Writer Ryan North Reveals ‘One World Under Doom’ Will Change Everything for the Marvel Universe
This year, Ryan North and R.B. Silva are ready to shake things up in the Marvel Universe with a nine-part series called One World Under Doom. In this series, Doctor Doom has a bold new plan to take over the world, putting the entire planet under his rule.
After taking the title of Sorcerer Supreme from Doctor Strange in Blood Hunt, Doom returned to Latveria to put his grand ideas into action. Now, a fresh status quo is set to emerge, and writer Ryan North shares some hints about what to expect.
In an exclusive talk with Marvel.com, North explains that what makes Doctor Doom such a compelling character is his blend of magic, science, and a firm belief that he is the hero of his story:
Doctor Doom is great. I wrote a book a couple of years ago coincidentally called How to Take Over the World and it opens with me saying “Doctor Doom is the best villain” and the reason he is the best villain is because he does science, he does magic, and he genuinely believes himself to be the good guy.If it weren’t for Reed Richards, I think Doom believes he would be celebrated for the hero that he is. But he is not a good man, and that is endlessly fascinating to me.
Source: Marvel.com
North further points out that while Doom is known as the Fantastic Four’s arch-enemy, his presence in the larger Marvel Universe is now unquestioned. Characters like Iron Man are naturally aware of who Doom is, which makes it easier to write a story where Doom’s influence touches everyone, not just his usual foes.
North focuses on Doom’s mix of extreme confidence and deep insecurities, especially around Reed Richards, who is the one person Doom can’t outsmart.
One interesting relationship North is eager to explore is between Doom and Valeria Richards. In One World Under Doom, Doom reaches out to Valeria, trying to justify his actions. Despite being the daughter of his greatest rival, Valeria is someone Doom genuinely cares about, which adds depth to his character.
Doctor Doom promises a new era of peace and prosperity, offering what Earth’s heroes, like the Avengers, cannot. North explains that the Avengers are like firefighters—they react to crises but don’t impose their will on the world. Doom, however, believes he can do better, claiming, ‘The best form of government is having the best person in charge, and that’s me.’
As both Emperor and Sorcerer Supreme, Doom brings an unprecedented challenge to Earth’s heroes. North highlights that Doom isn’t just physically powerful; his intelligence and mastery over both science and magic put him in a unique position.
One moment North is particularly excited about is a dramatic fight scene featuring Doom. He describes it as one of the most enjoyable scenes he’s written, showcasing Doom’s reaction to being challenged in a way that is both powerful and personal:
here is a fight scene between Doom and another character. That fight scene was some of the most fun I’ve had writing comics. You have Doom at peak power and this other character sensing weakness and coming in. It’s nice when Doom is angry, but it’s really fun when he’s like righteously indignant, the gall to attack Doom! He’s just personally offended that this would happen.
North hopes readers will finish the series with a deeper understanding of Doctor Doom—not just as a villain, but as a complex figure who genuinely believes in his vision for the world.
One World Under Doom promises to be a thrilling ride, blending action, character depth, and the kind of story that will make us think about power and leadership in new ways. One World Under Doom #1 is comes out on February 12, 2025.
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