so much more than a single word, however apt, may convey. Victor Von Doom is debatably the most complex character in all of Marvel Comics. He is also one of the most powerful, being capable of fighting the Fantastic Four and the Avengers single-handed. And yet, despite most of his appearances placing him in the role of the antagonist, he has also played the hero.
That is the vexing paradox of Doctor Doom. While he is arrogant to a fault, he is also nearly as good as he thinks he is most of the time. More than one empowered being, from the time-traveling Kang to the goddess Bast, have asserted the world would be better off with him ruling it. That frightening truth lies at the core of the 2025 One World Under Doom event. There, the conflict is not truly with the newly crowned Emperor of Earth, but with the heroes wondering if they aren’t better off under the rule of Doom.
Best Doctor Doom Comics as of 2025
While he has always been a power in Marvel Comics, interest in Doctor Doom has never been higher. This is due to Robert Downey Jr. being cast in the role and being touted as the next great villain of the MCU. Thankfully, there is no shortage of great comics for those seeking to learn more about the character before Avengers: Doomsday‘s release on December 18, 2026,
Doctor Doom Epic Collection: Enter…Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom first appeared in 1962’s Fantastic Four #5. While established as the archenemy of Reed Richards, Doom was too grand a character to limit to occasional jousts with Mister Fantastic and his family. He went on to test the Avengers as a group, and contended with Spider-Man and Daredevil too.
‘Enter… Doctor Doom’ collects these early adventures of the Sovereign of Latveria. Most of the comics in this collection come from the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby run on Fantastic Four. There are a variety of stories here, including the titular tale where Doom steals the power of the Silver Surfer. However, all these comics confirm Doom’s status as a master of science and sorcery.
Another notable story in this collection first appeared in 1969’s Marvel Superheroes #20. This comic presented a rare early tale featuring Doctor Doom as the anti-hero. He must save the lost love of his youth; a woman named Valeria. Yet his actions in saving her forever turn her heart from him. This would establish a trend in many of Doom’s heroic exploits, where he loses what he wants even as he achieves his goals.
Books of Doom
Many comics have recalled the origins of Doctor Doom. However, none were quite so detailed nor as daring as Books of Doom. Originally published in 2005 as a six-part miniseries, it is widely considered to be the definitive history of Victor Von Doom.
The story unfolds with Doctor Doom dictating to an unseen reporter. His recollections of his past are intercut with interviews with those who knew him best. From his childhood as a Romani peasant, to his later life as a revolutionary, we learn how Doom is viewed by the world and how he views himself.
The deeply detailed artwork by Pablo Raimondi is simply exquisite. However, the frame story presented by Ed Brubaker is what has made Books of Doom most famous. While the story rings true, the word of Doom sometimes conflicts with the testimony of others. It is left to the reader to decide if Doom is truly the Byronic hero he sees himself as or a villain playing at nobility.
Secret Wars (1984)
While originally conceived as a stunt to sell action figures, the first Secret Wars crossover became much more. Many important story elements, such as Spider-Man’s symbiote costume, were introduced as part of the event. However, it is also notable for how it established Doctor Doom as the preeminent villain of Marvel Comics.
The plot centered around a cosmic being called the Beyonder, who grew fascinated by the superheroes of Earth-616. Creating a gestalt “Battleworld’ made up of pieces of other planets, the Beyonder pit two different armies against each other to see if Good or Evil was stronger.
Naturally, Doctor Doom was quick to claim his place leading the Evil team. However, while the other villains jostled for position and a chance at revenge on their enemies, Doom played a long con. His ultimate goal was to steal the power of the Beyonder for himself. While his resulting deification was far from permanent, Secret Wars still established just how dangerous Doctor Doom is.
Triumph and Torment
Once every 100 years, the Vishanti gather the mightiest of mages to contest for the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Their tests are arduous, but well worth the risk. For those wizards who pass the test but do not place first are granted a boon to be fulfilled by the new Sorcerer Supreme.
This is how Doctor Strange found himself owing a favor to Doctor Doom. It was a favor that Doom called in immediately, requesting Strange’s help in freeing his mother’s soul from the grip of Mephisto. It was also a favor that, by the laws of the Vishtani, Strange could not refuse.
Many consider Triumph and Torment the best comic ever to feature either Doctor Strange or Doctor Doom. Certainly Mike Mignola went all out with the artwork, and the script by Roger Stern finds the perfect balance between fantasy and horror. Beyond that, it is notable for establishing the odd friendship between the two doctors that continues to this day. It is also notable as one of the best stories to show the softer side of Doom and how, in many ways, he is still a boy grieving his lost mother.
Doctor Doom (2019)
When Tony Stark and Reed Richards partnered on building a controlled black hole on the moon, few were surprised when Doctor Doom condemned the project as dangerous. Fewer still were surprised when Latveria launched missiles at the moon base and killed thousands of people. Indeed, the only people surprised by this were the people of Latveria and Doom himself.
As a show of good faith, Doom surrendered himself into SHIELD custody. Unfortunately, the helicopter transporting him was attacked and the ruler of Latveria unwittingly freed. Now, armed with nothing but his wits, Doctor Doom must prove his innocence. More, he must save his homeland from the forces that seek to disgrace him and enslave his people.
There are many comics that explore the question of whether Doctor Doom is truly evil. However, this 2019 solo series is one of the few to place him in a purely heroic role. Seeing Doom framed for a crime that he didn’t commit is a novel twist and Christopher Cantwell plays it to the hilt. The artwork by Salvador Larroca is equally well crafted. Additionally, it is hard not to enjoy any story where Doctor Doom has a bear mount named Novak.
How we chose the best Doctor Doom comics
There is no shortage of great Doctor Doom stories. However, in composing this list, a variety of stories from across a wide range of history were sought. An effort was also made to pick stories which showed Doom in all his complexity. While he is undoubtably a great villain, he can also be a great hero depending on the circumstances. Indeed, it may be fairest to simply describe him as great.
