Marvel's Fantastic Four Faces Doom: The Shocking Transformation You Won't Believe!

The original members of the Fantastic Four, Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing), were forever changed when they encountered cosmic rays during a space flight in 1961’s Fantastic Four #1. From this event, Marvel’s pioneering superhero team was born. Unfortunately, the number of core members will be reduced as the ongoing Fantastic Four comic series by writer Ryan North and artist Cory Smith faces the consequences of the “One World Under Doom” storyline.

In issue #2 of “One World Under Doom,” Marvel hints that the Fantastic Four are set to experience a devastating loss at the hands of their arch-enemy, Doctor Doom. With his recent ascension to the title of Earth’s supreme Sorcerer, Doctor Doom is poised to strip the Fantastic Four of their powers – one member after another.

In Fantastic Four issue 30, we delve into the consequences of One World Under Doom issue 2, where Emperor Doom magically removes the Thing’s powers. Now known as the Fantastic Three, this once quartet is set to transform into the Fantastic Two in April’s Fantastic Four issue 31. Here, Reed and Sue strive to recreate the cosmic event that originally bestowed their powers upon them. Check out the solicitations for more details below.

In conversation with ComicBook prior to the release of our nine-issue event series (available from February 12), I shared that I wrote Issue #7 of Fantastic Four as a Doctor Doom story, and we’ve discussed it since then. This concept has been brewing in my mind for quite some time.

Part of me feels that a significant event like this is necessary whenever Reed Richards and Doctor Doom are together due to their stark differences yet striking similarities. Neither of them will ever acknowledge this, but it makes for an exciting dynamic.

In the “One World Under Doom” incident, there will be repercussions across the Marvel Universe for the following 10 months. This event undoubtedly impacts the storyline of the Fantastic Four. With Doom now in control, there are numerous standalone stories and one-time events unfolding, all centered around the question: “What can we do about Doom?

Four No More? A History of the Fantastic Four Three

Over time, the original four members of the Fantastic Four have each departed the team at some point. Doom even became part of their group when the Fantastic Four grew with the Future Foundation. Crystal from the Inhumans temporarily filled in while Sue was on maternity leave (in issue #81 of Fantastic Four), and Medusa, another Inhuman, took over for Sue during her leave of absence (issues #130-159 of FF). Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, stood in for the Thing when Ben temporarily lost his powers (in issue #168 of FF), and the team took a break for a while as they pursued their individual paths (issues #191-196 of FF)).

Initially, there were four members in the Fantastic Four – Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben. However, when Reed vanished (in Fantastic Four issues #257-261), the team was reduced to three. Later, She-Hulk took over the role of the Thing after he decided to remain on Battleworld as “Rocky Grimm” following the Secret Wars of 1984.

After taking a break, Reed and Sue handed over their roles to Crystal and Ms. Marvel (Sharon Ventura) in issues #305-326 of Fantastic Four. Sadly, Reed seemed to perish while fighting Doctor Doom in issue #381 of the same year. Following his demise, Sue, Johnny, and Ben continued as a trio until Ant-Man (Scott Lang) joined them in issue #384 of Fantastic Four. At this point, the title was renamed The Fantastic Three.

Lately, the roster of the team has featured Black Panther and Storm (in the 2007 issue FF #544), Spider-Man (from FF #1 in 2011), and Lang assembled a new Fantastic Four with She-Hulk, Medusa, and Miss Thing (Darla Deering) in FF #1 from 2012. In Marvel’s 2-In-One #1 from 2017, the Fantastic Four became a duo of Human Torch and Thing when Reed and Sue were thought to be dead or missing. They were later brought back together for the fittingly titled “Family Reunion” in Fantastic Four #3 from 2018.

Fantastic Four: One World Under Doom

One World Under Doom #1

A World under Doom’s Rule!

Six months ago, Doctor Victor Von Doom ascended to the position of Sorcerer Supreme, only to vanish behind Latveria’s secluded borders. For many, his absence is inconsequential amidst current global turmoil, a respite even. However, for the few who understand, it was merely the tranquility before the tempest. That tempest has now arrived. The world is confronted with an unsettling reality: Doctor Doom, the Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, has magically seized control of every global broadcast medium and proclaimed himself as the World Emperor – the ruler of a unified Latveria! Incredulously, it seems that all world leaders are compliant with this. Fortunately, whatever influence or technology affecting them hasn’t reached Earth’s heroes – prompting them to swiftly form a task force to thwart Doom’s schemes. But will they prevail? And what transpires when some start embracing their new Emperor, advocating for One World Under Doom? Marvel introduces its most significant and surprising event yet, with the beginning of ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM #1.

On sale: Feb. 12

Fantastic Four #29

In an astonishing turn of events, the unthinkable has occurred – DOCTOR DOOM now controls the globe! However, the Fantastic Four are unwilling to accept this new reality. As Reed retreats into his lab, determined to find a solution to the Doom conundrum, Ben takes Sue on a getaway trip to New York City with their acquaintance, JENNIFER “SHE-HULK” WALTERS, as an attempt to distract her from the current predicament. Yet, the aftermath of the Blood Hunt, where vampires overran the world, lingers, and when Ben, Sue, and Jennifer find themselves ensnared in a situation of mob justice, they are confronted with a difficult decision – one that they cannot undo!

On sale: Feb. 26

One World Under Doom #2

Doctor Doom has seized control of the world, and Earth’s most powerful heroes have unsuccessfully attempted to stop him once, and now to depose him. However, the Fantastic Four are familiar with Doom more than anyone else, making them the best candidates to challenge Earth’s new ruler…with one major caveat: Doom is equally well-acquainted with them. As Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Sue, and Johnny Storm ready themselves to confront Doom at the United Nations, Doom makes a clandestine visit to confer with the only individual on Earth who enjoys his favor, respect…and affection. But will Valeria Richards be able to alter her uncle’s intentions? And if she fails, what can prevent Doom from inflicting a terrible fate upon the Fantastic Four that he himself may not be capable of reversing? Meanwhile, as the Avengers grapple with their setbacks, the trajectory of the Marvel Universe will shift – and Marvel’s First Family will never be the same!

On sale: March 19

Fantastic Four #30

In this rephrased version: After an embarrassing (and highly visible) loss at the hands of Doom, Ben Grimm finds himself disoriented, drifting – more exposed than he has been in a long time. And when a visit to New York City takes an unexpected turn for the worse, Ben’s situation goes from bad to dire. In a moment of desperation, he makes a startling decision that he can’t reverse! This is a tale of Thing and Alicia that you won’t forget anytime soon.

On sale: March 26

Fantastic Four #31

On sale: April 30

2025-01-20 00:40

Marvel’s Fantastic Four Faces Doom: The Shocking Transformation You Won’t Believe!