Title - The Many Faces of Doom / Life of the Party
Issue - 332-333
Writer - Larry Hama
Art - Paul Ryan (332), Herb Trimpe, Tom Morgan, & Reggie Jones (333)
Summary:
A celebration of the opening of the new Avengers' headquarters draws a who's who of the MARVEL universe. The festivities are interrupted when Doom arrives on the scene. However the Avengers quickly discover that there is not just one Doom, but several showing up at various location in the new headquarters. The Avengers are further bedazzled when Iron Man sheds his armor only to reveal yet another Doctor Doom. Quick to business, Doom reveals his proposition to the Avengers. In exchange for details on the weaknesses of their new HQ, Doom asks for the secret of inter-dimensional travel which he believes they possess after their recent victory over the Tetrachs of Entropy. With that secret he plans to into the nether dimension in order to save his mother. Captain American explains to him that among them only Thor has that ability and he has been missing for sometime. Doom becomes angry and threatens to ignite a neutron bomb he has on his person. Rage suddenly realizes that the Doom standing among them is also a Doombot and disables him. When questioned how he knew that he was a robot, Rage explains Doom would never sacrifice himself in such a fashion, otherwise who would live to free his mother? The real Doom then communicates that Rage was accurate in his conclusion and disables the bomb after deciding that the Avengers are speaking the truth.
Comments:
Although the story is littered with Doombots, the kind I don't like, this is actually one of the few stories with them I enjoy. First of all, the real Doom, or at least a purported one, makes an appearance [Thanks to Walt Simonson this is now debatable]. Second, although his actions are villainous, the ultimate goal to save his mother gives Doom that added tragic quality I enjoy. Larry Hama, one of the most under appreciated comic writers, gives Doom without a doubt a classic entrance. Sneaking in dressed as Iron Man is a brilliant stroke worthy of Doom. Centering the plot around Doom wanting to save his mother is a classic plot device and has been repeated countless times. This however is the last one that makes sense. Shortly after this story appeared, Triumph and Torment was released thereby making further stories about Doom's ploys to save his mother, anomalous. As they go, this is certainly a good last one. Bottom Line: Buy It!