Written by Roger Stern. Written by Mike Mignola. Inked and coloured by Mark Badger. Lettered by Jim Novak. Published by Marvel Comics.
Doctor Doom is having a bit of a moment right now. Yeah, he’s been a comics regular for decades in the pages of Fantastic Four, Avengers, solo series, and almost every other Marvel hero. However, there’s a surge in interest in the character due to the double-whammy of the Robert Downey Jr casting and future comic book plans.
While Doom is best known as a scientific character, there’s a magical side that’s less explored. The comics will be delving into this side more later this year and into next. As a result, I’m highlighting Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment – a tale that dives into the character’s magical side and will give readers riding the wave of Doctor Doom excitement a sense of the character.
Published in 1989, Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment was part of a wave of ~80-page graphic novels Marvel Comics published throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s. Many of these have been forgotten, not having much effect beyond those who read them when first published. However, Triumph and Torment left a lasting impact due to Doctor Doom’s characterisation, the exploration of his mystical side, and Mike Mignola’s art.
Every hundred years, those who are magically inclined are brought together to compete in a test set by the Vishanti, with the winner designated the title of Sorcerer Supreme. The challenge draws many from all over the world, including Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom. While Strange ultimately wins, part of winning is an obligation to aid the runner-up, Doom, with a request. As a result, the pair must team up to retrieve Doom’s mother’s soul from the Mephisto – Marvel’s equivalent of the Devil.
As you can expect, to begin with, there’s a level of mistrust between the pair. Strange is aware of Doom’s reputation and Doom’s hubris means he keeps everyone at a distance. However, their similarities are soon revealed. The creative team convey this through grey-tinged flashback sequences, highlighting shared elements – like them both seeking mystical solutions as a last-ditch effort. By spotlighting these similarities, it juxtaposes how Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom have gone in separate directions through these experiences.
The Doctor Doom flashback also reestablishes his magical side. It’s an element that was part of the character from the beginning but had been pushed to the side in favour of the scientific aspects – something that was easier to blend in with the science fiction adventures of the Fantastic Four. The magical elements never feel jarring, though. Instead, it’s an extension of his quest for knowledge, driven by his goal of saving his mother.
Roger Stern takes the signature elements of Doctor Doom and weaves them into Triumph and Torment. Hubris is a strong driver of his actions. At one point, Doctor Strange asks him why he goes through the trouble of participating in the challenge at the start of the comic. As he stands facing a roaring fireplace, Doom pauses before his pride kicks in, responding, “I will bear any ordeal, Strange… But Doctor Doom does not beg.” Moments like that elevate the character, making him more complex and solidifying him as Marvel’s greatest villain.
Artist Mike Mignola is best known for his work on Hellboy. It defined his art and storytelling abilities, making him a much-loved creator. Triumph and Torment was published in Mignola’s formative years, approximately five years before Hellboy and only four years into his professional career. As a result, the graphic novel shades of what’s to come. It can be seen in character stances, the use of shadow, and the crackle of Jack Kirby energy. Other times, his line work is reminiscent of an artist like P. Craig Russell – who inked some of Mignola’s early work. This is present in the depiction of Mephisto, featuring crisp linework that’s married on the page with lines that flow like water. As a result, this graphic novel will be a curiosity for anyone wanting to see how the Hellboy artist evolved.
Mark Badger gives Mignola’s art an otherworldly quality through the chosen colours. For instance, the temple that hosted the challenge is filled with a radioactive green glow that feels alien compared to the drab and cold greys of the Latveria. It shows readers that something magical is happening and adds tension to the action.
Doctor Doom’s introduction to the MCU means his stories will be picked apart for clues. Whether his magical side will be included is yet to be seen. Even if it becomes clear that it’s not, don’t discount this Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment. It’s a great character study, showing what Doctor Doom is all about while including new dimensions to the character and his back story through a well-crafted story. The perfect read if you want to know what Doom is all about.
Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment has been reprinted multiple times. You can find it in all good comic book shops, online retailers, Amazon/Kindle, eBay, and on Marvel Unlimited.
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