Doctor Doom has worn many mantles in his life. Statesman. Scientist. Sorcerer. He has been both hero and villain, depending on what circumstances are required of him. Now, he has assumed the position of Sorcerer Supreme, and the world of Marvel Comics will be forever changed.
The ascension came about in Blood Hunt #5, by Jed MacKay and Pepe Larraz. When the vampires of Earth blocked out the sun using the power of the Darkforce Dimension, Doctor Doom was one of the few prepared to face the undead menace. He was also one of the few capable of preparing a counterattack.
The ruler of Latveria’s research yielded a ritual that would use the energies of multiple dimensions to return the Darkforce blocking the sun to its home dimension. However, the ritual required a power only available to a living Sorcerer Supreme. Reluctantly, the currently undead Doctor Strange agreed to pass his mantle on to Doctor Doom, in exchange for an oath that he relinquished the power once the world was safe. Doom agreed, without hesitation, offering his word of honor.
How Doctor Doom keeps new role after Blood Hunt
The ritual worked, restoring the sun and banishing the Darkforce. With that accomplished, Doctor Strange asked Doctor Doom to return the power that had been given to him. However, Doom evoked the exact wording of his promise, pointing out there were other dangers to Earth beyond the vampires. To that end, he announced his new title to the world, telling Strange that he would “show you what it means to save the world.”
This twist will play out in Marvel Comics’ books throughout the coming months. November will also see the release of a new crossover event titled One World Under Doom. Time will tell how well Doctor Doom keeps his oath. For now, at least, he remains committed to honoring his commitment to defending the world as the new Sorcerer Supreme.
Blood Hunt #5 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
