Doctor Doom, the Marvel Comics villain Victor von Doom, is presented as one of the universe’s most formidable antagonists ahead of his expected MCU debut in Avengers: Doomsday. His importance comes from combining political power as Latveria’s ruler, scientific brilliance, advanced armour and magical ability, making him a threat beyond the Fantastic Four and their leader, Mister Fantastic.

Doom first appeared in The Fantastic Four #5 in April 1962 and is typically depicted wearing a metal mask after a disfiguring college accident. He has featured in major Marvel crossover stories including Time Runs Out and Secret Wars, and more recently became Sorcerer Supreme in One World Under Doom. The article argues that his power can at times exceed that of villains such as Thanos and Apocalypse, although his exact capabilities vary between comic-book continuities.