In the Siege: The Cabal one-shot, Dr. Doom proves why he is -- and always will be -- the alpha villain in the Marvel Universe -- despite what this upstart Osborn may think. In a secret meeting of top-level baddies that Norman had gathered once he had risen to power, Doom gets his chance to prove it. The Cabal is down by two -- Namor and Emma Frost have double-crossed Osborn. Doom enters and, after showing a healthy degree of disdain for the Taskmaster's presence (who can blame him?), he demands that Norman reverse his plans on Doom's ally Price Namor.

Bringing the pair to a classic impasse -- all to the delight of the man-again Loki.

Osborn: You do remember I have a way of dealing with you physically.
Doom: Have a care. To threaten my person is to threaten your own.
Osborn: If that's the way you want it. (turns to unseen entity) Please come in here.
Taskmaster: What the hell is that?!!
Hood: Come on, man...
Osborn: Last chance. In or out, Doom.
Doom: I would rather die than--.
Osborn: Fine. Kill him.

At which point that unknown entity walks in and obliterates Dr. Doom in a tremendous energy burst.

Of course, Doom hasn't lasted this long being stupid. The victim isn't Victor; it's a Doom-Bot... and it's soon to be the victor -- releasing a swarm of robotic insects that wreck havoc on the entire Avengers Tower (click the thumbnail to the right). After the Dark Avengers finally gain control of the situation, the final remaining robo-locust conveys a parting jab:

The lesson today was: You do not lay hands on Victor Von Doom. The next time you do, I will not be so forgiving. To you... or your son..

And that, ladies and gentlemen is why Dr. Doom stands tall as one of Marvel's all-time-best bad guys with a perfect 10 V.Q.

Of course, depending on who -- or what -- that unknown entity was, that may be about to change.


Title: Seige: The Cabal
Story: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Michael Lark

A bonus Courting Disaster question this week...

A reader writes... Q: I dated an astronomy lover for a while. We've not been a couple for a little more than a year, but we're still friends. Emotionally, we've both moved on. . . although she's hinted she'd be open to getting back together (not interested--we make better friends).

While dating, she gave me a telescope for a birthday gift one year. She's an astronomy buff and I think she wanted to give me something we'd both use. Thing is, I'm not that into it, so it's been sitting in my closet this whole time. I know she doesn't have one of her own.

I'm considering giving it back to her, the premise being she'd actually use it. However, I'm afraid it'll hurt her feelings. I suppose I could sell it, but in my mind at least, it seems better to give it to someone who'd use it (her).

Your thoughts?

Don't answer here... go on over to the CD site and offer some advice.