Doctor Doom and Spider Man Clash in New Comic Series

The first issue of Challenges of Doom, Spider Man, is here to show us the earliest days of the Marvel Universe. Written by Al Ewing with art by David Messina, this story focuses on the initial meetings between a young, inexperienced Peter Parker and the arrogant monarch of Latveria, Doctor Doom. Instead of focusing on Peter, the comic uses Doom as the narrator, giving us a fresh look at what he really thinks about the wall crawler.

The dynamic between the two is a highlight of this issue. Doom is at his most charming and manipulative, trying to sway the young hero with offers of power, only to eventually dismiss him as an annoying bug when Peter refuses to fall in line. It is a fantastic character study that contrasts the wealthy, prideful dictator against a struggling student who is driven by his own sense of responsibility.

Visually, the book stays true to the classic look of these characters while updating the feel for a modern audience. David Messina does a wonderful job with body language, making Peter look appropriately young and daunted while Doom remains a stoic, powerful presence. The classic color contrast between Spider Man's red and blue and Doom's green and silver really pops on the page.

If you love seeing how these iconic figures interact before they became the bitter enemies we know today, this issue is a must read. It is a smart, dialogue heavy look at two characters from different worlds who should never have crossed paths. You can pick up a copy of Challenges of Doom, Spider Man Issue 1 at your local comic shop right now.