REVIEW: ‘One World Under Doom’ Issue 6

One World Under Doom Issue 6 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Ryan North, with art by R.B. Silva, colors by David Curiel and letters by Travis Lanham.

This is part of the One World Under Doom event, with Doctor Doom and Mister Fantastic engaging in a televised debate; the heroes finally enter Latveria. After a large gap, the blockbuster event is back and is trying to strike at the heart of Doom.

One World Under Doom Issue 6 features two of the most common features that have been persistent throughout the event. Doom is trying to play to the crowd, using political debate to try and sway the general public to despise the heroes and revere him. It’s that theological concept that North had laced within every issue. But then there are also the heroes trying to get inside Latveria, and they have ultimately succeeded.

The structure bounces between the two settings, heightening in tension as Doom’s beloved heartland is finally unlocked. Within it lies a shocking state of affairs. Most people would expect that there was something hidden there, the truth about how Doom had become this powerful. But the truth is completely unexpected. It leads to a loud and frantic last few pages, as all hell breaks loose and Doom’s composure finally snaps.

One World Under Doom Issue 6 brilliantly shows the two sides of its main character, Doctor Doom. This event has often painted him as a hero, completely altruistic, philanthropic and even graceful. And in the debate, he walks all over Reed. He uses the failures and weaknesses of the heroes to present himself as superior, dominating the spotlight.

What’s important to remember is that Doctor Doom is a villain, and a truly terrifying one at that. Some writers present him as noble, respectful and especially caring towards his citizens. North explores that in a fascinating way in One World Under Doom Issue 6. He points out that the entire theatre can be just a show, with the evil still underneath. Even the heroes, who have seen a lot of horrible things in their lives, are horrified by the depravity. And from that, the true Doom starts to surface.

The art celebrates the ridiculous nature of superheroics. Even though Doom, the Fantastic Four and the Avengers are in a recreation of the real world, they don’t have to fit in. Doom is a man all about self-image and is a man in a mask, so it’s impossible to make him look normal. So instead, Silva goes the other way. He still has his cloak and cape on, but wears a suit underneath to appear presentable during the debate.

In Latveria, a medieval, Eastern European design is infused with mystical elements and superheroes. And when the heroes breach the most secretive part of Doom’s home, it becomes a breathtaking mix of both sci-fi and magic, which the Sorcerer Supreme is the ultimate combination of both. On the stage, the discussion between Doom and Reed descends from being civilized and composite to sickening, which Silva illustrates superbly.

The colors are gorgeous, again celebrating the classic designs and bright costumes of the classic heroes. Apart from Maria Hill, all of these characters are among those that have existed from the very beginning, where Kirby and many other talented creators created vibrant outfits that jump off the page.

Curiel faithfully recreates that here. There is a green glow that is almost constant, representing Doom’s all-encompassing power and influence. But towards the end of One World Under Doom Issue 6, a red starts cutting through and taking over. The lettering is very clear, which is important in a dialogue-heavy comic.

One World Under Doom Issue 6 strikes at the heart of an impenetrable empire. Doom has been so seductive as a ruler, as is often the case with fascists. They say the right things, and they use the failings of democracy to make their version seem so much better. His way was perfect. But there’s always a price, a scapegoat, a sacrifice. North has investigated that and translated that fantastically in this issue, by showing both sides of a Latverian coin.

After quite a while between the issues, One World Under Doom Issue 6 was worth the wait.

One World Under Doom Issue 6 is available where comics are sold.