Warning: Spoilers for The Ultimates #4Fantastic Four's most fearsome foe, but the Ultimate Universe just rewrote his origin, changing something fundamental about the iconic Marvel villain. The story of how Reed Richards became Doctor Doom has finally been told, and it gives the name "Doom" a dark new meaning.

In The Ultimates #4 by Deniz Camp and Phil Noto, the the Maker captures Reed and tortures him, referring to him as Doom. When Reed repeatedly denies that he is Doom, the Maker insists that Doom is more than just his name. It's what he inflicts upon others.

Through these ominous words, the name of Doctor Doom has been completely redefined in a tragic way, turning it into a constant reminder for Reed that he doomed his loved ones.

Doctor Doom's Haunting Backstory Redefines His Name Forever

Reed Richards Is "Doom" to Everyone He Gets Close To

Many Ultimates readers will know the origin story of the Fantastic Four, but events unfold differently in Earth-6160. Due to the Maker's interference, when Reed Richards leads his teammates on their space expedition, he becomes the sole survivor. As the Maker explains throughout his torture, Reed doomed his loved ones by pursuing their mission despite repeatedly being urged against it, and so he wears the title of Doctor Doom as a twisted reminder of his mistakes. A name that's been known to strike fear has become a symbol of guilt and sorrow, recontextualizing Doom.

The Maker may have altered the path of every Marvel hero, but he clearly saved the worst torment of all for Doom.

Grief over the loss of the Fantastic Four is what defines the Fantastic Four's mutations. His efforts have thus far been fruitless, with his experiments only killing rats over and over, but he refuses to give up. Doom's goal is to restore what was taken from him, and he will achieve that goal no matter the cost.

The Ultimate Universe Gives Reed Richards His Darkest Origin Yet as Doctor Doom

The Ultimates #4 Variant Cover by Rod Reis

The Maker may have altered the path of every Marvel hero, but he clearly saved the worst torment of all for Doom. His revenge against Reed transforms him into his greatest foe, and the name Doom represents how his actions doomed his family. This heartbreaking new take on Doctor Doom's origin is also a subversion of Reed Richards', with his guilt consuming him rather than fueling the formation of the Fantastic Four. Now that he knows what the Maker took from him, Doctor Doom will stop at nothing to avenge the lives he believes he doomed.

The Ultimates #4 is available now from Marvel Comics.