Doctor Doom’s time as the Sorcerer Supreme is already earning him some major disrespect. During theBlood Huntevent,Doom outplayed Doctor Strange, forcing him to hand over the title and powers of the Sorcerer Supreme. Now, Marvel is heading for a newOne World Under Doomseries, which will see Doctor Doom take control of the Marvel Universe, conquering everyone from the Avengers to the X-Men.
The one person not intimidated by Doctor Doom’s reign as Sorcerer Supreme is Storm, as she expresses inStorm #3. The goddess is summoned by the self-proclaimed God Emperor in hopes of a parley to discuss mutant matters. When relaying the information to her old friend Rogue,Storm assures the new X-Men leader that Doom is"harmless. Mostly.“While it’s a mild sentiment, it’s hard to imagine two words that would anger Doctor Doom more.
Doom puts a huge amount of effort into appearing powerful and imposing, desiring for the world to see him as anything but"harmless.“However, Storm’s history with Doom shows why she holds this unusual opinion - something almost no other hero would believe.
Doctor Doom Is Getting His Own Avengers As Marvel Unleashes the Villain’s Division Upon the Universe
Doctor Doom’s conquest of the Marvel Universe wouldn’t be complete without his own personal Avengers, and the publisher has picked the perfect team.
Storm Thinks Doctor Doom is Harmless, But Why?
Storm and Doom Share an Unlikely Respect
Storm and Doctor Doom have something ofa forgotten romance with each other. In 1981’sUncanny X-Men #145(from Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum), Storm was one of the few to boldly confront the Latverian ruler in the middle of his kingdom.It’s a level of assertiveness that Doom wasn’t used to, but seemed to respect enough to treat Storm to dinner, with the two even flirting during the meal.Even though Doom kidnapped Storm soon after, she actually forgave him following a sincere apology.
This wasn’t their last dinner or exchange of pleasantries, as the remainder of their relationship has consisted of Storm and Doctor Doom circling one another - for example, in the recentS.W.O.R.D. #7by Al Ewing and Stefano Caselli, when they went to dinner to discuss world affairs. Storm has often had a position of leadership over Marvel’s mutants, and was briefly the queen of Wakanda, so it makes sense that Doom respects her as a fellow leader. However, it seems she also sees him as someone who can be reasoned with, understanding more about his burdens as a leader than most other heroes.
Doctor Doom Wants to Consult Storm Before Taking Over the World
Is This a Romantic Advance, Or Is Doom Plotting Against the Avengers & X-Men?
It isn’t clear why Doctor Doom wants to see Storm beyond"mutant matters,“but it’s clear he has grand plans for the entire world.Storm is currently serving on the Avengersand has a close relationship with the X-Men, so Doom may want her perspective on the two teams. Alternatively,there’s a chance the Emperor God wants a goddess by his side, and finally intends to act on their past flirtations.
Time will tell, but it’s already clear that Storm may have cause to revise her ‘mostly harmless’ opinion, as Doctor Doom stands on the brink of taking over the entire world inOne World Under Doom.
