Title - Doomsday: A World Untamed
Writer - Chris Claremont and Mike McKone
Art - Mark McKenna [inks], Mark Bernardo [colors]

Summary:

In the wake of the "heroes" climatic escape to their home world, Samantha Dunbar attempts to rebuild her life. Unfortunately she is interrupted by a sudden flash in the sky. To her surprise, it turns out to be the infamous Doctor Doom. She immediately dives in after him and fends off underwater Atlan warriors not being able to stand and let anyone else die without a fight. Doom eventually saves her in turn and befriends her. Both take up residence in the abandoned and supposedly haunted Baxter Building. While there, Doom learns more about the world that fate has placed him in. One important fact is that the planet's entire population carries within themselves the potential to have meta-human powers. When Atlan warriors and a S.H.I.E.L.D strike team abruptly attack the building Doom forces Sam's latent super powers to come out and fend off the attackers. After the battle, Doom and Sam, now called Lancer after her ability to make heat lances, decide to work together to bring order to this untamed world.

Comments:

Claremont writes Doom the way I like him to be written. He's more than just a villain, he is a man who thinks he can make the world better by taking it over. This interpretation is closer to what I like. The Doom here is honorable and sees an ally in Lancer. However he treats Lancer as a true ally, not like in previous stories where he is secretly plotting their demise behind their backs. Lancer herself is an excellent strong character. The fact that she disappears at the end of the later Doom :The Emperor Returns, is a shame. It seemed like this was a perfect opportunity to expand Doom's supporting cast. It would have been interesting to have seen Doom with a full supporting cast ala Doom 2099. Lancer, Kristoff, and perhaps even Valeria could have been brought together to form a sort of Von Doom family to mirror the Richards' and the FF. The art also deserves mention as Mark McKenna provides wonderful interpretations of Doom and Lancer. For me, Doom hadn't sounded or looked this good since Doom 2099. All in all this is a solid one shot that provides an enjoyable Doom story. It also serves as a kick off for the Chris Claremont run on the FF. Together with its companion Heroes Reborn: Doom, this leads up to the events in FF #25 v3.

Bottom Line: * * * * * out of 5