2015’s Secret Wars is a huge storyline with great character development – and is quite possibly Marvel’s ultimate story of the multiverse.
If Avengers: Secret Wars is going to be anything like its 2015 comic book counterpart, then fans are in for a real treat. Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić’s Secret Wars series had all the makings of a top-tier crossover event — big ideas, solid character work and huge action set pieces. Alex Ross’ grandiose covers for each issue made it clear that this was not an event to miss, promising to shake up the entire Marvel Universe. As such, the prospect of this storyline making its way into the MCU’s Multiverse Saga is incredibly exciting.
During Hickman and Ribić’s Secret Wars book, Doctor Doom used his new god-like powers to create Battleworld, a patchwork planet composed of the surviving multiverse. The nine-issue event followed the self-proclaimed “God Emperor Doom” as his hubris took on a whole new level, ruling over Battleworld with an iron fist. Hickman and Ribić brilliantly realized the creative potential of this premise, transforming it into a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The Epic Scale of Marvel’s Secret Wars
The world-building in Secret Wars was a resounding highlight of the series. Battleworld was very well-thought-out, displaying a very rich setting. Doom was quickly established as the absolute authority on Battleworld, quick to eradicate anyone who he perceived as a threat to his power. The story did a good job delving into the inner workings of his empire, noticeably putting a spotlight on Sheriff Strange and the Thor Corps.
Secret Wars issues 7 to 9 formed a spectacular third act, as the inhabitants of Battleworld rose up against Doctor Doom. An eclectic mix of characters from different domains made an appearance, which gave these issues a really fun feel. Everyone from Apocalypse to Black Panther got their moment to shine here. There was a staggering amount of action crammed into these issues — set pieces included an army of Hulks leaping into action and a giant-sized Groot destroying Castle Doom. Hickman and Ribić were clearly having a great time drawing on Marvel’s rich assortment of characters for Secret Wars‘ action-packed climax.
Secret Wars is a Quintessential Doctor Doom Story
On a more personal level, Secret Wars worked as a strong character piece for Doctor Doom, dissecting his emotional state after finally achieving his end goal of world domination. In many ways, this storyline stripped Doom down to his core and revealed that even with all of his divine powers, he was still all too human. His callous demeanor concealed his self-doubt and fear, afraid to lose the kingdom he’s built. Over the course of the series, readers got to know the real Doctor Doom, the man behind the mask.
As a result, Hickman and Ribić certainly delivered on Secret Wars‘ ambitious premise. The series’ nine-issue length was perfect, giving the creative duo enough room to properly chart the rise and fall of Doctor Doom’s regime. It’s extremely satisfying to see the story come together as nicely as it does, making it a must-read in the midst of the Multiverse Saga.
