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Fantastic Four: Books of Doom #1-6
Doctor Doom: The Book of Doom Omnibus
Bow before the majesty of Doctor Doom! The greatest villain of all is celebrated in a tome of tyranny six decades in the making! Featuring the Latverian ruler’s first battle with the accursed Reed Richards and his Fantastic Four — and their most epic clashes since! Plus: Doom’s unforgettable encounters with Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men and the Avengers! A trip to hell with Doctor Strange! The power of the Beyonder! Victor von Doom’s incredible life story contained in the Books of Doom! And more tales of the Lord of Latveria!
Collects Fantastic Four (1961) #5-6, 39-40, 246-247, 258-260, 350, 352; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #5; Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) #20; Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) #1-2; Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) #13-14; Champions (1975) #16; Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) #14; Uncanny X-Men (1981) #145-147; Iron Man (1968) #149-150; Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars (1984) #10-12; Marvel Graphic Novel: Emperor Doom (1987); Marvel Graphic Novel: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom — Triumph and Torment (1989); Fantastic Four (1998) #67-70, 500; Fantastic Four Special (2005) #1; Books of Doom (2005) #1-6; material from Fantastic Four (1961) #236, 358; Fantastic Four Annual (1963) #2; Astonishing Tales (1970) #1-3, 6-8; Marvel Double Shot (2003) #2.
Collects Fantastic Four (1961) #5-6, 39-40, 246-247, 258-260, 350, 352; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #5; Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) #20; Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) #1-2; Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) #13-14; Champions (1975) #16; Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) #14; Uncanny X-Men (1981) #145-147; Iron Man (1968) #149-150; Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars (1984) #10-12; Marvel Graphic Novel: Emperor Doom (1987); Marvel Graphic Novel: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom — Triumph and Torment (1989); Fantastic Four (1998) #67-70, 500; Fantastic Four Special (2005) #1; Books of Doom (2005) #1-6; material from Fantastic Four (1961) #236, 358; Fantastic Four Annual (1963) #2; Astonishing Tales (1970) #1-3, 6-8; Marvel Double Shot (2003) #2.
1336 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
142 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,559 books2,334 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 9, 2022
All roads lead to Doom. This is a great collection of some important Doctor Doom stories showcasing his intellect, ruthlessness and honor. The best stories were definitely the Dr. Strange team up and the Books of Doom showing his tragic backstory. A great read for anyone interested in the ultimate comic book villain. And yes, he is the greatest supervillain.
May 5, 2024
I got this book despite owning most of this in other collections, it contains some critical Doom issues all in one place. I read through this with a friend who has less comics knowledge, and I actually think this might be one of the best samplers for Marvel Comics ever. If you’ve ever been curious what Marvel was like in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 00s (not the 90s, it’s for the best). It contains several major writers and artists: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Roy Thomas, Wally Wood, Gerry Conway, George Tuska, Gene Colan, Denny O'Neil, Frank Miller, Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum, David Michelinie, Bob Layton, John Romita Sr., John Byrne, Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, Mark Gruenwald, Bob Hall, Roger Stern, Mike Mignola, Walter Simonson, Mark Waid, Mike Wieringo, Christopher Priest, Paolo Rivera, Dwayne McDuffie, Ed Brubaker, Pablo Raimondi, among several others. These are all key writers and artists of their respective eras, and it’s great to have them all in one book. Honestly, I think this is what I’d recommend to someone who’s afraid of the Marvel continuity. True, it gets a bit rough, I’m looking at you Super-Villain Team-Up, but most of this is a tour of Marvel through one of its greatest villains.
Fantastic Four #5 ⧫ 5 Stars “Prisoners of Doctor Doom”
5 Stars. Is it campy as hell? Yes. Does Ben turn on his friends a little quickly? Yes. Is this the making of one of the greatest villains of time? Absolutely. Most of the pieces are here, and I genuinely think the story has a great angle on Ben and the power of acceptance. Maybe the other team members just need to accept him? It’s funny that there are a few slips here as Ben definitely should know Doom, and I think Sue should too…
Fantastic Four #6 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Captives of the Deadly Duo”
Doom and the Sub-Mariner. They will literally make several comics about this later. Doom’s goading of the Sub-Mariner is perfect. This is also the classic issue where Doom launches the Baxter Building into space. Starting with some classic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby is a great way to open any Omnibus in my opinion. Kirby is just firing on all cylinders for all these issues with Stan delivering some solid dialogue.
