Doctor Doom Is Frightening, Yet Reed Richards’ Most Formidable Enemy Is Himself

Doctor Doom, long recognized as Reed Richards‘ arch-nemesis, carries a different narrative within the comic book realm of Earth-6160, also known as the Ultimate Universe. While prominently recognized as rivals, the dynamics shift dramatically in this alternate continuity, revealing a much more complex rivalry where Reed is confronted by his own darker self, rather than Doom himself.

The comic series The Ultimates #4, penned by Deniz Camp and illustrated by Phil Noto, delves deep into the origins of Reed Richards in Earth-6160. From this perspective, Victor von Doom morphs into a personification of Reed, rather than remaining the classic villain. Intriguingly, the ‘Reed Richards’ in this scenario is actually the version from Earth-1610 (the original Ultimate Universe), where he operates under the sinister alias of the Maker.

Fuelled by ambition, the Maker journeys into Earth-6160, aiming to remodel it to fit his vision. Central to his plan was the devastation of the Fantastic Four’s origin story, which led to the tragic deaths of Sue, Johnny, and Ben. In the aftermath, Reed finds himself burdened with guilt over their demise. However, his atonement is short-lived, as the Maker seizes him and subjects him to a horrific temporal prison, shattering both his mind and body. Ultimately, Reed Richards fades away, leaving in his place a malevolent figure known only as Doom.

A Shift in Dynamics: Reed Richards and Doom

Doom as a Hero and Reed as the Villain

The Maker behind Earth-6160's Reed Richards

The transformation enforced by the Maker not only leads to Reed’s physical metamorphosis into Doom but also results in a profound psychological shift, effectively establishing Reed as his own most formidable adversary. This unique premise reverses the traditional hero-villain narrative between Reed Richards and Doctor Doom.

Traditionally, Doctor Doom has stood as the archetypal villain, while Reed Richards has flown the banner of heroism since Doom’s inception as an antagonist in the Fantastic Four. However, the Ultimate Universe deftly rewrites this relationship, casting Doom in a heroic mold as a member of the Ultimates, using his formidable intellect to foster positive change in the world. Conversely, the character of Reed Richards, embodied as the Maker, manifests the epitome of villainy, overshadowing all threats faced by Earth-6160. This radical shift offers fans a fresh, intriguing perspective on the longstanding rivalry, showcasing why the new Ultimate Universe captivates so many.

Doctor Doom: A Major Threat in Marvel’s Universe

While Earth-6160 reshapes the rivalry between Reed and Doom, Earth-616 continues to witness the classic tension between these iconic characters. In Marvel’s main universe, the stakes remain high as Doctor Doom’s rivalry with Reed Richards intensifies. Currently, Doom has ascended to new heights, holding the title of a tyrannical Sorcerer Supreme, threatening to alter the fabric of reality according to his vision.

Even as the Maker embodies villainy in Earth-6160, this does not diminish the gravity of the original Doctor Doom’s menace in Earth-616. Ironically, for Reed from Earth-6160, the true source of his torment lies not in Doctor Doom but in his Earth-1610 counterpart. It represents a poignant twist of fate that one must become the Doom of their universe to fully grasp the extent of their own struggles.

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