Robert Downey Jr. is slated to make his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time as Doctor Doom. Known for his previous role as Iron Man, Downey will take on the role of Dr. Doom in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday.
The announcement was made by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Downey Jr. at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. At the event, RDJ made a surprise appearance in Hall H, where he was introduced as the villainous Doctor Doom from the Fantastic Four series.
Who Is Doctor Doom?
Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, Doctor Doom first appeared in The Fantastic Four #5 in July 1962. Speaking of his origin story, Victor von Doom was born in Latveria, a small European country. He was a brilliant inventor and sorcerer who sought to avenge his family’s death and reclaim his rightful place as the ruler of Latveria.
When Did Doctor Doom Debut?
Doctor Doom first appeared in Fantastic Four #5, published in 1962, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In this issue, the villain ensnared the Baxter Building in a nearly impenetrable net and then captured the entire Fantastic Four team, transporting them to his castle.
At the castle, Doom revealed his plan to hold the Invisible Woman hostage while sending Mister Fantastic, the Thing, and the Human Torch back in time to retrieve mystical stones that once belonged to the sorcerer Merlin.
However, the team managed to outwit Doom and escape as his castle went up in flames, with Doom fleeing via jetpack. This story helped establish the character as a major antagonist.
What Is The Origin and Background of Doctor Doom?
While the nation of Latveria and Doom’s leadership role weren’t mentioned in his first appearance, Fantastic Four #5 provided some backstory through Reed Richards, who recalled Doom from their college days.
As a young man, Victor Von Doom was obsessed with studying the supernatural, particularly contacting the netherworld. An experiment went awry, leaving his face scarred. Following this incident, Victor traveled the world, delving deeper into dark magic.
Victor’s background further unfolds in Fantastic Four Annual #2 (1963) and the Books of Doom (2005), which elaborate on his tragic past. His mother, Cynthia, made a deal with the demon Mephisto, trading her soul for the power to protect their people.
After both his parents died, Victor immersed himself in scientific and mystical studies, eventually coming to the United States, where he encountered Reed Richards, who would become his long-time nemesis.
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Why Does Doctor Doom Hate the Fantastic Four?
Doctor Doom’s animosity towards the Fantastic Four, particularly Reed Richards, dates back to their college days. During their time in the United States, Victor Von Doom met Reed Richards, who offered to be his roommate.
However, Doom, valuing his privacy, declined, and Ben Grimm took the spot instead, becoming good friends with Richards. One day, Richards visited Doom’s room and noticed some errors in Doom’s equations related to matter transmutation and dimensional warping.
Doom, offended by what he perceived as meddling, ignored the warning and proceeded with the experiment, which resulted in an explosion that scarred his face.
This incident marked the beginning of Doom’s resentment towards Richards, which only intensified as Richards gained fame as Mister Fantastic of the Fantastic Four. Doom’s subsequent failures to defeat Richards and his team have only deepened his hatred, driven by his massive ego and sense of superiority.
What Are The Superpowers Of Doctor Doom?
Doctor Doom’s power stems from his natural abilities and extensive study, driven by his enormous ego and desire for power. The failed experiment that scarred him was an attempt to breach the netherworld to find his mother.
When that failed, Doom sought out more mystical knowledge, exploring mystical mountains and acquiring arcane secrets. He also constructed his iconic armor and developed Doombots, highly advanced robotic duplicates that have often deceived his enemies and allies.
While Doom is renowned for his scientific genius, he is also a formidable sorcerer. The 1989 graphic novel Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment showcased his magical abilities, where he tricked Doctor Strange into believing the Vishanti had appointed him Sorcerer Supreme.
This ruse was part of a plan to compel Strange to help him rescue his mother’s soul from Mephisto.
Doom’s pursuit of power even led him to sacrifice Valeria, a woman he once loved, for greater supernatural abilities, as depicted in Fantastic Four (1998) #67. He even wore a new suit made from her skin.
Since then, Doom has continued to blend his scientific and mystical prowess, becoming one of the most formidable villains in the Marvel Universe.
Here’s a list of Doctor Doom powers you never knew he had:
TIME TRAVEL
RESISTANCE TO TELEPATHIC CONTROL
COSMIC POWER
TELEPORTATION
MIND TRANSFERENCE
HYPNOTISM
SORCERY
GENIUS-LEVEL INTELLECT
FORCE FIELDS
SUMMONING DEMONS
INDOMITABLE WILL
TECHNOPATHY
POSSESSION
THE INFINITY GAUNTLET AND ALL ITS POWERS
Over the years, Doctor Doom has appeared in various adaptations, including animated TV shows, video games, and films, most notably in the 2005 and 2015 Fantastic Four movies.