Amazing Spider-Man #5 ⧫ 4 Stars “Marked for Destruction by Dr. Doom”
Ditko’s Doom looks weird, but the fight is fun, if inconsequential. Doom’s plan is a little weird, but he’s properly menacing, plus bonus points for the Doombot. I gave this a worse rating in the context of the other Spider-Man issues, but here, it’s just charming.
Fantastic Four Annual #2
“The Fantastic Origin of Doctor Doom” ⧫ 5 Stars
The original Doom origin holds up! Doom’s trauma and ego are all here. Easily one of the best Lee/Kirby issues.
“The Final Victory of Doctor Doom” ⧫ 3 Stars
This one’s silly and doesn’t make a ton of sense, but it’s fun and interesting. Reed is such a dick, and that brings it down.
Fantastic Four #39 ⧫ 3 Stars “A Blind Man Shall Lead Them”
A very weird issue out of context, given the previous two issues are referenced in this issue and the next. It’s more of a bridge issue between those and the next.
Fantastic Four #40 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Battle of the Baxter Building”
This starts with more silly FF/Daredevil stuff, but then, it ends with a very brutal outcome with Ben taking out his grief and frustration and quitting the team. That really elevates the issue and is genuinely shocking.
Marvel Super-Heroes #20 ⧫ 4 Stars “This Man… This Demon!”
This issue has a weird history as it was started by Larry Lieber and finished by Roy Thomas years apart. Especially, in this Doom Omnibus, the art swipes from Fantastic Four Annual #2 are way more noticeable, but the issue is the first appearance of Valeria, and the ending goes hard with an actual emotional Doom moment. It’s kind of an amazing issue.
Astonishing Tales #1 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Unto You Is Born…the Doomsman”
This is a weird set of stories that I’m super excited were included. This starts with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin finding an orb on the moon that Doom put there to taunt the U.S. Genius. I love it. The rest of the story involves Doom fending off a challenge from the former King’s son.
Astonishing Tales #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Revolution!”
Doom faces revolution in his country and a new foe of his own making. Some very twisty action, but it’s fun.
Astonishing Tales #3 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Doom Must Die!”
After more action and twists Doom makes a surprising decision. This ends the first arc, and is also the final collected issue for artist Wally Wood, a legendary veteran artist, whose work here looks fantastic. Wood’s background in EC Horror gives Doom’s Latveria an appropriately Gothic vibe. Honestly, the issues are worth inclusion for his art alone.
[Issues 4 and 5 aren’t included in the Omnibus, but they’re on Marvel Unlimited. They’re some fun Doom vs. Red Skull stories that end with Doom’s kingship restored.]
Astonishing Tales #6 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Tentacles of the Tyrant”
Doom vs. Panther! Yes! Doom heads to Wakanda, and the Panther must face him. Larry Leiber wrote issues 3-6 of this series, and I’d argue they’re the weakest of the Doom Astonishing Tales; however, they’re still some of the best Leiber I’ve read. Tuska’s art helps here as it’s strong, just not as stand out as the first three or last two issues’ art.
Astonishing Tales #7 ⧫ 4 Stars “...And If I Be Called Traitor–!”
Gerry Conway and Gene Colan take over to end this Doom miniseries strong. Colan’s moody, sketchy style is immediately distinct and once again brings a Gothic madness that feeds into the battle of wits between the Panther and Doom.
Astonishing Tales #8 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “...Though Some Call It Magic!”
Another emotional Doom! The first appearance of Cynthia Von Doom, Victor’s mother! This issue is so good. The moody art allows a properly fantastic battle with a desperate Doom. I applaud the collection here.
Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #1 ⧫ 3 Stars “Encounter at Land’s End”
This is more of an establishing issue as it cuts out the reprints that originally went between parts 1 and 4. It’s a decent meeting of the villains, if a little insubstantial.
Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “To Bestride the World!”
