Comic Review: One World Under Doom #5 – Order, Power, and the Price of Control

 

One World Under Doom #5 continues Marvel’s ambitious “Doom takes over the world” saga and while it’s far from a bad issue, it once again struggles with the same problem that’s haunted the series since the start: pacing.

After the more balanced and character-driven issue #4, this chapter returns to a rushed rhythm that doesn’t let the story breathe. Everything happens too quickly from the global politics to the philosophical debates, to even the brief fight scenes that barely last a page. This series has the bones of an epic, one that could’ve easily spanned a 12-issue maxi or even an omnibus-length saga. Instead, #5 crams major world-changing moments into a handful of pages, leaving readers wanting more time to process Doom’s “new world order.”

That being said, what is here works better than expected. The central conflict between Doom’s absolute control and the heroes’ moral objections reaches a sharp new edge. Thor and Tony Stark stand on opposite sides of the argument, and for once, both have valid points. Doom is undeniably improving the world. Poverty is down, wars have ceased, and stability has returned all under his iron hand. The question becomes: is peace worth the cost of freedom?

Thor’s presence divides readers. Some fans found his dialogue particularly his “I am not of Midgard” line to be out of character, and it’s hard not to disagree. Still, if you view it less as a continuity slip and more as a thematic choice, it works. Thor isn’t a “follower” of Doom but rather a ruler recognizing another ruler. As King of Asgard, he understands what Doom’s burden of leadership looks like, even if he doesn’t fully agree with it. His support feels like respect more than allegiance.

Tony Stark, meanwhile, embodies the voice of suspicion a futurist who’s seen this story before. He knows that every utopia has a breaking point, and every benevolent dictator eventually reveals his darker motives. Their ideological clash gives #5 its most engaging moments not in fists, but in philosophy.

Maria Hill’s sudden appearance near the end sets up what could be the next major twist. Her inclusion hints at a larger conspiracy brewing behind the curtain, possibly tied to the inevitable undoing of Doom’s empire. The pacing rushes this moment, though, and it loses some of its potential impact.

Visually, the issue looks excellent. The art is clean, expressive, and full of striking detail Doom’s armor glows with both power and menace, while Thor’s scenes radiate divine grandeur. There’s a cinematic sense of scale that almost makes you forget how much story is being skipped over.

Thematically, One World Under Doom #5 is compelling. It forces the reader to ask uncomfortable questions: what if Doom really is the best ruler Earth could have? He’s done more to save the planet in weeks than the Avengers have in years. Yet, that’s exactly what makes the story tragic. Doom may be right but he’s still Doom. His pride, his ego, his refusal to let others share his vision those flaws make his reign unsustainable.

This issue also gives us a surprisingly nuanced portrayal of Thor. His argument that “Doom hath done more to improve this realm in weeks than we in years” feels earned, even if it clashes with traditional heroic logic. Leaders recognize leaders and Doom, for all his arrogance, gets results.

If there’s one looming worry, it’s that the finale will fall into cliché. If Tony turns out to be right if Doom was secretly plotting evil all along it will reduce this complex debate into a generic “villain twist.” Hopefully, the creative team allows Doom to fall not as a monster, but as a tragic figure undone by his own greatness.

Pros:

+Thought-provoking philosophical conflict between Doom, Thor, and Iron Man

+Gorgeous, detailed art that matches the story’s epic scale

+Strong themes about power, leadership, and moral compromise

+Effective setup for the final act

Cons:

-Extremely rushed pacing; moments that deserve space feel crammed

-Some awkward dialogue, especially from Thor

-Maria Hill’s subplot feels tacked on

-Potential risk of an overly predictable ending

Final Score: 7.5/10

*Comic read on the Marvel Unlimited App