FANTASTIC FOUR #358 (1991)
by Tom DeFalco & Arthur Adams
This was the issue celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fantastic Four.
While the main story dealt with one of the most controversial retcons in the history of the Marvel Universe, and THE most controversial for the team (that Alicia Masters had been replaced by a Skrull)… we’re not covering that story today.
No, we’re dealing with the 5-page story at the end of the issue, which is about the retcons of Doctor Doom’s history. Literally!
The story takes place at Castle Doom and the guy with the mask is The Editor (subtle!), who is editing the historical recordings about Fantastic Four #350.
In a very Orwellian way, The Editor clarifies that the battle between Doom and Kristoff “never happened”… despite the fact that he’s walking right trough the repairs.
He also confirms what readers already suspected: that Doom himself attributes all of his losses to the Doombots.
And look, even Doom is celebrating the 30th anniversary!
While the Doombot idea is played for comedy, with the robot tripping and falling over a cake…
…there IS an intriguing observation: that the Doombot may not be quite as independent as Doom claims.
Aaaand the dude who accidentally ran into The Editor is brought to the Attitude Adjustment Center, never to be seen again.
And speaking of things never to be seen again, take one last look at the Walt Simonson-designed armor. Because outside of cameos this is the last time Doom wears it.
Doom significance: 0/10
Well officially this never happened, so…
Silver Age-ness: 6/10
The Doombot falling over the cake AND swearing vengeance against Richards!
Does it stand the test of time? 10/10
I mean… it’s a 5 page filler to give an explanation we never wanted, but you can place this kind of stuff in any era. Still, if you can get Art Adams to draw Doctor Doom, THIS is how you use it!? Come on!!!
It was a Doombot all along
Well duh. The actual question is whether Doom blames ALL of his losses on the Doombots, or SOME losses on the Doombots. I don’t think we’ll ever get answer, but even a Doctor Doom superfan must admit they can’t possibly be all Doombots.