This establishes the reason for Sub Mariner’s desire to team up with Doom. It’s also the return of the Doomsman as Andro with a terrible 70s costume. It’s not great, and the art doesn’t help.
Super-Villain Team-Up #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “When Walks the Warlord!”
This issue is much better as it’s some all-out Atlantis war with great moments for both Doom and Namor. I wish the other Super-Villain Team-Up issues were more like this.
Super-Villain Team-Up #14 ⧫ 3 Stars “A World For the Winning!”
A silly, but kind of neat Doom dry run for the Emperor Doom story.
Champions #16 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “A World Lost!”
While it doesn’t quite live up to the promise, it still has good scenes, and great, if underutilized villains. I’m still not sure why this was included? To get some Magneto in this book? Weird. The Namor stuff made sense, but I’m not sure how I feel about this. It’s not like “Emperor Doom” needs this prologue.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #14 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Book of the Vishanti”
Denny O’Neil does a big story that is rather silly, but fun! It’s elevated by some phenomenal art by a young Frank Miller, and honestly, it’s really cool. I understand exactly why this was included. It even features some Peter Parker love drama!
Uncanny X-Men #145 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Kidnapped!”
This is included as a great issue that puts him in an unusual place. Doom is a great villain because he has different interactions depending on what team he’s facing. For instance, Red Skull vs. the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four looks the same. Villain vs. Heroes. However, Doom treats the X-Men merely as invaders and is even charmed by Storm. I was puzzled by the inclusion of the Champions issues, but this makes perfect sense. Doom’s vibing with Storm. He’s planning deathtraps. He’s got some surprises. Dave Cockrum, the man who designed the “All-New All-Different X-Men” in 1975 pencils these issues, and he does a great job rendering Doom and his castle. These issues take place after the height of the legendary Claremont/Byrne X-Men run, though this omnibus has plenty of Byrne soon, so I feel like that makes the inclusion even smarter!
Uncanny X-Men #146 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Murderworld!”
Murderworld is cool, but Doom one-ups these deathtraps. It’s just a serious villain-level disparity, and it feels a little like a waste of time. The episode bridges the other two, but it’s a weak middle section.
Uncanny X-Men #147 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Rogue Storm!”
Doom’s arrogance is his greatest enemy. Back to the main story, and it’s more Storm-centric than I thought it’d be. All the X-Men do make it out of their prisons, but Storm makes Doom regret his actions. I wonder if Storm alone could have just talked Doom into helping them? That’s the kind of villain he frequently is. These are some great issues that are often overlooked in one of the greatest X-Men runs as they’re between Dark Phoenix/Days of Future Past before this and the return of Magneto after.
Iron Man #149 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Doomquest”
Iron Man faces Doctor Doom, and it just works so well. The David Michelinie, Bob Layton, John Romita Jr. team is strong, delivering on an epic meeting.
Iron Man #150 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Knightmare”
Iron Man teams with King Arthur. Doctor Doom teams up with Morgan LaFaye. I kind of wish it lasted longer!
Fantastic Four #236 ⧫ 4 Stars “Terror in a Tiny Town”
This is a classic Doom gambit. I think the small bio-bodies are a little bit of a stretch, but the rest works so well, and the tiny Fantastic Four are incredibly fun! The Byrne run is my favorite Fantastic Four run, and it’s due to classic feeling stories like this.
Fantastic Four #246 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Too Many Dooms”
Byrne doubles down on the Doombot replacement theory and even invalidates a story that I really liked from this collection! We also get Doom coercing the FF into helping him.
Fantastic Four #247 ⧫ 5 Stars “This Land Is Mine!”
Doom retakes Latveria and shows what makes him so interesting: he cares. He cares about his people. True, it’s mostly as a reflection of himself, but he cares. I also love that he uses the Fantastic Four to do it. Awesome!
Fantastic Four #258 ⧫ 4 Stars “Interlude”
An entirely Doom-focused issue that shows some Latverian operation and reintroduces Doom’s quest for cosmic power. I did think the omission of the Doom getting the Surfer’s powers was a weird omission from the Lee/Kirby era: Fantastic Four #57–60. This brings that back, and it will be relevant in the Secret Wars issues later.
Fantastic Four #259 ⧫ 4 Stars “Choices”
Doom initiates his plan, and it’s a good one. Doom’s arrogance really shines here.
