There are few villains more classic thanMarvelComics’Doctor Doom, butwhat makes Victor von Doom one of the greatest villains of all time is also the very reason he is so compellingly tragic. According to the author ofOne World Under Doom, the villain’s humanitymakes him the best antagonist to the Fantastic Fourand the most iconic rival to Reed Richards.
InAIPT’s interview with Marvel writer Ryan North, North dives into how Doctor Doom misses the mark in becoming a hero, despite his intelligence and moral compass. Doctor Doom is by all means a villain, as his dramatic ego and self-centered nature consistently take center stage in his goals of conquest.
Still, Doom shows there is virtue to his actions and that’s what makes him such a convincing yet tragic antagonist to the heroes. Ryan North also compares Doctor Doom to his nemesis, Mister Fantastic, highlighting how the line between hero and villain is often thin.
Marvel Writer Explains Why Doom Has The Potential To Be A Good Guy –But Will Always Be A Far Better Villain
One World Under Doom#1 – Written By Ryan North; Art By R.B. Silva; Color By David Curiel; Available August 16, 2025 From Marvel Comics
When looking at Doctor Doom’s intentions, from becoming the best leader for his country to bringing order to the world, within a certain lens, Doom appears to be a noble hero, but his methods and reasoning are undeniably vein and evil. Since his first appearance in 1962’sFantastic Four#5, Doom is shown to be a brilliant scientist and a connoisseur of magic, and, while he believes his intentions are just, he has also shown to be a tyrannical narcissist who thinks he should be the world’s ultimate authority. When discussing Doctor Doom’s humanity, Ryan North states:
What’s so tragic about him is that he could be a great guy. If he went in a slightly different direction, he could be a good guy. That’s why he and Reed [Richards] have such a Capital R relationship. They see themselves as these sort of very similar but very different men.
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In several instances, Doctor Doom has shown he could do good such as his first mission to rescue his mother from the demon Mephisto or when he saved the life of Sue Storm and Reed Richard’s daughter. Even when Doom stealsthe powers of Sorcerer Supremefrom Doctor Strange, he initially does it to save the world, butultimately, Doom’s intentions are always to prove he is the superior choice. As North mentioned, this aspect of Doom makes his relationship with Reed so appealing as they are both similar in their intelligence and self-centered nature.
Doctor Doom & Reed Richard’s Iconic Rivalry Works Because They’re Similar Characters Walking Different Paths
Ryan North Calls Doctor Doom “The Hero That Never Was”
Doctor Doom and Mister Fantastic have one of the oldest rivalries in Marvel history andwhat’s so interesting about Reed and Doom’s dynamic is that not much separates the two in terms of morals. Similar to Doctor Doom, Reed Richard’s vast intellect often clashes with his ability to do good, as there have been many times when Reed has put his scientific pursuits over his family and friends. Reed Richards and Doctor Doom believe they know what’s best and walk the thin line between hero and villain, which is also whyReed makes a believable villain in alternate universes.
As Doctor Doom achieves his ultimate goal of world domination, he sets out to prove he is the perfect leader, but in reality, he is truly proving he is Marvel’s greatest villain.
Doctor Doom at times has good intentions, but one of his most fatal flaws is his overwhelming narcissism, which issomething Reed Richards also suffers from, but the two enemies have chosen vastly different paths, which is why they are fated to clash. In his pursuit of a better world, Doctor Doom displays compassion, but ultimately his self-serving nature triumphs, earning him the tragic but well-deserved villain status. AsDoctor Doomachieveshis ultimate goal of world domination, he sets out to prove he is the perfect leader, but in reality, he is truly proving he isMarvel’s greatest villain.
Source:AIPT, Ryan North Interview
One World Under Doom#1will be available on August 15, 2025, from Marvel Comics.
Fantastic Four
TheFantastic Fouris a superhero franchise centered on Marvel Comics' first family of superheroes. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the team made its comic book debut in 1961 and quickly became a cornerstone of Marvel’s success. The franchise follows four astronauts—Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—who gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation. Over the years,Fantastic Fourhas been adapted into several live-action films, animated series, and video games. The films have seen multiple reboots, with varying levels of success, and are now set to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a new film slated for release in 2025.
