The world may have just learnedhow powerfulFranklin Richardsisamong Marvel’s strongest humans, but another member of hisFantastic Fourfamily is about to become even mightier.
At least, that’s what Marvel is teasing, with the conclusion of its epicOne World Under Doomstoryline. Having now confirmed that a new character is set to inherit Doctor Doom’s role and power as Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, the suspects have been shown. Including magicians, mutants, and Marvel icons… andthe last Fantastic Four member anyone would have guessed.
Valeria Richards Could Be Marvel’s Next Sorcerer Supreme
It’s An Unlikely Choice, But Marvel Has Made It Official
As one would expect from such stakes as these,One World Under DoomandFantastic Fourwriter Ryan North was on hand during Marvel’s “Next Big Thing” panel duringSan Diego Comic-Con. Officially there to reveal the solicit text for the final issue, North confirmed Sorcerer Supreme Doom’s end was coming in Issue #9.
“Left with an intolerable defeat that cannot be changed, Doom makes a choice he can never undo – and the rest of the world will pay his price…”
But fans barely had time to consider the outcome before promotional art by Devmalya Pramanik was debuted. Revealing the possible successors to the title, one stood out immediately:Sorcerer Supreme Valeria, the daughter of Reed Richards and Sue Storm.
A shocking inclusion considering Valeria’s lack of superpowers, let alone any connection to magic or mysticism (and wearing Fantastic Four pajamas, no less). But alas, immediately a clear standout among the candidates, exactly as Marvel intended.
Franklin Richards Could Be Challenged For Fantastic Four’s Strongest Member
Valeria Has Franklin Beat With Brains And Science, So Magic Would End The Debate
Surprise aside, the true significance of this reveal goes far beyond just Valeria. As fans of theFantastic Fourcomics well know, Valeria is easily one ofthe most brilliant minds in the Marvel Universe. Exceeding the intelligence of her father, Tony Stark, and her brother, Franklin.
That means a power upgrade as staggering as those of the Sorcerer Supreme wouldn’t just make her mighty, but wouldinstantly cause Valeria her to overshadow her brotherin terms of the overall hierarchy of heroes. Franklin can rewrite reality, but if Doctor Doom approached god-level power as Sorcerer Supreme, what could an even brighter scientific mind achieve?
Doctor Doom Making Valeria His Successor Actually Makes The Most Sense
Overlooking the fact that Valeria seems an “odd one out” in the teaser, and therefore far more intriguing than the rest, she has another advantage tipping the odds in her favor:Victor Von Doom knows exactly how brilliant Valeria Richards already is.
The long history between Victor Von Doom and Reed Richards may not be a happy one, but Victor’s hatred doesn’t extend to Sue, Franklin, or Valeria. In fact, Victor helped to deliver Valeria into the world, preserving Sue Storm’s safety and earning himself the title of godfather to the baby girl.
It might seem strange, but Valeria and her ‘Uncle Victor’ have history, if nothing else. So if Doom is pushed to make a choice of successor, as it sounds like he will, wouldn’t the most brilliant, least-superpowered, and closest person in his life be the best choice?
Whatever the twist, Ryan North offered a further tease, saying that the massive “finale” to Doom’s story might be coming in the final issue, but fans won’t want to sleep on the penultimate chapter arriving in October:
“The story is in two parts. [In the second part], you’re kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop, because there’s no way he’s doing what he’s doing without any consequences. So in the second half, you see what’s going on behind the scenes. There is some stuff coming up that I’m very excited for. I know issue nine is the conclusion, but issue eight has some big stuff that I’m very excited about.”
Could this be a sign that Valeria Richards, or whoever is set to be chosen as Doctor Doom’s succesor, could make their identity known in Issue #8? Only time will tell, leaving fans to take their seats as Victor makes his decision. With fingers crossed, as Franklin’s will surely be.