Fantastic Four #260 ⧫ 4 Stars “When Titans Clash!”
A big cool fight! I love Byrne’s action; he always delivers intense action.
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #10-12 ⧫ 4 Stars “Death to the Beyonder!” “...And Dust to Dust!” “...Nothing to Fear…”
This is a little jarring after Doom’s death in issue 260; also, this skips nine issues of Secret Wars, so its inclusion is a little weird, but the event works best as a Doom story, so I can’t complain too much. Doom absorbs the Beyonder’s power, much like he did with Terrax in the previous issue. The struggle is pretty great, though this is definitely one of the weirder additions to this omnibus.
Marvel Graphic Novel: Emperor Doom ⧫ 5 Stars
This is just a superb issue. The story builds slowly with Doom’s plan essentially being foiled by accident. It also works with the Doom/Namor dynamic that just genuinely works. Also, that ending. Phenomenally bleak.
Marvel Graphic Novel: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment ⧫ 5 Stars
While this is ostensibly a Doctor Strange story, it also works so effectively as an end to the Doom’s mother’s soul stories. The Mignola art is just stunning and is such a perfect match for this story that I really wish there was more of it. Stern delivers a fittingly tragic end without betraying either character. This is probably the best thing in this omnibus.
Fantastic Four #350 ⧫ 4 Stars “The More Things Change..! (...Or It’s the Real Thing…)”
This is another curious jump as it has to introduce Sharon Ventura, but I am glad they got some Walt Simonson issues in here. I also like that the multiple Dooms happen again, though this time Doom returns from 2099 and wants some fresh revenge. It’s an interesting catch up issue.
Fantastic Four #352 ⧫ 4 Stars “No Time Like the Present! (Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away)”
Doom versus Reed in a time battle is awesome, though the twist kind of comes out of nowhere in this omnibus format, though fans of Marvel Disney+ series will be happy with the intervention. I also like the way they help Sharon. It’s a strong Reed vs. Doom fight.
Fantastic Four #358 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Official Story”
A nice short that shows how doom thinks. Keep the wins, forget the losses, unless vengeance is involved.
Marvel Double Shot #2 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Masks”
Another Doom hidden gem uncovered by this omnibus! I wonder how intentionally connected this is to the Unthinkable storyline, but as it reads in this omnibus, it’s actually a great introduction to Doom at his most nihilistic.
Fantastic Four (1998) #67-70, 500 ⧫ 5 Stars “Under Her Skin” and “Unthinkable”
Doom at his darkest and most evil. I love that he turns the tables on Reed and makes him deal with things the same way he had to. The friend I’m reading this had a few issues with Doom making deals with demons, though he definitely does. It also makes a weirder lead-in to the next issue, though both are great.
Fantastic Four Special ⧫ 5 Stars “My Dinner with Doom”
Dwayne McDuffie is an underrated comics writer, and it’s been a minute since I read his Fantastic Four run, but I have very fond memories. I have to say, this is great. Much has been made of the Doom-Reed college days, but this puts such a warm spin on it without diminishing either character.
Books of Doom ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Book 1-6”
A comprehensive Doom origin that brings together his whole history in a particularly Doom-oriented way. This is particularly good in this omnibus as the reader is more likely to notice the little inconsistencies in how things like Doom’s accident and his deal with demons go. Brubaker is absolutely the right man for this.
Other Comics Revies
Marvel Two-in-One Epic Collection Vol. 1: Cry Monster
Fantastic Four: The Overthrow of Doom
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #5
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #2
Epic Collection Volume 4: It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Champions Classic Complete Collection
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
Silver Surfer Omnibus #1
Fantastic Four #5 ⧫ 5 Stars “Prisoners of Doctor Doom”
5 Stars. Is it campy as hell? Yes. Does Ben turn on his friends a little quickly? Yes. Is this the making of one of the greatest villains of time? Absolutely. Most of the pieces are here, and I genuinely think the story has a great angle on Ben and the power of acceptance. Maybe the other team members just need to accept him? It’s funny that there are a few slips here as Ben definitely should know Doom, and I think Sue should too…
Fantastic Four #6 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Captives of the Deadly Duo”
Doom and the Sub-Mariner. They will literally make several comics about this later. Doom’s goading of the Sub-Mariner is perfect. This is also the classic issue where Doom launches the Baxter Building into space. Starting with some classic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby is a great way to open any Omnibus in my opinion. Kirby is just firing on all cylinders for all these issues with Stan delivering some solid dialogue.
