The blunt accusation in Strange #1 leaves Doctor Doom speechless, and illustrates why he will never be worthy of the title Sorcerer Supreme.
WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Strange #1, available now from Marvel Comics.
The position of Sorcerer Supreme is among the most critical roles in the Marvel Universe. Those who assume the position must protect Earth from innumerable supernatural threats that lurk within the mystical realm. As a result, only those exceptionally talented with the mystical arts are considered as a potential Sorcerer Supreme by the Vishanti, the god-like beings that empower those who hold the title. Although Doctor Strange was the Vishanti’s preferred candidate, their second choice was the Fantastic Four’s arch-nemesis, Doctor Doom.
Despite being one of the most dangerous supervillains in the world, Doom’s skill with the mystical arts was impressive enough to make him the de-facto heir to the title in the event of Strange’s death, which finally came to pass in Death of Doctor Strange. However, Strange used his last breaths to bestow his title onto his estranged wife, Clea. Her heated encounter with Doom in Strange #1, by Jed MacKay, Carlo Ferriera, Don Ho, Roberto Poggi, Java Cartiglia, Felipe Sobreiro and VC’s Cory Petit, proves why the ruler of Latveria will never be the Sorcerer Supreme.
Doom’s intimate relationship with magic began before he was even born, having inherited his innate talent for the mystic arts from his mother, Cynthia von Doom, a skilled sorceress. Wishing to rescue his mother’s soul from the demonic villain Mephisto, Doom spent many years studying the arcane in the hopes of gaining enough power to defeat Mephisto, eventually becoming one of the most talented sorcerers in the world. When the Vishanti held the competition that would decide which of Earth’s sorcerers would inherit the title of Sorcerer Supreme in Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment (by Roger Stern, Mike Mignola, Mark Badger, and Jim Novak), Doom emerged as the runner-up. Not only did this impressive feat allow Doom to gain a boon from Strange that allowed him to free his mother’s soul finally, but it also cemented his position as one of the Earth’s most powerful sorcerers.
Now knowing that he was second-in-line for the title to Sorcerer Supreme, Doom continued to hone his abilities in the hopes of one day claiming the title from Strange. Naturally assuming that the title would be given to him following Strange’s death, Doom visited the Sanctum Santorum to claim the Eye of Agamotto and Cloak of Levitation, only to discover that the title now belonged to Clea. Enraged, Doom challenged Clea’s claim to her late husband’s title. The former ruler of the Dark Dimension responded that while she neither deserves nor wants to be the Sorcerer Supreme, Doom’s inaction during the magical crisis that unfolded following Strange’s death proves that he isn’t worthy of it either.
Clea’s blunt accusation leaves Doom speechless, and it perfectly illustrates why he will never be worthy of becoming the Sorcerer Supreme. Although Doom could have helped Clea and the Avengers in their battle against the magic-eating Peregrine Child, the ruler of Latveria stood by and did nothing while the eldritch infant devoured Earth’s magic users. Regardless of whether or not Doom’s decision to stay out of the crisis was motivated by selfishness, cowardice, or some ulterior motive, his refusal to step up and protect the Earth goes against everything that the title of Sorcerer Supreme entails. It’s definitive proof that the Latvian dictator doesn’t respect the responsibilities of the title he covets.
Like every other aspect of Doom’s life, his interest in magic and the title of Sorcerer Supreme are almost entirely motivated by his lust for power. Even after he succeeded in his lifelong quest to save his mother’s soul, Doom continued to pursue his study of magic, but only out of his desire to wield it as a weapon against his enemies. To this end, Doom has committed many horrifying acts, including sacrificing his childhood sweetheart Valeria to a trio of demons known as the Haazereth Three in exchange for greater magical power. He even turned Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman’s daughter of the same name, his goddaughter, into his familiar so he could spy on the family from within. Acts like this prove that magic is nothing but a tool to Doom and that his desire to become Sorcerer Supreme is motivated only by his desire to be recognized as the world’s best sorcerer.
Although Doom ominously warns Clea that their quarrel isn’t over, the brief silence that follows her rebuttal implies that he’s aware of the truth in her words.
About The Author
For all the latest Comics News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
