Issue - 246

Title - Too Many Dooms

Writer - John Byrne
Art - John Byrne

Summary:
The Fantastic Four are asked by the Latverian Ambassador to escort Doom's body to the embassy. Meanwhile, at Doom's castle in the Adirondack Mountains, a Doombot squashes the Puppet Master and retrieves the synth-clone housing Doom's mind. Later, at the embassy, the team deliver's Doom's body. Instead of being met by the Latverian Ambassador, they are met with traps. The team is split into separate chambers designed to nullify their abilities. One by one, they fall before Doom. However when each in turn realizes they are dealing with a Doombot, the team defeats their captors. Elsewhere, other Doombots after succeeded in restoring Doom to his true body. Once more himself, Doom confronts the Fantastic Four. He tells them that he has captured them because he wants their help in reclaiming his throne. The team refuse, reminding him that they help the rightful King, Zorba, rise to the throne. Doom then shows them what Zorba's rule has wrought: discontent, crime, and civil strife.

 

Notes:

  • Collected in The Villainy of Doctor Doom, Fantastic Four Visionaries John Byrne Volume 2, and Fantastic Four by John Byrne Omnibus Volume 1

247

Issue - 247

Title - This Land is Mine

Writer - John Byrne
Art - John Byrne

 

Summary:

Doom shows the Fantastic Four the destruction that has befallen Latveria under Zorba's rule. The team still hold that at least they are free of his rule. Suddenly a small boy, Kristoff, runs into Doom. The boys mother charges out fearing that the boy has struck some member of Zorba's secret police. She is instead relieved to see that it is in fact Doom. Kristoff's mother recounts how Zorba stirred discontent and made great promises if he rose to power and restored free elections. When he rose to power with the FF's aid, he revoked Doom's laws, but also the threat of punishment. Crime returned to Latveria. The economy also failed. Before elections could be held, Zorba declared martial law, unleashing Doom's own Doombots as his police. No sooner does she finish her tale, a Doombot appears and kills her. The FF and Doom fight back against the Doombots. After the battle, the team is met by the more people of Latveria and taken into a nearby tavern. In the palace, Zorba has Boris tortured for information, but the elderly man does not relinquish anything. Angry that the people hate him despite giving them freedom, Zorba unleashes the Killer Robots. Faced with no choice, the team ally themselves with Doom to defeat Zorba. After a long battle, the robots are defeated. Doom however is gone to the palace to face Zorba. After a short fight, Doom reclaims his throne after killing Zorba. Once more king, Doom grants the Fantastic Four freedom to leave, which they do so, reluctantly.

 

Notes:

 
  Creator Comments:

John Byrne (Writer/Artist): "My "model" for Zorba was any number of people, in any number of walks of life, who believe they can do the job better than those in charge but who, when given the chance, are almost instantly overwhelmed." - The John Byrne Forum May. 2006
 

 

Comments:
Interesting plot. Doom blackmails the FF morally by saying that it is their fault that the people suffer since they were the ones to help put Zorba in power the first place. This story is particularly important because it introduces Kristoff. John Byrne is on both writing and art duties. His seminal run does not disappoint. Some say it is overrated. Not me. This is probably another one of my all-time favorite Doom stories. Maybe its because he finishes on-top at the end of this one. Considering what happens, I'd say it is a must read for all Doom fans. Bottom Line: * * * * * out of 5


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