Amazing Spider-Man #5 ⧫ 4 Stars “Marked for Destruction by Dr. Doom”
Ditko’s Doom looks weird, but the fight is fun, if inconsequential. Doom’s plan is a little weird, but he’s properly menacing, plus bonus points for the Doombot. I gave this a worse rating in the context of the other Spider-Man issues, but here, it’s just charming.
Fantastic Four Annual #2
“The Fantastic Origin of Doctor Doom” ⧫ 5 Stars
The original Doom origin holds up! Doom’s trauma and ego are all here. Easily one of the best Lee/Kirby issues.
“The Final Victory of Doctor Doom” ⧫ 3 Stars
This one’s silly and doesn’t make a ton of sense, but it’s fun and interesting. Reed is such a dick, and that brings it down.
Fantastic Four #39 ⧫ 3 Stars “A Blind Man Shall Lead Them”
A very weird issue out of context, given the previous two issues are referenced in this issue and the next. It’s more of a bridge issue between those and the next.
Fantastic Four #40 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Battle of the Baxter Building”
This starts with more silly FF/Daredevil stuff, but then, it ends with a very brutal outcome with Ben taking out his grief and frustration and quitting the team. That really elevates the issue and is genuinely shocking.
Marvel Super-Heroes #20 ⧫ 4 Stars “This Man… This Demon!”
This issue has a weird history as it was started by Larry Lieber and finished by Roy Thomas years apart. Especially, in this Doom Omnibus, the art swipes from Fantastic Four Annual #2 are way more noticeable, but the issue is the first appearance of Valeria, and the ending goes hard with an actual emotional Doom moment. It’s kind of an amazing issue.
Astonishing Tales #1 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Unto You Is Born…the Doomsman”
This is a weird set of stories that I’m super excited were included. This starts with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin finding an orb on the moon that Doom put there to taunt the U.S. Genius. I love it. The rest of the story involves Doom fending off a challenge from the former King’s son.
Astonishing Tales #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Revolution!”
Doom faces revolution in his country and a new foe of his own making. Some very twisty action, but it’s fun.
Astonishing Tales #3 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Doom Must Die!”
After more action and twists Doom makes a surprising decision. This ends the first arc, and is also the final collected issue for artist Wally Wood, a legendary veteran artist, whose work here looks fantastic. Wood’s background in EC Horror gives Doom’s Latveria an appropriately Gothic vibe. Honestly, the issues are worth inclusion for his art alone.
[Issues 4 and 5 aren’t included in the Omnibus, but they’re on Marvel Unlimited. They’re some fun Doom vs. Red Skull stories that end with Doom’s kingship restored.]
Astonishing Tales #6 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Tentacles of the Tyrant”
Doom vs. Panther! Yes! Doom heads to Wakanda, and the Panther must face him. Larry Leiber wrote issues 3-6 of this series, and I’d argue they’re the weakest of the Doom Astonishing Tales; however, they’re still some of the best Leiber I’ve read. Tuska’s art helps here as it’s strong, just not as stand out as the first three or last two issues’ art.
Astonishing Tales #7 ⧫ 4 Stars “...And If I Be Called Traitor–!”
Gerry Conway and Gene Colan take over to end this Doom miniseries strong. Colan’s moody, sketchy style is immediately distinct and once again brings a Gothic madness that feeds into the battle of wits between the Panther and Doom.
Astonishing Tales #8 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “...Though Some Call It Magic!”
Another emotional Doom! The first appearance of Cynthia Von Doom, Victor’s mother! This issue is so good. The moody art allows a properly fantastic battle with a desperate Doom. I applaud the collection here.
Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #1 ⧫ 3 Stars “Encounter at Land’s End”
This is more of an establishing issue as it cuts out the reprints that originally went between parts 1 and 4. It’s a decent meeting of the villains, if a little insubstantial.
Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “To Bestride the World!”
This establishes the reason for Sub Mariner’s desire to team up with Doom. It’s also the return of the Doomsman as Andro with a terrible 70s costume. It’s not great, and the art doesn’t help.
Super-Villain Team-Up #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “When Walks the Warlord!”
This issue is much better as it’s some all-out Atlantis war with great moments for both Doom and Namor. I wish the other Super-Villain Team-Up issues were more like this.
Super-Villain Team-Up #14 ⧫ 3 Stars “A World For the Winning!”
A silly, but kind of neat Doom dry run for the Emperor Doom story.
Champions #16 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “A World Lost!”
While it doesn’t quite live up to the promise, it still has good scenes, and great, if underutilized villains. I’m still not sure why this was included? To get some Magneto in this book? Weird. The Namor stuff made sense, but I’m not sure how I feel about this. It’s not like “Emperor Doom” needs this prologue.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #14 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Book of the Vishanti”
Denny O’Neil does a big story that is rather silly, but fun! It’s elevated by some phenomenal art by a young Frank Miller, and honestly, it’s really cool. I understand exactly why this was included. It even features some Peter Parker love drama!
Uncanny X-Men #145 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Kidnapped!”
This is included as a great issue that puts him in an unusual place. Doom is a great villain because he has different interactions depending on what team he’s facing. For instance, Red Skull vs. the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four looks the same. Villain vs. Heroes. However, Doom treats the X-Men merely as invaders and is even charmed by Storm. I was puzzled by the inclusion of the Champions issues, but this makes perfect sense. Doom’s vibing with Storm. He’s planning deathtraps. He’s got some surprises. Dave Cockrum, the man who designed the “All-New All-Different X-Men” in 1975 pencils these issues, and he does a great job rendering Doom and his castle. These issues take place after the height of the legendary Claremont/Byrne X-Men run, though this omnibus has plenty of Byrne soon, so I feel like that makes the inclusion even smarter!
Uncanny X-Men #146 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Murderworld!”
Murderworld is cool, but Doom one-ups these deathtraps. It’s just a serious villain-level disparity, and it feels a little like a waste of time. The episode bridges the other two, but it’s a weak middle section.
Uncanny X-Men #147 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Rogue Storm!”
Doom’s arrogance is his greatest enemy. Back to the main story, and it’s more Storm-centric than I thought it’d be. All the X-Men do make it out of their prisons, but Storm makes Doom regret his actions. I wonder if Storm alone could have just talked Doom into helping them? That’s the kind of villain he frequently is. These are some great issues that are often overlooked in one of the greatest X-Men runs as they’re between Dark Phoenix/Days of Future Past before this and the return of Magneto after.
Iron Man #149 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Doomquest”
Iron Man faces Doctor Doom, and it just works so well. The David Michelinie, Bob Layton, John Romita Jr. team is strong, delivering on an epic meeting.
Iron Man #150 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Knightmare”
Iron Man teams with King Arthur. Doctor Doom teams up with Morgan LaFaye. I kind of wish it lasted longer!
Fantastic Four #236 ⧫ 4 Stars “Terror in a Tiny Town”
This is a classic Doom gambit. I think the small bio-bodies are a little bit of a stretch, but the rest works so well, and the tiny Fantastic Four are incredibly fun! The Byrne run is my favorite Fantastic Four run, and it’s due to classic feeling stories like this.
Fantastic Four #246 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Too Many Dooms”
Byrne doubles down on the Doombot replacement theory and even invalidates a story that I really liked from this collection! We also get Doom coercing the FF into helping him.
Fantastic Four #247 ⧫ 5 Stars “This Land Is Mine!”
Doom retakes Latveria and shows what makes him so interesting: he cares. He cares about his people. True, it’s mostly as a reflection of himself, but he cares. I also love that he uses the Fantastic Four to do it. Awesome!
Fantastic Four #258 ⧫ 4 Stars “Interlude”
An entirely Doom-focused issue that shows some Latverian operation and reintroduces Doom’s quest for cosmic power. I did think the omission of the Doom getting the Surfer’s powers was a weird omission from the Lee/Kirby era: Fantastic Four #57–60. This brings that back, and it will be relevant in the Secret Wars issues later.
