Title- The Book of the Vishanti [?]

Issue- 14

Writer- Denny O' Neil

Art- Frank Miller

Summary:

Doom teams with Dormammu in order to bring about the Bend Sinister. The occult spell requires a grand sacrifice and so Doom lends Dormammu one of his scientists, Dilby. Dilby proceeds to capture Dr. Strange in order to sacrifice him but his efforts are thwarted by Spider-Man who answers Strange's call for help. Dormammu returns Dilby to Doom as a gift, the scientist now miniaturized and encased in a diamond.

Comments:

The issue is light on story and heavy on action. Doom really doesn't do much. The attraction is really Frank Miller's art. This is to my knowledge the only time that he has drawn Doom. That alone I'm sure makes this a rare collectible. I recommend it if you are an art aficionado and you're after all the different artistic takes on Doom (or all things Frank Miller), look for the reprint in Marvel Tales. It's probably more reasonably priced. The cover is largely the same which is another good [and rare] thing. For those looking for a good Doom story, look elsewhere. The only real thing of note is that Doom and Dormammu team together. This is, to my knowledge, the only occurrence. Fans of the Super-Villain Team-Up formula might find this idea enticing, however here it is not really put to use. The issue also makes a loose parallel between Doom and Hitler. Doom is watching Hitler's propaganda films and states he watches them in order to learn. This to rings false to me in two ways. First, I personally don't think Doom and Hitler make good parallels; although many writers have made the case over the years. I disagree because Hitler came to believe all of his people, because of their Aryan race, were superior to all others. Doom only thinks HE is superior to everyone else. Yes, he's a dictator but so is Fidel Castro and I don't think that Doom and Castro are the same either. Although I think you could make a stronger parallel between those two than Doom and Hitler. My second problem, which is tied to the first, is that Doom is a gypsy. Time and time again writers forget or disregard this aspect of the character. I very much doubt that Doom, a gypsy who had both parents murdered by an oppressive government, would look to Hitler for inspiration or knowledge. But, that's just my two cents. The issue isn't bad, however the story isn't helped either that you never find out what Bend Sinister is. Bottom Line: * * * out of 5

Revised 4/20/08

VC

(Thanks Michael for correcting me on Dormammu's origins!)

Notes:

• Reprinted in Marvel Tales #200 - Pictured below
  
• Collected in The Complete Frank Miller Spider-Man - Pictured below