It's not common for key issues in super-hero comics to promise a bold new direction for a character, but often, such boldness proves to be fleeting. I hope that's not the case here, because Mark Waid has managed to widen the already expansive gap between Reed Richard and his arch-nemesis, Doctor Doom, in this haunting story that spotlights the villain's humanity and his more extreme, almost alien nature. It's capped by an inventive new design from Wieringo that captures the character's classic look while retooling it to convey his new status quo.
In an uncharacteristic move, Victor Von Doom sheds his armor to stroll the streets of a small community of so-called psychics and seers. He is seeking answers to a question that has haunted him since his youth, and the trail has led him to this gypsy-like community in rural Georgia, USA. He encounters charlatans and pretenders, but at long last, he meets a woman who actually proves to be something more... and who points him in the right direction to find discover a treasure that's been hidden from him for so long.
I love the elegant, civilian look that Wieringo grants Doom throughout the bulk of this story. One can see the aristocrat he's become, but the sleek masks points to his more twisted, even humble, beginnings. His contempt shines through in his eyes and his aloof carriage. The detail of the setting and the melting pot of tourists and those plying their unusual trades is impressive as well. I'm also pleased with Wieringo's depiction of Valeria's age. Though Reed Richards's age is clear, it's easy for comics readers to forget that Doom is an older man, with a long history.
At first, this story seem rather tame, and surprisingly predictable and sugar-coated, for a Doctor Doom tale. Still, the unusual setting was engaging, so I was still enticed to keep reading. And then I reached the ending, and the dynamic and intense nature of the main character was shockingly plain to see. His actions are disturbing, but they're also admirable, in a twisted way. His determination and deviousness are without bounds, and there's an odd sort of brutal logic at play.
Though his look is cold and the dialogue equally so, Doom's actions betray his true emotions. There's a desperation to his search. He dismisses the entire community as being filled with lesser people who cannot help him, but he never hesitates for a moment to continue in his search. Initially, the search points to a love that has survived the years and great change, and later on, it also demonstrates the strength of will and patience with which Doom embarks on a new path.
