Warning: Spoilers Ahead for One World Under Doom #1
Iron Man and Doctor Doom are two of the most tech-savvy super geniuses in the Marvel Universe, and with Doom set to make his MCU debut, Marvel is finally settling the debate over which iron-clad intellect reigns supreme. Both possess unparalleled skill and ego, but Iron Man’s arrogance leads him to underestimate Doom—who seizes control of the entire world right under the Avengers’ noses.
…Doctor Doom matches Tony Stark in nearly every way…
In One World Under Doom #1—written by Ryan North, with art by R.B. Silva—the Avengers attempt to take down Doctor Doom as he conquers the world using his powers as Sorcerer Supreme. Believing they have the upper hand, Tony Stark presents footage from a Doombot showing Doom killing Hydra’s leader, hoping to prove to the world that Doom remains a threat.
However, in the ultimate power move, Doom twists the narrative to expose the Avengers’ incompetence. He deliberately sets a trap that Stark walks right into, proving he’s leagues ahead of Iron Man.
In Light of Doctor Doom’s MCU Debut, Marvel Settles the Doom vs. Iron Man Battle of the Brains
One World Under Doom #1 – Written By Ryan North; Art By R.B. Silva; Color By David Curiel; Letters By Travis Lanham; Cover Art By Ben Harvey
Though on opposite sides of the hero-villain spectrum, Doctor Doom and Iron Man share striking similarities—their unmatched arrogance and instantly recognizable high-tech armored suits—fueling a rivalry that has simmered for years. While Doom’s most infamous rivalry is with Mister Fantastic, his clashes with Iron Man are just as significant, with the two frequently butting heads and even teaming up on occasion. Though Iron Man is often portrayed as having superior technology, that doesn’t necessarily make him the craftier of the two.
Their feud began in Doomquest by David Michelinie and Bob Layton, where Doom attempted to steal from Iron Man, only for both to be sent back in time to Camelot, forcing them into battle. Tony Stark and Victor von Doom are depicted as intellectual equals, but Doom’s willingness to blend science with magic grants him a distinct advantage that isn’t always acknowledged. In One World Under Doom, Tony’s brashness proved to be his downfall, as Doom expertly exploited this weakness by planting information he knew Stark couldn’t resist taking.
Iron Man Is the Avengers’ Smartest Hero—But He Keeps Underestimating Doctor Doom
Doom Defeats the Avengers and Fantastic Four in One Fell Swoop
Iron Man may be the Avengers’ technology expert and one of the Marvel Universe’s smartest heroes, but Doctor Doom matches Tony Stark in nearly every way—even to the point where the two have taken up each other’s mantles. Following the events of Marvel’s “Civil War II” crossover event, Doom temporarily reformed and became Iron Man while Tony Stark remained in a coma, as seen in Infamous Iron Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev. This moment proves that Doom isn’t just on Iron Man’s level—he’s one of his most fitting replacements.
When Iron Man does defeat Doom, it’s often with the help of the Avengers. But in a one-on-one battle, Doom’s strategic mind and mastery of magic would give him a decisive advantage. After seizing control of the world, Doom didn’t just outplay Stark—he outmaneuvered Iron Man, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four in a masterclass of mental chess. While Iron Man’s intelligence and role as an Avenger cement his status as a hero, Doom remains one of Marvel’s most superior strategists, and Marvel has now confirmed that, in terms of pure intellect, Doctor Doom surpasses Iron Man.
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One World Under Doom #1 is available now from Marvel Comics!
Iron Man
- Died
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2023 (in the MCU)
- Alias
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Iron Man
- RELATIONSHIPS
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Jude (biological father), Amanda Armstrong (biological mother), Howard Stark (adoptive father), Maria Stark (adoptive mother), Arno Stark (brother)
