I’m going to take a break from heroes today and move to something a bit darker. The once and future king, and would be ruler of the multiverse, Doctor Doom.

Victor von Doom has an interesting past, one unlike most other villains. He was raised in the fictional European country of Latveria, where he was raised by gypsies. Dooms mother was a witch, and was hunted for being so. Young Doom never really knew his mother, since she died protecting herself from soldiers of the king. His father, a doctor, was sent to cure the queen of cancer. He failed, and was executed by the king.

After losing his family, doom descended into mastering the dark arts to resurrect his mother. He lwearned the dark arts, and became a master of science by the time he was a teenager. Using magic and science, he waged war on the Latverian monarchy, winning on several fronts. He was brought to the United States by the government, along with promises of technology and access to information. Doom would meet Reed Richards, and the two became rivals instantly.

So why write about Doom and how is he relevant to the hero’s journey? Doom, although a villain, follows the course for the journey pretty well. Although his intentions may not be good, he certainly is a hero in his own right. Doom was able to unite Latveria (albeit under and iron fist) and once again make them a force to be reckoned with.

Here are a few highlights to Doom’s journey: When Doom is scarred in an accident, out of self-loathing he leaves the states to find enlightenment (this could be the call to action, or the refusal). When Doom decides that he shall rule Latveria, he is essentially taking heed to the call, and descending into the shadow. Finally, facing Reed Richards is very obviously facing the Shadow, since the two are stark opposites, but still incredibly similar.

Doom is also a very important shift in the way people see the “mad scientist” of old. Unlike predecessors, Doom takes the mad scientist from lackey of antagonist to the position of full-fledged villain. The fact that Doom is a villain is also very interesting, given the fact that he very well could have been a villain. He displays the traits of a leader, and on at least one occasion has literally saved the multiverse from total destruction.

Doom ascends beyond other villains, in that he has no petty plans to destroy the world or simply destroy a foe. No, Doom wants the world to be a better place, because under the rule of Doom, none would want nor need. And should they disagree with lord Doom, they would face the consequences. Doom also respects his enemies, even if they are far beneath them. He will not simply kill them like some petty villain, he would ruin them.

Doom has become a favorite among writers and fans alike. He has been described as more than a supervillain, rather a “mega-villain.” He transcends the normal villain whose plans rely on destruction or victory over an adversary. No, he is much more than that, he is DOOM!