You Can't Keep Doom Down
Every great villain needs great returns. Doctor Doom has been defeated countless times — blasted into space, trapped in other dimensions, seemingly destroyed beyond recovery. And every time, he comes back. The triumphant return is as essential to Doom's character as his mask or his ego.
Fantastic Four #60 showcased one of these classic returns. Doom had been absent, presumed defeated, and the world had moved on. But Doom doesn't stay defeated. He returns, always, with new plans and renewed determination. His persistence is as formidable as his genius.
The Return Narrative
Doom's returns follow a pattern that Lee and Kirby established early. First, the apparent defeat — some catastrophe that seems to end his threat permanently. Then, the absence — a period where other villains take center stage. Finally, the return — dramatic, unexpected, often more powerful than before.
This pattern serves multiple purposes. It allows other stories to be told without Doom overshadowing them. It builds anticipation for his inevitable return. And it reinforces his character — Doom is not someone who can be permanently defeated. He is, as he claims, eternal.
FF #60 exemplified this pattern. Doom's return wasn't just a plot point; it was an event, a moment that changed the status quo and reminded everyone why he's the Fantastic Four's greatest enemy.
The Psychology of Persistence
What drives Doom to keep returning? Lesser villains might accept defeat, might find other pursuits, might simply give up. Not Doom. His certainty in his own destiny means defeat is always temporary, always a setback rather than an ending.
This persistence reflects his psychology. Doom cannot accept a world where he has lost, where Reed Richards has won, where his destiny remains unfulfilled. Every defeat is an error to be corrected, a temporary deviation from the natural order.
His returns are also acts of ego. To stay defeated would be to admit limitation, to accept that others could permanently overcome him. Doom's self-image doesn't allow for such admissions. He must return because not returning would mean he was wrong about himself.
FF #60 Significance
Fantastic Four #60 holds special significance in Doom's history. It's part of the legendary Lee/Kirby run, produced when their collaboration was at its peak. The storytelling, the art, the character work — all reached heights that defined what superhero comics could achieve.
The issue also produced multiple Comic Cuts — Cards #29, #30, #31, and #38 all come from FF #60. This concentration of material speaks to the issue's visual richness, the number of iconic Doom moments it contained.
For collectors, FF #60 material represents peak Silver Age Doom. It's not just early; it's excellent, produced when Lee and Kirby had fully developed the character and their collaborative process.
Kirby's Dramatic Staging
Jack Kirby understood that returns required drama. You couldn't just have Doom walk back into the story; he needed to arrive with impact, with visual spectacle that matched the narrative significance. His return had to feel like an event.
Kirby's staging for Doom's returns typically emphasized scale and power. Doom wouldn't sneak back; he'd announce himself, demonstrate his capabilities, remind everyone why they should fear him. The visuals conveyed threat before any action occurred.
The "Triumphant Return" card captures this dramatic staging. It's not just Doom appearing; it's Doom declaring his presence, asserting his continued relevance, demanding attention. The composition itself conveys triumph.
The Eternal Villain
Doom's returns established him as an eternal presence in the Marvel Universe. Other villains come and go, are reformed or killed or forgotten. Doom persists. He's been a constant threat for over sixty years, always returning, always dangerous.
This persistence has made him unique among Marvel villains. He's not just a threat to the Fantastic Four; he's a force of nature, an inevitable presence that the entire universe must account for. His returns aren't surprises; they're certainties.
The "eternal" quality also applies to his appeal. Doom has remained compelling across decades, across different creative teams, across changing cultural contexts. His returns work because readers want to see him return, want to experience his particular brand of villainy again.
MCU Return Potential
The MCU could use the return trope effectively with Doom. Introduce him in one film, apparently defeat him, then bring him back bigger and more dangerous. The pattern that Lee and Kirby established works for any medium.
Robert Downey Jr.'s Doom could span multiple films, each appearance building on the last. His returns would become anticipated events, moments audiences look forward to. The character's persistence would become part of his MCU identity.
The triumphant return also provides great dramatic moments. Doom's reappearance, his declaration that he cannot be destroyed, his demonstration of new or enhanced powers — these scenes practically write themselves.
Collector Significance
Card #21 represents a fundamental aspect of Doom's character — his inability to stay defeated. For collectors who appreciate character-defining moments, it captures something essential about who Doom is and why he endures.
The FF #60 source connects this card to multiple others from the same issue, allowing collectors to build a comprehensive set from this significant story. Together, they document one of Doom's most memorable appearances.