Fantastic Four #259 ⧫ 4 Stars “Choices”
Doom initiates his plan, and it’s a good one. Doom’s arrogance really shines here.
Fantastic Four #260 ⧫ 4 Stars “When Titans Clash!”
A big cool fight! I love Byrne’s action; he always delivers intense action.
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #10-12 ⧫ 4 Stars “Death to the Beyonder!” “...And Dust to Dust!” “...Nothing to Fear…”
This is a little jarring after Doom’s death in issue 260; also, this skips nine issues of Secret Wars, so its inclusion is a little weird, but the event works best as a Doom story, so I can’t complain too much. Doom absorbs the Beyonder’s power, much like he did with Terrax in the previous issue. The struggle is pretty great, though this is definitely one of the weirder additions to this omnibus.
Marvel Graphic Novel: Emperor Doom ⧫ 5 Stars
This is just a superb issue. The story builds slowly with Doom’s plan essentially being foiled by accident. It also works with the Doom/Namor dynamic that just genuinely works. Also, that ending. Phenomenally bleak.
Marvel Graphic Novel: Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment ⧫ 5 Stars
While this is ostensibly a Doctor Strange story, it also works so effectively as an end to the Doom’s mother’s soul stories. The Mignola art is just stunning and is such a perfect match for this story that I really wish there was more of it. Stern delivers a fittingly tragic end without betraying either character. This is probably the best thing in this omnibus.
Fantastic Four #350 ⧫ 4 Stars “The More Things Change..! (...Or It’s the Real Thing…)”
This is another curious jump as it has to introduce Sharon Ventura, but I am glad they got some Walt Simonson issues in here. I also like that the multiple Dooms happen again, though this time Doom returns from 2099 and wants some fresh revenge. It’s an interesting catch up issue.
Fantastic Four #352 ⧫ 4 Stars “No Time Like the Present! (Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away)”
Doom versus Reed in a time battle is awesome, though the twist kind of comes out of nowhere in this omnibus format, though fans of Marvel Disney+ series will be happy with the intervention. I also like the way they help Sharon. It’s a strong Reed vs. Doom fight.
Fantastic Four #358 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Official Story”
A nice short that shows how doom thinks. Keep the wins, forget the losses, unless vengeance is involved.
Marvel Double Shot #2 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Masks”
Another Doom hidden gem uncovered by this omnibus! I wonder how intentionally connected this is to the Unthinkable storyline, but as it reads in this omnibus, it’s actually a great introduction to Doom at his most nihilistic.
Fantastic Four (1998) #67-70, 500 ⧫ 5 Stars “Under Her Skin” and “Unthinkable”
Doom at his darkest and most evil. I love that he turns the tables on Reed and makes him deal with things the same way he had to. The friend I’m reading this had a few issues with Doom making deals with demons, though he definitely does. It also makes a weirder lead-in to the next issue, though both are great.
Fantastic Four Special ⧫ 5 Stars “My Dinner with Doom”
Dwayne McDuffie is an underrated comics writer, and it’s been a minute since I read his Fantastic Four run, but I have very fond memories. I have to say, this is great. Much has been made of the Doom-Reed college days, but this puts such a warm spin on it without diminishing either character.
Books of Doom ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Book 1-6”
A comprehensive Doom origin that brings together his whole history in a particularly Doom-oriented way. This is particularly good in this omnibus as the reader is more likely to notice the little inconsistencies in how things like Doom’s accident and his deal with demons go. Brubaker is absolutely the right man for this.
Other Comics Revies
Marvel Two-in-One Epic Collection Vol. 1: Cry Monster
Fantastic Four: The Overthrow of Doom
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #5
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #2
Epic Collection Volume 4: It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Champions Classic Complete Collection
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
Silver Surfer Omnibus #1
April 1, 2023
Typically I don't like omnibus that focus on a single character and contains a varied collection of stories that is only a small sample of what has been written about them. However, this omnibus has one of my favorite stories about Doom written by Brubaker: Books of Doom. It's an engrossing and logical retelling of his origin that to my knowledge hasn't really been reprinted on it's own. It's a four star series and is easily one of the reasons to pick this collection up.
