The origins of one in every of comics’ most iconic villains are revealed in Physician Doom: Books of Doom. Initially revealed by means of 2005 to 2006, Victor Von Doom tells his life story in intensive element. From his upbringing that noticed him delve into darkish magic, to his faculty years that fashioned the genesis of his hatred of Reed Richards (Mr. Unbelievable) and result in the accident that gave him his first facial scar – this sequence provides an unparalleled look how Doom went from poor gypsy boy to an omnipotent dictator.

Physician Doom has been within the headlines in latest months following the massive reveal that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play the a part of Doom. Between this and the upcoming Unbelievable 4 movie, followers have been eagerly trying into the historical past of the FF’s arch nemesis. Regardless of his standing as one in every of Marvel’s biggest unhealthy guys, new readers and followers of the MCU might not be as accustomed to the monarch of Latveria. This new version of Books of Doom is due to this fact the proper leaping on level.

One other huge draw of this sequence is that it’s written by Ed Brubaker – the Eisner award profitable author of Captain America, Felony and The Fade Out. Brubaker’s Marvel work had at all times been closely character pushed and this mini-series performs to his strengths. Relating to egos, Doom is in a league of his personal. He’s a personality who at all times have to be proper in his thoughts and Brubaker by no means loses sight of this. The framing of the story that has Doom telling his story to a journalist permits Brubaker to current a really private tackle the character with Doom going deep into his childhood, his relationship together with his mom, his first childhood love and his eventual descent into insanity. It’s a complete historical past, however you by no means lose sight of the truth that it’s Doom telling this story. Given his sizable ego, a pinch of salt have to be taken with every part he says. This version additionally advantages from a brand new introduction from Brubaker that provides beneficial perception into his strategy to the story.

Pablo Raimondi handles artwork duties and does an excellent job. His Doom is suitably grand and menacing while he additionally excels at depicting Victor within the numerous phases of his life. Whether or not it’s a gypsy camp, penalties of darkish magic or the science Doom immerses himself in, the sequence is continually partaking the reader visually.

It is a excellent introduction to new readers who’ve solely not too long ago heard of Physician Doom. Longtime readers can even respect this invaluable look into the thoughts of arguably the Marvel Universe’s biggest villain.

Physician Doom: Books of Doom is out 21 January from Marvel (9781302964733, p/b, £17.99)

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