After the epic cliffhanger last issue, it’s time to hit the midway point of this nine-issue series. One World Under Doom #5 is very much the midpoint of the series for a few reasons, not least of which is that Doctor Doom proves beyond a doubt he’s helping the world be better. But how does that notion make any sense to the Avengers? You might be surprised to see who agrees that Doctor Doom ain’t so bad.
One World Under Doom #5 is a highly satisfying chapter, largely because it opens with an all-out war on Dormammu. It’s all the high stakes and epic action we want in an event book right out of the gate, and artist R.B. Silva doesn’t disappoint. Characters in the fight include Storm, Vision, Thor, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, and even Brain Drain. Invisible Woman, Captain Marvel, and Scarlet Witch get to take the biggest blows, and it’s an exciting start.
Of course, Doom being Doom, he gets the final blow, and in an excellent example of his power, he knits his body back together and ignores the pain. This leads to his victory, and the world at large sees Doctor Doom as its one true hero. North also weaves in a clever bit of magic that puts Doctor Doom in a firm position of power to avoid Dormammu ever returning. There are layers to his winning over the Earth, making it more believable.
Doom is laying out the orders. Who made him the leader?
Credit: Marvel
The meat of this issue revolves around the fallout of this battle, with the Avengers picking up the pieces. Frustrated that they aren’t the heroes the world sees winning, an argument spurred by Thor makes some good points. Can the heroes deny that Doctor Doom is doing a good job? And more cleverly, why should they be against an emperor when Thor himself is the king of his realm? It’s a perspective we rarely encounter in superhero comics.
There’s also the public reaction, which may hit a little too close to home for some. An egomaniac leader gaining the favor of the public thanks to a single act, ignoring all of the transgressions he’s done before…where have I heard this one before? At the same time, it’s believable, sadly.
Although we’ll have to wait two months for the next issue, there’s a solid cliffhanger to hang your hat on. It’s vague, sure, but it’s a promise the heroes may have an edge against Doctor Doom after all.
One World Under Doom #5 hits the midpoint of the series with thrilling spectacle and unexpected depth, balancing explosive action with smart philosophical dilemmas that elevate Doom from tyrant to something more complicated—and maybe even heroic.
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