Review by Ian Keogh

Doctor Doom has been framed for the destruction of a moonbase using unstable black hole technology he’s on record as criticising. It so angered the world that his kingdom of Latveria was invaded and Doom arrested. He escaped, and Pottersville was his journey of rediscovery, fuelled by visions of a future where he’s destined to combine ruling Earth with a happy family life.

Christopher Cantwell’s exploration of Doom has so far been to assess him as on the run plagued by uncertainties. Bedford Falls is the redemption, Doom in his pomp returned to Latveria to root out traitors and restore his reputation. He has no problems owning the atrocities he has committed, but greatly resents being accused of crimes in which he had no part. It’s a significant insight into Victor Von Doom.

Because much of the previous volume was Doom on the run, darkness was both the prevailing mood and the artistic preference. Skulking in shadow is no longer on the agenda, and Salvador Larroca delivers a new Doom, at first with a new mask, and now a confident warrior. Larroca’s subtle when needed, but at his best when no subtlety is needed. In Pottersville Cantwell had Doom musing about his love of war, and Larroca delivers a glorious spread here extrapolating that. It’s part of a chapter consisting of little but spreads accompanied by assorted narratives and all of them noteworthy.

Doom may be back in Latveria, but the crime committed in his name continues to imperil the planet, and here some knowledge of his previous character is essential. Ego-fuelled arrogance has in the past belied a presumed infallibility, and narrative captions belittling the intellect of Reed Richards show that whatever redemptive arc he’s been on, it’s not a journey erasing Doom’s essence. He claims to be transformed to the extent of suggesting he’ll surrender to justice, but crucially on his own terms. He’s seen a future where the Earth survives and where he’s renounced his previous ways and is happy. Will he embrace it?

This is a satisfying fall and rise arc in two acts, combined if preferred as Doctor Doom by Christopher Cantwell and Salvador Larroca.