75 Marvel Comics That Inspired Avengers: Doomsday

Time Runs Out for the Avengers

As seen in: The Avengers Vol. 5 #35-44, New Avengers Vol. 3 #24-33 (2015)

Again, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are closely impressed by the 2 Secret Wars comics. This a lot we all know from Kevin Feige and the Russo Bros. themselves, who’re coming again to Marvel direct the movies. But whereas we’ll get to Secret Wars itself in a bit, it’s value beginning out by specializing in the lengthy, dramatic buildup to the 2015 comics model. That storyline, Avengers: Time Runs Out, will most likely find yourself informing the plot of Doomsday as a lot as anything.

From the start, Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers and New Avengers titles cope with the idea of Incursions, that phenomenon the place two parallel variations of Earth start to collide and threaten to annihilate each universes until one of many Earths is destroyed. The Incursions are revealed to be a symptom of a bigger illness within the Marvel multiverse, one which appears destined to finish within the full obliteration of all existence.

Time Runs Out takes place in a very dire interval for the Marvel Universe. Incursions are occurring increasingly often, making the combat to cease them and save Earth-616 actually an existential disaster. Unfortunately, Time Runs Out additionally happens in a interval when the Avengers are extra divided than they’ve been because the occasions of 2006’s Civil War. Once once more, there are mainly two opposing factions on this ideological battle. One law-abiding crew of Avengers serves underneath S.H.I.E.L.D., whereas one other group follows the Illuminati and their extra pragmatic strategy to survival.

Of course, Time Runs Out is extra than simply an Avengers story. Members of the X-Men and Fantastic Four additionally play key roles. And then there’s Doctor Doom. Doom is revealed to be a pivotal participant within the battle, as he takes on a brand new identification as Rabum Alal and attracts a cabal of fanatical followers. Doom’s conflict with the extra-dimensional entities often called The Beyonders is the supply of the multiverse’s impending collapse. He sees himself because the savior of existence. Others would possibly disagree.

We’ve already seen some plot threads impressed by Time Runs Out crop up in the course of the Multiverse Saga. Thanks to the post-credits scene in 2022’s Doctor Strange within the Multiverse of Madness, we all know Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange has joined forces with Charlize Theron’s Clea to research the Incursion drawback. And an Incursion kinds the crux of the climax of 2023’s The Marvels, leading to Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau changing into stranded on Earth-10005, a world the place Kelsey Grammer’s Beast and the remainder of the X-Men are making their very own stand in opposition to Incursions.

If Avengers: Doomsday is an adaptation of anyone Marvel story, it’s undoubtedly going to be Time Runs Out. We’re certain to see the Incursion drawback attain crucial mass, prompting a determined race to stave off the tip of all issues. Like within the comedian, we might even see the Avengers break up down the center in how they cope with this menace. Though on this case, we suspect we’ll see one crew rally round Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and one other round Robert Downey, Jr.’s Doctor Doom. And once more, we’ll see the Fantastic Four and the X-Men drawn into the fray as everybody races to save lots of their respective world. But if Doomsday is something just like the comedian, it’s all going to be for naught ultimately.

Meet the Illuminati

As seen in: New Avengers – The Illuminati #1-5 (2006)

In the buildup to Marvel’s Civil War crossover, readers first met the Illuminati, a shadowy group that included Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Mister Fantastic, Namor, Black Bolt, and Professor X. It was revealed that this group has been quietly manipulating occasions within the Marvel Universe for years, at all times within the title of defending Earth from threats each inside and with out. Marvel’s New Avengers: The Illuminati miniseries explores the group’s actions in a lot higher depth.

Though they ultimately disbanded, the Illuminati have been reformed in Hickman’s Avengers run. The barely revamped roster included new members like Black Panther, Beast, and Hulk (who was going by way of an unusually clever section on the time). The Illuminati are additionally outstanding gamers in Time Runs Out, resorting to questionable measures to guard Earth-616 from Incursions.

We already met one model of the Illuminati within the MCU in Doctor Strange within the Multiverse of Madness, a gaggle primarily based on Earth-838. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t survive their run-in with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch.

But may we meet the Earth-616 model of the Illuminati in Avengers: Doomsday? It’s laborious to not come to that conclusion primarily based solely on the forged record. What occurs whenever you get Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s Namor, and Letitia Wright’s Black Panther in the identical room? We even must marvel if Downey’s Doom may take the place of Tony Stark right here. As within the comedian, we might even see the Illuminati stoop to any and all measures to save lots of their universe, even when it means damning themselves within the course of.

The Avengers vs. the X-Men

As seen in: Avengers vs. X-Men #1-12 (2012)

Normally, the Avengers and X-Men are allies within the unending combat to defend the Marvel Universe. But the 2 groups grew to become bitter enemies in 2012’s Avengers vs. X-Men storyline.

