REVIEW: ‘Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man’ Issue 1

Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Al Ewing, art by David Messina, Colors by Rain Beredo and letters by Travis Lanham.

In Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1, the very first meetings between Doctor Doom and Spider-Man are revealed. This issue steps right into the very early days of the Marvel Universe. Most of the heroes hadn’t met each other yet. So they don’t know each other’s true nature or the full extent of their powers. Spider-Man is very young, and Doom is curious about the young, bug-powered vigilante. There isn’t just one meeting, but a selection that shows a growing, begrudging resentment between the two.

Ewing delivers a fantastic progression within Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1, accelerating the hatred between the two. Some recount well-known meetings, updating them for a modern audience, while others are brand new.

The difference in approach is fascinating too, with Doom showcasing the variety in which he can attack a foe. Diplomacy, technology, and magic are all used to try to force Spider-Man into subjugation, and none manages to fully convince the teenager.

The writing of both major characters within Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is sensational. These two characters are very different, with unique origins and positions. Doom is the monarch of Latveria, incredibly rich and arrogant without peer. He thinks he’s the greatest, and everyone else is beneath him. Spider-Man is a struggling student with next to nothing, but he’s haunted by his mistakes.

In the first meeting, Doctor Doom is actually very reasonable with Spider-Man. It highlights how charming the mask-wearing dictator can be. There are moments when he tries to appeal to Spidey, but they can very rapidly devolve into violence.

Any respect quickly diminishes, and the spider becomes an irritating bug; Ewing does an exceptional job writing the dialogue. It has a classic feel, reminding us how long ago these conversations were. Spider-Man is very young and very raw, and that comes out when he finally snaps, and it becomes clear why he does what he does. And none of the power and wealth Doom can offer will ever change that.

It is worth noting that the narrator of Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is Doom, not Peter. This means we learn Doom’s thoughts on Spider-Man, not the other way around, which is new and innovative.

The art is exceptional. What’s fascinating about Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is that it has really not changed visually in 60 years of existence. The Spider-Man outfit and Doctor Doom’s regalia are virtually untampered with, meaning that this fight could easily have taken place in the present day, let alone at the beginnings of their respective careers.

Peter definitely looks younger, more boyish in his exuberance and demeanor. But Doom is almost unaging, largely due to the mask covering his scarred face for decades. And that is certainly part of the book: modernizing it so the first meeting doesn’t appear as outdated as others do.

Considering how little we see the faces of the characters, the body language crafted by Messina is terrific at conveying the emotions of the characters. Spider-Man can often appear daunted by Doom, and that is only constructed by how he moves.

Meanwhile, Doom stands tall and straight at all times, with Spider-Man never really causing him harm. Each meeting between Spidey and Doom has a completely different flavor, because of Doom’s variety of plans. This means that the comic never gets old or dull, and Spider-Man’s day just gets crazier.

The colors are also fantastic. Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 uses classic contrast between Spider-Man and Doom. The red and blue of Spider-Man’s costume clash nicely with the green and silver of Doom. The lettering is also terrific. This font style used for Doom’s captions has become synonymous with the dictator, making it recognizable that this comic will be told from his point of view.

Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is a glorious exploration of two adversaries who couldn’t be more different. This is part of a series of Challenges of Doom, and to pick Spider-Man as the first opponent creates such a fascinating story. Spider-Man can’t even lay a glove on Doom, so it’s not like the suspense is in the action.

Instead, the real gem within Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is the dialogue between the duo as they get the first chance to suss each other out. They are figures from very different worlds. Who should never have crossed paths. It’s a beautiful two-person character study between two of the greatest characters in fiction.

Challenges of Doom: Spider-Man Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.