As a longtime fan of Marvel Comics, I must say that both Doom and Thanos are formidable villains with a knack for causing chaos and mayhem in the lives of our favorite heroes. However, when it comes to who’s more than just evil, I have to give it to Doctor Doom.
Previously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe faced what they believed was their most significant challenge, a menace called Thanos, portrayed by Josh Brolin. On the other hand, as we peer into the future, it seems only destruction awaits us – specifically, Doctor Doom.
At San Diego Comic-Con, it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as a leader in Latveria instead of Iron Man, in Marvel’s upcoming film “Avengers: Doomsday” set to release on May 1, 2026. It has been confirmed that this movie will mark the franchise’s debut of its first main antagonist. However, it remains to be seen whether Downey’s character Victor will be as malevolent as the purple-hued, reality-shattering madman. Despite speculation about his villainous nature, we can expect another outstanding performance from Downey, this time in a cloak and a new suit.
Over time, two infamous villains from Marvel Comics have carried out numerous wicked actions, often pushing our heroes to the brink. In some instances, they’ve even clashed with each other in an attempt to establish supremacy among supervillains. However, there are certain characteristics that define a top-tier villain, and as it seems that Doom is making his way into the storyline, let’s examine what kind of threat he poses. Can he match up against Brolin’s powerful alter ego, or will Doom meet a similar fate as the villain who split the universe in half at the hands of the latest Captain America and his team?
There have been levels to Doom, but Thanos is always a Titan of terror
Victor von Doom, first appearing as a feared genius in “Fantastic Four” #5 back in 1962, has since amassed an unprecedented level of power. He calls himself the Destroyer of Worlds and, during Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic’s “Secret Wars,” he transformed into the God Emperor Doom. His power was so immense that when Thanos challenged him, Victor reduced the Mad Titan to dust, thereby debunking Thanos’ belief that he could defeat Doom.
During “Secret Wars,” Doom achieved an incredible power display that left many stunned, but his godlike abilities didn’t last forever. As the reality he created crumbled, so did his powers, although they remained impressive. However, he was no longer at the level he boasted about. This shows one of Doom’s vulnerabilities – despite his claims, he is fundamentally human.
On a different note, Thanos is actually a Titan, and due to his extraordinary extraterrestrial lineage, even if he were to relinquish the Infinity Gauntlet – which he cherishes immensely – Thanos is capable of standing his ground. This isn’t just against an ordinary being like Doom, but also against titans such as The Incredible Hulk, as demonstrated in “Avengers: Infinity War.” It remains uncertain whether we’ll see the return of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but one might argue that it could be for the best if Doom never encounters him.
Doom might be bad, but Thanos is more than just evil
What kind of wickedness can one villain exhibit? Let me give you an example through two characters, Doom and Thanos. Both are exceptionally malevolent. Regarding Doom, his criminal record is extensive and shocking. He has conquered not only his native land but also the world and even reality itself. His actions extend beyond territorial domination, as he cruelly sent Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue, to a literal Hell. Before this, Doom made a pact with the Hazareth Three, a trio of demons, in exchange for a magical armor suit sewn from his former lover’s skin. This means that Doom was effectively wearing another person’s skin, which is quite disturbing.
While Doom’s actions are often fueled by a mix of love and anger, Thanos’ villainous acts are rooted in his oppressive character and spite. Although he infamously eliminated half the universe in “Avengers: Infinity War,” there are horrific deeds attributed to Thanos that were never depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). These include dissecting his mother, murdering his own children, and killing the women who gave birth to them. This is all before we consider his numerous instances of genocide.
Among the many destructive deeds of the Purple Terror, one particularly heartless act was his interference in the life of a man named David. Starting from David’s very first birthday, Thanos would make an unwelcome appearance every year. Over time, Thanos took great pleasure in causing havoc and misery for David. For instance, he killed David’s father one year, destroyed David’s first relationship another, poisoned a party full of guests on the same day that David was fired, and even went as far as to kill David’s beloved cat. When you consider all these actions together, it becomes clear that Thanos is not merely evil; he is a complete and utter jerk.
Doom and Thanos have a fairly even success rate in different ways
Over time, villains in the Marvel Universe, including Thanos, have devised schemes that have infuriatingly succeeded, as our heroic characters can attest. In the MCU, just as we’ve seen, Thanos did manage to snap his fingers and reduce the universe’s population by half, leaving worlds, including his own, desolate in pursuit of Mistress Death. Despite their valiant efforts, the heroes have struggled against the Mad Titan, often thwarting or reversing his plans. However, when he sets his sights on something, Thanos is remarkably effective.
Doom’s work review on the other hand, while sometimes smaller in scale have often ended the way he wanted. From invading countries to exacting his revenge against The Fantastic Four, a lot of the time he’s relished in accomplishing what unhinged thing he’s set out to do. That is, until the heroes he’s wronged set the record straight and he returns back to his regularly scheduled programming of cursing the heavens and swearing his return. But even with these cliched proclamations and looking down on his adversaries, there have been times when Victor has surprised superheroes he so often battles, by reluctantly being one himself.
Thanos is monster, but Doom is just a man – and that makes him a better villain
Love, modesty, admiration, and valor are seldom found, yet Doctor Doom exhibits these qualities, adding an element of unpredictability to his character. What’s striking is that despite this, there have been moments when even at the zenith of his power and dominance, Victor has realized that the ultimate goal wasn’t sufficient. He’s acknowledged that individuals like Reed Richards, his adversaries, would be more fitting wielders of the power he’s manipulated to control entire worlds. It’s this side of Doom that makes him a more formidable villain than Thanos, as he occasionally has the opportunity to act benevolently but chooses not to do so.
Victor von Doom, often seen as a mourner of fallen comrades, a guide for others, and briefly taking on the role of Iron Man after Tony Stark’s demise, exhibits a profound capacity for heroism. Yet, his character is shrouded in ambiguity, much like his armor, which makes his recurring acts of villainy all the more perplexing and infuriating. This duality is what gives him depth, sparking excitement among fans about the creative narrative possibilities his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will bring. Indeed, many believe that Doom was the antagonist the MCU needed most in its live-action adaptation, and we eagerly look forward to our first encounter with him.
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2024-08-06 00:00