AvX comes on the tail finish of an extended interval the place the X-Men are combating a dropping battle to guard the mutant race from extinction. When it turns into obvious that the Phoenix Force is again and making a beeline for Earth, the X-Men see it as their final, greatest hope to revive the mutant inhabitants. The Avengers, nonetheless, see the Phoenix Force as a transparent and current menace to everybody on Earth. That’s when the 2 groups come to blows.

We’ve already carried out a deep dive into Avengers vs. X-Men and the methods during which it may encourage Avengers: Doomsday, however the gist is that we may see a really completely different take within the MCU on the idea of the 2 groups going to conflict. We’re not anticipating a detailed adaptation of the comedian ebook crossover, because the X-Men haven’t even been correctly established within the MCU but.

Instead, we predict Doomsday’s AvX battle would contain the multiverse. It stands to purpose that Grammer is reprising the identical model of Beast we noticed in The Marvels’ post-credits scene, and that every one the opposite X-Men confirmed for the movie are residents of that very same world, which we’re assuming is Earth-10005, a.okay.a. the Fox X-Men film universe. Eventually, Earth-616 and Earth-10005 will likely be linked collectively by an Incursion, forcing the MCU’s Avengers to battle the Fox universe’s X-Men for the destiny of their respective worlds.

In that sense, the Avengers vs. X-Men battle in Doomsday will most likely be much less impressed by the AvX crossover than it is going to the primary chapter of 2015’s Secret Wars comedian. In Secret Wars #1, the Marvel multiverse is decreased to only two remaining universes, the traditional Marvel Universe and the Ultimate Universe. The Avengers and Ultimates go to conflict as the ultimate Incursion breaks out, just for each worlds to be annihilated ultimately. Doomsday could very properly finish in an identical battle between the Avengers and X-Men. Instead of working collectively to save lots of the multiverse, they’ll be too busy combating one another. And that’s the place Secret Wars is available in.

The Secret Wars Begin

As seen in: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1-12 (1984), Secret Wars #1-9 (2015)

At this level, we would as properly discuss Secret Wars correct and the way it’s prone to affect each Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. As we talked about earlier, Marvel has printed two separate however not solely unconnected Secret Wars comics, the primary in 1984 and the second in 2015. The Russos have confirmed that each comics are an affect on their upcoming Avengers films, although we’re undoubtedly sensing extra of the latter Secret Wars to this point.

In the unique Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, a who’s who lineup of Marvel heroes and villains are kidnapped by a godlike being often called The Beyonder. He whisks them away to a man-made planet referred to as Battleworld to combat for his amusement. In the tip, Doom steals The Beyonder’s energy for himself, briefly reaching the energy to match his boundless ego. Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars can also be notable for introducing Spider-Man’s black costume and paving the best way for Venom.

2015’s Secret Wars, in the meantime, serves because the climax of Hickman’s sprawling Avengers run. We’ve already coated how the primary challenge encompasses a determined, doomed battle between two groups of heroes because the multiverse collapses round them. But the actual meat of Secret Wars is in what occurs subsequent.

Even because the multiverse itself dies, Doom and his ally Molecule Man (a key participant within the unique Secret Wars crossover) make their ultimate stand in opposition to The Beyonders. Doom steals their energy and turns into all-powerful. He makes use of his newfound energy to kind a brand new Battleworld out of the damaged fragments of dozens of lifeless universes. Doom then crowns himself God Emperor of Battleworld, with every realm managed by a unique Baron. It’s kind of the Marvel model of Dune or Game of Thrones.

As Secret Wars unfolds, Doom fights to carry his new kingdom collectively whereas a gaggle of refugees from Earth-616 seeks a solution to restore the multiverse. Fittingly, all of it comes all the way down to a ultimate confrontation between God Emperor Doom and his biggest rival, Reed Richards. Even as a god, Doom can’t transfer previous his hatred for Reed and his personal self-loathing.

We don’t know the way a lot, if in any respect, we’re going to see the 2 Secret Wars storylines tailored in Doomsday, however Avengers: Secret Wars is shaping as much as be a reasonably shut adaptation of these comics. Once once more, we’re anticipating to see Downey’s Doom obtain final energy and kind Battleworld out of the ashes of the multiverse. We’ll most likely see a terrific many realms impressed by each the comics and varied Marvel films of years previous. We’ll virtually definitely see a motley crew of heroes band collectively to revive the multiverse, together with each MCU mainstays and iconic film favorites like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. If you’re questioning how Marvel may ever prime the fanboy glee of the portals sequence from Endgame, that’s how.

All Hail Emperor Doom

As seen in: Marvel Graphic Novel #27 – Emperor Doom (1987)

While the MCU is certainly drawing quite a lot of inspiration from Hickman’s Avengers run and Secret Wars for its portrayal of Doctor Doom, it’s value looking at a a lot older story that additionally revolves round Doom crowning himself emperor. That story is 1987’s Emperor Doom graphic novel.

