Few rivalries in comic book history are as layered and captivating as the one between Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four, and Victor Von Doom, better known as Doctor Doom.
Their conflict is not just a battle between hero and villain but a deeply personal struggle defined by their shared history. Doom is not just a ‘bad guy’ who wants to end the world, he is a much more complex individual who sometimes showcases his empathy and vulnerability.
The Origin Of Reed Richards And Victor Von Doom
The seeds of their rivalry were planted during their time as young students at Empire State University. Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom quickly became intellectual competitors. Victor carried the weight of his tragic past and a chip on his shoulder. Whereas, Doom’s life was shaped by his relentless quest to master both science and mysticism.
Related: Who Is Marvel’s Lucia Von Bardas? How Is She The Link Between Dr. Doom And MCU?
At ESU, Victor’s brilliance was undeniable. However, his excessive pride isolated him from his peers. Reed, while equally brilliant, approached science with humility and a desire to collaborate. Their differences became glaring when Victor embarked on a project to communicate with the dead and reconnect with his mother.
Reed, recognizing flaws in Doom’s design, attempted to warn him. However, Doom’s pride led him to ignore the advice, and the experiment ended in disaster. The resulting explosion left Victor’s face permanently scarred and filled him with a seething hatred for Reed.
Reed Richards And Doctor Doom Are More Than Just Enemies
Doctor Doom is far more than a standard villain in the Marvel Universe. His history with Reed Richards adds emotional depth to their confrontations. Doom does not simply seek to destroy Reed and the Fantastic Four; he wants to prove his superiority. His hatred is fueled by a deep insecurity.
Interestingly, there are moments when this rivalry takes unexpected turns. One of the most poignant examples is when Doom saves the life of Reed’s wife, Susan Storm, and their unborn daughter, Valeria. With Reed unable to return in time, Susan’s brother, Johnny Storm, turns to Doom for help.
Despite his animosity toward Reed, Doom agrees, successfully saving both Susan and her baby. As a gesture of gratitude, Susan names Doom the child’s godfather. Doom’s connection to Valeria adds a unique layer to his character. Additionally, she becomes one of the few individuals he genuinely cares for.
’Secret Wars’ Marked The Pinnacle Of Their Rivalry
Their rivalry reached its peak in the 2015 Secret Wars event. In this arc, Doctor Doom wields the omnipotent power of the Beyonder and creates a new reality called Battleworld, where he reigns as “God Emperor Doom.” This godlike status represents Doom’s ultimate triumph over Reed.
In case you missed it: Mads Mikkelsen Was The First Choice For Dr Doom, Not Robert Downey Jr.
However, when Reed confronts Doom during the climactic showdown, their philosophical divide becomes clear. Reed argues that Doom’s reconstruction of reality, while impressive, is flawed and selfish. He insists that had he been given the same power, he would have restored the universe to its original form.
In a moment of rare vulnerability, Doom admits that Reed is correct. In an extraordinary act of grace, Reed uses his newfound power to restore Doom’s scarred face. This moment encapsulates the dynamic between the two. While Doom’s schemes are often driven by envy and spite, Reed’s actions reflect compassion and a desire to elevate others.