Overall, the smattering of stories shows the breadth and complexity of Doom. From his early appearances in the Fantastic Four and Amazing Spider-Man by Lee, Kirby and Ditko he's, in general, a super-intelligent one-sided villain, but I think his visual appearance makes him intriguing.
Later, appearances showcase his cunningness and the fact that he's a ruler of a country. His ego is always present (and usually his downfall) but there's also his honor. For years it was just assumed that he ruled his country with an iron fist and the people were miserable, but once it was revealed (in a couple different stories) that he was actually successful and ruled a prosperous and happy country, yet another dimension is added to this complex villain.
Finally, the connections he has with magic and the mystical create a unique dichotomy in Doom. The basic need of a child wanting to have a mother and be comforted by them drives him to learn more and struggle every year to save her. Who can't empathize with that?
There are of course other good stories not included in this collection. I wished they would have reprinted the story of when Valeria Richards was born. I've never read that and the connection between her and Doom's childhood friend are so critical to his personality it seems a missed opportunity.
Overall, the smattering of stories shows the breadth and complexity of Doom. From his early appearances in the Fantastic Four and Amazing Spider-Man by Lee, Kirby and Ditko he's, in general, a super-intelligent one-sided villain, but I think his visual appearance makes him intriguing.
Later, appearances showcase his cunningness and the fact that he's a ruler of a country. His ego is always present (and usually his downfall) but there's also his honor. For years it was just assumed that he ruled his country with an iron fist and the people were miserable, but once it was revealed (in a couple different stories) that he was actually successful and ruled a prosperous and happy country, yet another dimension is added to this complex villain.
Finally, the connections he has with magic and the mystical create a unique dichotomy in Doom. The basic need of a child wanting to have a mother and be comforted by them drives him to learn more and struggle every year to save her. Who can't empathize with that?
There are of course other good stories not included in this collection. I wished they would have reprinted the story of when Valeria Richards was born. I've never read that and the connection between her and Doom's childhood friend are so critical to his personality it seems a missed opportunity.
September 11, 2022
A truly epic compendium of Doctor Doom stories taken from across 60 years of Marvel Comics. The list of creative talents is legendary: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, but also Roy Thomas, Bill Mantlo, Chris Claremont, Wallace Wood, John Byrne, Dave Cockrum, Walter Simonson, Mike Weiringo, and many others.
Doom’s earliest appearances might seem ‘clunky’ to modern audiences, but the seeds of greatness are indeed sown. The epic scale of villainy and even true anti-heroism are built throughout many appearances through many titles.
Doom has appeared in Fantastic Four, Amazing Spider-Man, Uncanny X-Men, Champions, led his own feature stories in Astonishing Tales and Super-Villain Team-Up, and the star of two utterly fantastic graphic novels, Emperor Doom and Triumph and Torment.
This omnibus will not disappoint.
Doom’s earliest appearances might seem ‘clunky’ to modern audiences, but the seeds of greatness are indeed sown. The epic scale of villainy and even true anti-heroism are built throughout many appearances through many titles.
Doom has appeared in Fantastic Four, Amazing Spider-Man, Uncanny X-Men, Champions, led his own feature stories in Astonishing Tales and Super-Villain Team-Up, and the star of two utterly fantastic graphic novels, Emperor Doom and Triumph and Torment.
This omnibus will not disappoint.
Read
March 7, 2023Doom commands you read this book!
This was a real page turner. I lost myself in the stories for hours! DOOM WOULD BE PLEASED WITH THIS ACCOUNTING.
This was a real page turner. I lost myself in the stories for hours! DOOM WOULD BE PLEASED WITH THIS ACCOUNTING.
Read
November 14, 2023I always thought Dr. Doom was an interesting character, but this compilation lets you learn about his history told in his own perspective! Amazing.
January 24, 2023
A well-curated collection of some of the best Doctor Doom stories from across the years, this massive tome may suffer from one-too-many retellings of Doctor Doom's origins (best recounted in the Ed Brubaker-penned Books of Doom mini-series in this volume), but this otherwise a focused and comprehensive compilation.
Currently reading
January 15, 2024Fantastic Four #4 - 3 Stars - Read 1.13.2024
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