Emperor Doom exhibits us what occurs when Doom lastly grows uninterested in ruling one measly nation and units his sights on your complete planet. After harnessing the mind-controlling powers of Purple Man, Doom brainwashes the nations of the world into accepting him as their monarch. With nobody to oppose him, Doom ushers in a brand new period of peace and prosperity. Life underneath Emperor Doom is definitely fairly swell, as long as you don’t thoughts the whole lack of free will. It falls on Wonder Man to free the Avengers and mount a resistance in opposition to Emperor Doom.

Marvel can also be at present exploring an identical idea within the One World Under Doom crossover, which once more sees Doom crown himself Emperor of a surprisingly docile and grateful planet.

Could we see parts of Emperor Doom on the subject of Downey’s model of the long-lasting villain? It’s undoubtedly attainable. The Russos have made it clear that Doom is somebody who sees himself because the hero of his personal story. He thinks he’s doing what needs to be carried out to save lots of the Marvel multiverse. Maybe we’ll see him crown himself emperor in Avengers: Doomsday, rallying your complete world to his trigger. We suspect a terrific many individuals within the MCU can be solely too blissful to pledge their life to a man with Tony Stark’s face.

Doctor Doom as Iron Man

As seen in: Infamous Iron Man #1-12 (2016)

To be sincere, we’re nonetheless making an attempt to wrap our heads across the shock reveal that Downey has been forged as Doctor Doom. Why deliver again essentially the most recognizable MCU actor to play a very completely different character? What’s the importance of the truth that Doom seems to be like Tony Stark? Is he a model of Tony from one other universe the place issues labored out in another way, or is he merely utilizing Tony’s face to additional his personal agenda?

Those are all questions we most likely gained’t see answered till Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters. But it definitely can’t harm to have a look at one of many comics that explores the Iron Man/Doctor Doom relationship in higher depth.

For that, we suggest taking a look at 2016’s Infamous Iron Man, a part of Brian Michael Bendis’ bigger Invincible Iron Man run. This sequence is ready after the occasions of 2015’s Secret Wars. No longer a God Emperor, Victor von Doom has been healed in physique and soul. He’s decided to show himself a hero worthy of the mantle of Iron Man. And as a result of Tony Stark himself is comatose at this level, there’s nobody to truly cease Doom from giving it an sincere go.

Will Infamous Iron Man have a direct affect on Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars? It’s laborious to say. Though, if nothing else, we wouldn’t be stunned if the MCU attracts on Doom’s character design on this sequence because it introduces a Tony Stark-ified model of Doctor Doom. Downey’s character could look much less like the normal Doom than he does this model that wears a silver and inexperienced Iron Man armor.

But once more, we all know that Downey’s character is somebody who sees himself as being in the precise. Doom firmly believes he’s the hero. There could also be parts of Infamous Iron Man that work their manner into that portrayal of Doom. He’s a personality who must win hearts and minds if he’s going to hold out his plan of saving the multiverse.

Invisible Woman and Namor’s Sexual Tension

As seen in: Fantastic Four – 1 2 3 4 (2002)

With all of the spectacle and cosmic stakes occurring in these subsequent two Avengers films, it’s all of the extra essential they discover time to give attention to the smaller character moments. They have to be completely balanced sufficient to fulfill even Thanos himself. Avengers: Infinity War completed that job by giving us moments of levity between Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange and zeroing in on the doomed romance between Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany’s Vision. Endgame was mainly one lengthy fats joke on the expense of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor.

How will Avengers: Doomsday lighten the temper? We suspect that’s going to fall on Namor’s brawny shoulders. Anyone who’s learn a Fantastic Four comedian that includes Namor will know that the King of Atlantis has the hots for Susan Storm. Heck, he makes Wolverine’s deep infatuation with Jean Grey appear regular by comparability. Sue, for her half, has by no means actually reciprocated Namor’s love over time, however that’s by no means stopped his incessant flirtation. Hey, he’s a fish king. He’s not used to being advised no.

Given that Doomsday is the primary MCU film to incorporate each Vanessa Kirby’s Sue and Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s Namor, we will solely assume we’re going to see this sexual stress play out on the massive display. Expect a number of the film’s extra comedic moments to return as Namor woos Sue and he or she rebuffs his advances. As for Pedro Pascal’s Reed? If he’s something just like the comedian ebook model, he could also be too oblivious to note. Sue could wind up main Namor on simply to get an increase out of her single-minded science dork of a husband.

Again, there are any variety of comics the film may draw from on this space. Namor’s unrequited love for Sue goes again a very long time. But if Doomsday pulls from anyone FF comedian, we’d guess it will be 2002’s Fantastic Four: 1 2 3 4. That ebook, which is unusually darkish for an FF story, could be the closest Sue has ever come to truly responding to Namor’s advances. 1 2 3 4 can also be a really Doom-centric story, in order that makes it all of the extra doubtless the screenwriters may need consulted this hidden gem of a Marvel comedian.

And there you’ve gotten it. If you wish to do your homework earlier than Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters in May 2026, what to learn. But what Marvel storylines do you most wish to see tailored in these subsequent two Avengers films? Let us know within the feedback.