“Doom Academy #1 Review: Magic, Mystery, and Doctor Doom’s Terrifying Takeover!”
What happens when Doctor Strange is no longer Sorcerer Supreme? Apparently, Doctor Doom steps in—and with his iron-fisted rule comes a brand-new school for the magically inclined. Welcome to Doom Academy, where the cloaks are green, the headmaster is terrifying, and something sinister lurks in the shadows.
Back to School—The Doom Way
Doctor Strange may have founded Strange Academy to train young mages, but now that title—and school—fall under the rule of Victor Von Doom. As part of his One World Under Doom initiative, the Latverian dictator has absorbed Strange Academy into his own system, rebranding it as Doom Academy. But while the students were hoping for just another semester of spellcraft and potion-making, they soon realize their new school comes with eerie changes.
Enter Zoe Laveau, a necromancer with a knack for sensing dark energies. As she adjusts to the academy’s new regime, she can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Hooded green cloaks? Fine. New rules? Expected. But whispers in the night and an ominous presence lurking beneath the school’s enchanted walls? That’s a problem.
A Magical Story with a Learning Curve
MacKenzie Cadenhead does an admirable job setting up Zoe as our protagonist, crafting an eerie atmosphere that blends classic magical school tropes with a fresh, ominous tone. However, Doom Academy #1 assumes readers are already familiar with Strange Academy’s characters and lore, which might leave newcomers a little lost.
For instance, Zoe casually references an amulet that conceals her undead nature—but if you’re not well-versed in her backstory, this tidbit may seem cryptic. Other characters, like Doyle Dormammu (yes, the son of Dormammu) and Shaylee Moonpeddle, are thrown into the mix without much introduction, making it tricky for new readers to connect with them. And while Zelma Stanton, Zoe’s mentor, is mentioned, we learn frustratingly little about her role in this new, Doom-ified academic setting.
A Visual Spellbinder
What Doom Academy #1 lacks in exposition, it more than makes up for in visuals. Pasqual Ferry’s artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing, bringing a sense of fluidity and energy to each panel. From dynamic spellcasting sequences to the eerie glow of Latverian magic, the illustrations truly immerse readers in this supernatural world. The color palette by Edgar Delgado enhances the mood, adding depth to the foreboding atmosphere, while Clayton Cowles’ lettering ensures the story’s mystical essence shines through.
The Final Verdict: Is Doom Academy Worth Enrolling In?
Doom Academy #1 is a visually enchanting, slightly eerie, and engaging read—but it comes with a catch. If you’re already a fan of Strange Academy, you’ll likely enjoy the dark twists and eerie undertones that Doom brings to the school. However, if you’re a newcomer, be prepared for a bit of homework—reading up on prior events might be necessary to fully appreciate the stakes and character dynamics.
With likeable protagonists, an intriguing central mystery, and a fantastic art team, Doom Academy #1 is a promising start, even if it requires a bit more setup than it delivers. Whether you’re here for the magic, the mystery, or just to see Doctor Doom run a school, there’s plenty to admire—just don’t expect all the answers right away.
