REVIEW: ‘One World Under Doom’ Issue 4

One World Under Doom Issue 4 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Ryan North, art by R.B. Silva, colors by David Curiel, and letters by Travis Lanham.

This is part of the One World Under Doom event. Doctor Doom is all that stands in the way of Dormammu conquering the Earth.

What excels in the plot of this story is how much depth it achieves despite how simple the concept is. It is two heavyweights of the Marvel Universe throwing everything they have at each other. The entire tone and structure of the event had changed inside One World Under Doom Issue 4. The whole story is based around the battle, from start to finish. And yet, North makes sure it never gets old. It is swing after swing from both sides, with Doom trying everything to repel his enemy from the Dark Dimension.

The pacing doesn’t move fast at all, slowing down at times to get even more action out. This is the first time someone has matched Doctor Doom as the Sorcerer Supreme, challenging him and even looking superior at points. It’s a boss battle where both participants are the final boss. The ending is terrific, finally opening up an avenue for the crossover to reach its conclusion.

The two characters at the heart of One World Under Doom Issue 4 are written perfectly. North’s script is sensational. Two egos clash with a pair of dictators who are never concerned about what others think. The issue, the first of the event, is narrated from the viewpoint of Doctor Doom. There, we get a real, powerful insight into his mind.

That arrogance and narcissism are genuine, not an act or a metal mask. He thinks he’s right all the time. There is no consideration that he would lose or buckle. He will sacrifice and push through incredible adversity to achieve his goals. That’s what makes Doom so scary. He is so unerringly confident that he’s the hero of his own story.

The art brings everything to the table. Silva recognizes the power that both magicians have and unleashes both. Dormammu looks incredible. Sometimes, the lord had been derided and mocked, diminishing his immense strength and presence. One World Under Doom Issue 4 returns that. He’s frightening and devious, real and demonic. He’s imposing when Doctor Doom is in the panel, which is saying something.

The fighting is undiluted fun. The magic that Doom and his nemesis use is varied and full of surprises. Doom uses tools, gimmicks, and even other people’s powers. Each page brings something completely different and utterly bewildering. By the end of the issue, Doom looks as vulnerable as he has ever been, which might still not be enough to keep him down.

The colors are still terrific, but more shades are included in this chapter. There is a lot of intense green light generated by Doom and his spellcasting, but the purple of Dormammu’s magic opposes that. Other swathes of tones are included, often submerging the panels in a single tone to try and assert dominance. The letters are obvious and easy to read.

One World Under Doom Issue 4 is the best issue of the event so far. North uses evil to uproot evil. Knowing who to root for in this absolute mystical epic is difficult. Doctor Doom needs someone to knock him from his perch. Without the Avengers or Fantastic Four to stop him, Dormammu is the one who has to step up. But doing that means allowing a demonic emperor to take control of Earth, so it falls to Doom to protect the planet. There is no one else coming.

The egotistical posturing of both villains is magnificent, as is the gorgeous art that tries to put their unimaginable power onto the paper. No one else is coming, and the lack of additional figures strengthens the comic. It is purely a Sorcerer Supreme slogfest to find out who comes out on top, and it’s impossible to take your eyes off it.

One World Under Doom Issue 4 is available where comics are sold.