SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP #9 (1976)
by Bill Mantlo & Jim Shooter
Cover by Gil Kane
Time for a crossover with the Avengers, with art by Jim Shooter.
The story continues from Avengers #154, where the Atlantean warlord Attuma captured the Avengers and forced them to follow his orders thanks to his “slave-collars”.
As if things weren’t bad enough, the Scarlet Witch also has a broken arm.
And speaking of bad situations, let’s go back to the Shroud (in his utterly ridiculous disguise) at the mercy of Dr. Doom.
However Doom does several unexpected moves: he lets the Circus of Crime leave Latveria (having done absolutely nothing in the story), he doesn’t hurt the Shroud, and gives Namor an antidote to restore his abilities.
That’s because this isn’t the real Doom, or even a Doombot. This is actually Rudolfo, which turns out survived Astonishing Tales #3 just fine.
Since he’s taken over Latveria (even if the population doesn’t know that), I’m counting this as the second time Latveria has been taken over.
The Shroud wants to help Rufolfo to solidify his power, but Namor is just DONE with this storyline.
There’s also a subplot about someone else spying on Rudolfo. More on that in future issues.
Meanwhile, the real Doom is enjoying his time ruling helping the scientists he promised to cure.
I’m really enjoying Namorita’s no-nonsense attitude in this storyline.
For example: when Doom pretends to have found a cure and speaks to one of his henchmen…
…she just SHOOTS HIS COMMUNICATOR.
This is not Doom’s day.
The situation is more complex than it seems. The Avengers are mind-controlled by Attuma: they’re actually after Namor, who isn’t even there!
Maybe it’s because they’re not acting on their own, but Doctor Doom wipes the floor with the Avengers.
Vision is particularly ineffective.
Iron Man does manage to hurt him, but Doom’s fight is particularly impressive since due to the events of previous issues his armor is currently lacking its chestpiece!
And finally Namor arrives in Latverian airspace by FLYING STRAIGHT THROUGH A JET.
Doom significance: 1/10
While it’s neat to see Doom fight a larger number of Avengers, this doesn’t have much impact on his story.
Silver Age-ness: 3/10
Nothing really stands out, but Doom’s theatrics are a bit much sometimes.
Does it stand the test of time? 6/10
Things are getting better. The various plots… Doom, Namor, the Shroud… feel a bit disjointed, but overall it’s a fine story.
It was a Doombot all along
Considering this HAS to be the same Doom of Super-Villain Team-Up #7, I really hope this is actually a Doombot.
Take over the world & Destroy the FF!
As incredible as it sounds, Doom is STILL just minding his own business.
Crazy tech
Not only Doom’s forcefield stops Vision from phasing through it, but it shuts him down!
Number of superheroes who have fought Dr. Doom: 23
Adding Namorita and Vision. This is the first time Doom fights Iron Man and Wasp if we go by publication date, but he’s already met them in Avengers #1.5; he’s already fought Captain America and Scarlet Witch in Avengers #25 and Hank Pym (who is currently Yellowjacket) when he was Ant-Man in Fantastic Four #16.
Times Latveria has been conquered: 2
By its rightful ruler, no less!