Doom

Issue- 1-3
Writer- Chuck Dixon
Penciler- Leo Manco

Summary:
Having been stripped of his armor by the dreaming celestial [see FF #25 vol. 3], Doom is thrust upon the Hereos Reborn Earth which he dubs Planet Doom. Doom struggles against the forces of nature, the desert dictator Al-Khalad, and the underwater menace of Lord Byraah. His goal is to reach the Baxter building, his base of operations. Upon reaching his destination he finds it under siege by an army of Atlanteans coupled with an enormous sea beast. Using only his mental prowess, Doom turns the monster on its own army and turns the tide of battle. With peace restored, Doom proceeds to enter trance in order to contact Sue Storm via the astral plane.

Comments:
In the first of Chuck Dixon's two Doom mini-series', the story picks up where Chris Claremont left off. Although published after the fact if I recall correctly, the series fills the gap that takes place between Doom's disappearance at the end of Fantastic Four #25 and reappearance #30. Dixon provides an entertaining adventure that gives us the chance to see what Doom can do on his own. The characterization here is spot on. Doom is portrayed as arrogant but with the skills to back it up. Doom's disregard for his fellow imprisoned slaves in issue #2 is a little harsh but I can live with it. His use of mental control over the sea beast is pure genius and provides a wonderful character moment. Doom is larger than life, exactly how he should be. Dixon does the character justice. Accompanying Dixon's words is the indispensible art of Leo Manco. I've been a fan of his work since the short-lived M-Tech Deathlok series as well as the "The Otherworld War" graphic novel. Manco's art is perfectly suited for the story and provides an atmosphere to Planet Doom that would have otherwise been absent had they gotten any other artist. The art design in the series is so evocative of different iconic images. Al-Khalad's sultan outfit calls to mind tales of 1001 Nights as well as Ming the Merciless from Flash Gordon. The desert henchmen echo the S&M fashion of the villains from the Mad Max series. Even Doom's triumphant march underwater reminds me of Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This series comes highly recommended for both casual comic fans and Doom enthusiasts. Bottom Line: ***** out of 5

Notes:

Story events follow Fantastic Four #25
On Planet Doom, Doom finds that sanctuaries which he has located across the world were also replicated. It is therefore inferred that these bases exist on the real Earth.
Doom is able to control the sea beast using only the powr of his mind.
The Dreamtime which Doom uses to contact the Invisible Woman is an aboriginal technique.

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