Issue - 2

Writer - Neil Gaiman

Art - Andy Kubert

Summary:

In a universe where the age of marvels begins in the year 1602, Sir Nicholas Fury organizes transport for a unknown Templar treasure to be brought to England. Count Otto von Doom of Latveria plots to steal it, believing it to be treasure or a weapon.

Notes:

• Von Doom is a Count instead of a Doctor and is named Otto instead of Victor.

• Count Doom is also known as Doom the Handsome.

• Collected in 1602
   

Issue - 3

Writer - Neil Gaiman

Art - Andy Kubert

Summary:

Count Otto von Doom sends a gift to Queen Elizabeth. The gift turns out to be a weapon which kills her.

Notes:

• Panel appearance only

• Collected in 1602

Issue - 4

Writer - Neil Gaiman

Art - Andy Kubert

Summary:

Sensing a tremor coming from beneath his castle, Doom visits his prisoners. He attempts to divulge more secrets from his unseen prisoner who agrees in exchange for information on the unusual weather which has been plaguing the world.

Notes:

• Doom doesn't seem interested in science and dismisses the notion that light could have a speed.

• Collected in 1602

Issue - 5

Writer - Neil Gaiman

Art - Andy Kubert

Summary:

With the help of his spy, Natasha, Doom now holds the Templar treasure that Nicholas Fury was transporting to England. He attempts to learn its secrets, but it defies analysis.

Notes:

• Collected in 1602

Issue - 6

Writer - Neil Gaiman

Art - Andy Kubert

Summary:

Fury, Charles and his Witchbreed mount an attack on Doom's castle in Latveria. They manage to rescue Matthew and Donal. Donal reveals that the Templar treasure is a stick which transforms him into Thor. During the attack, Susan Storm breaks free from her cage and frees Reed, John, and Benjamin. The four confront Doom who attempts to ward them off with the gold orb which he believed was the Templar treasure. Lightening from Thor's storm strikes the orb and and the resultant explosion disfigures him horribly.

Comments:

Let me start by saying that 1602 is fantastic. I thought the whole idea was truly original and really took the What If concept to a whole new level. The attention to detail and making everyone fit into the period was great. I was surprised at how well the Marvel Universe was able to be transported into the past. How about Doom? Not too good. For starters, his name is Otto. Otto doesn't seem very smart. In fact all he seems to do is steal Reed's ideas. He has him stuck in a prison underneath castle from which he pokes him for ideas. In fact he doesn't even seem interested in all his ideas. Just the ones which will make him all powerful. Things I did like about Otto von Doom...he's dating Black Widow. Not bad. Coming from a European background, it made sense to use him. However the character itself doesn't do much. His actions behind the scenes are what move parts of the story along. Overall, I thought this to be a great read which I highly recommend. However for Doom fans...

Bottom Line: * * out of 5

Notes:

• Doomstadt is revealed to be the name of where Doom's castle is located. Latveria is located just beyond the Austrian Alps.

• Collected in 1602 (pictured below)