Favorite Scenes: Doctor Doom!

 

This new series came about from doing what any comics reader might find him- or herself doing when a certain character comes to mind--reminiscing about those scenes in which that character appeared, which often led to pulling out those issues and thumbing through those pages once more. In the case of Dr. Doom, arguably one of the most memorable characters in this medium, it seems like he and I are thinking along the same lines. (Though the comparison stops there.)

This armored man, once called a "living enigma" by the Sub-Mariner, became shaped by the tragic and harsh events of his past, going on to become one of the most dangerous figures in Marvel's line of comics. Following are some of the more memorable moments of his nefarious life which stood out for me, though you'll no doubt have a few of your own to add to this digital "scrapbook" of the good Doctor's exploits.

It was with his dealings with the Fantastic Four, and with Reed Richards in particular, that Doom's character would begin to be explored by not only Stan Lee and Jack Kirby but succeeding writers and artists who continued to find new stories for this malevolent menace. One story by his creators even brought him within arm's reach of world domination--but first, there were old scores to settle with the FF, by wielding power on a cosmic scale which made him more of a threat than ever.

It was a four-part epic which became one of the book's most classic battles (though we were certainly given cause to believe here that it was curtains for at least two of the FF).

Jumping forward nearly five years later, we would see that a global crisis makes for strange bedfellows, as even Doom was made to realize that whatever threatens the world is a threat to himself and his kingdom of Latveria. And so he finds himself fighting on the side of his enemies, as he faces the enormous power of the Over-Mind.

While both his life and his sanity survived the Over-Mind's assault, the efforts of Doom and the FF came to naught that day, leaving the fate of the world to the intervention of the Stranger. (An irony, considering the many times this being from the stars himself had sought to eradicate the human race.)

Yet the time came when Doom and Reed would finally have it out between them, a vendetta for Doom which went back to their college days when the explosion of a machine of Doom's design left his face scarred for life and for which Doom blamed Reed. There are schools of thought as to how extensive that damage turned out to be, and certainly instances where people have recoiled at the sight or otherwise commented on how hideous it was; regardless, both men are left to settle the matter in the book's 200th issue, in a crystal complex where those present must shield their eyes from the chamber's mind-damaging radiance.

As was evident, Doom had anything but an epiphany at the conclusion of that battle--and afterward, he was fitted with a strait-jacket for his trouble. In time, he would recover, and... ah, reclaim the throne of Latveria from King Zorba, who had deposed him.

Speaking of Latveria, it turns out that Doom has similar regard for those in his employ as he does for his subjects--wanting only contentment and happiness for them* but, most especially, loyalty.

*Unlike his flunkies, Doom's subjects were required to reflect their contentment and happiness upon pain of punishment. As we've seen, those in his forces who betray him rate a stiffer penalty.

It's not difficult, then, to imagine how hard those in Doom's R&D department labored toward the successful completion of their master's projects--which brings us to Hauptmann, whose brother Doom had slain some time ago during a conflict with the Fantastic Four, and who has learned to bide his time until he can repay Doom for his brother's murder. But for the unsuspecting Hauptmann, time has finally, unfortunately, run out.

One foreboding scene that left me feeling deprived of a follow-up was where Doom learns that Dr. Strange no longer has a disciple--something Doom notes as an item of interest, to be looked into at a more convenient time. On the other hand, perhaps the scene works so well because of the sense of anticipation it leaves us all with.

One scene which finally was followed up on (though it took awhile) picks up after Doom returns to Latveria following a battle with the Thing which resulted in severe injury to his hands as well as dealing an equally crushing blow to his pride. With Doom choosing to remain silent and unresponsive, it falls to his loyal retainer, Boris, to take advantage of the moment and attempt to influence his master to abandon his goal of world domination as well as his vendetta against the Fantastic Four, once and for all.

Regrettably, Doom is instead spurred into rededicating himself to the team's destruction as well as becoming the world's master--an almost textbook example of someone who means well having their reasonable, sensible words of advice backfire on them in a major way.

Doom faced a similar choice when a hostage situation found him reconnecting with his first love, Valeria, who had fallen prisoner to Diablo--a stepping stone toward Diablo's wish to establish an alliance with Doom.

Needless to say, Doom finds a way to save Valeria, while consigning Diablo to a grim fate for crossing him. As for he and Valeria renewing their relationship, Doom chose his ambition over love, leaving Valeria no choice but to depart.

Someone who didn't have the luxury of departing Doom's company was the Thing, who was captured in Latveria while attempting to deliver a little payback to Doom for his treatment of Sharon Ventura. But unlike their brawl at the Baxter Building where Doom fell victim to the Thing's power, here Ben finds the tables turned on him--and a sumptuous table it is, conveying the pretense of decorum over a fine repast that for Ben will turn out to be anything but.

Nor does Tony Stark appreciate Doom's brief pretense of civility when an employee's oversight at Stark International results in an illegal sale of components to Latveria and Doom is forced to seize them when shipment is halted and reimbursement made (though Doom omits that little tidbit when confronted by Iron Man). Clearly Doom has his own opinion of the phrase "a deal's a deal," as their meeting turns to murder soon enough.

However, their fracas is interrupted by none other than Hauptmann (this story taking place nearly two years to the month prior to his life's end at Doom's hand), who seizes the moment to rid himself of Doom by trapping both of these men in the distant past.

Finally, such a compilation begs one last meeting--this time between Doom and his co-creator, who is summoned to Latveria to rectify what Doom feels is a mishandling of his character as portrayed in Marvel's comics.

Whether Mr. Lee is able to make any headway in his own defense may be worth a look, though he'll have a hard time wisecracking his way out of this one.