The word is out that the Fantastic Four will be re-forming in November's issue #600, despite the team's decision to disband after the death of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. As the Future Foundation, the remaining members, along with Spider-Man, decided to try to better mankind. The threats against the world were bigger than what the Fantastic Four faced before.
In trying to carry on Reed Richards' "solve everything" idea, Doctor Doom, the Fantastic Four's greatest enemy, was brought in as part of the team. After Doom suffered some brain damage to his intellect, Valeria, behind her parents' backs, made a deal to help repair his mind in return for Doom to help out her father. Reluctantly, and perhaps in part out of his arrogance, he agreed and became a member of the Future Foundation.
Doom is many things and always has his own agenda. He was at the mercy of the young, but extremely intelligent, Valeria when it came to restoring his mind. Whether or not Doom can be trusted remains to be seen but, in some ways, he is a man of honor. Is that honor enough to allow him to have control over the Future Foundation? Not only are the lives of children being placed in Doom's care but also the lives of Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. How long until Doom reveals his true intentions for working with the Future Foundation?
== TEASER ==
The one unknown is why is there a need to bring back the Fantastic Four? They do represent something but after disbanding, the impression was given that the Future Foundation could be the natural evolution of the Fantastic Four. Why limit a team to just four members when you can add in a team of geniuses. If Reed, Sue, Ben and Spider-Man will have missions from time to time, does that mean they will leave Doom in charge of the FF?
Doom is a brilliant man who's arrogance and obsession have gotten the better of him time and time again. Admitting he needed Valeria and Reed's help was a big step. He has been playing nicely with others since agreeing to join the FF. Perhaps after all these years, Doom has found a new role for himself. Magneto used to be the X-Men's greatest enemy and he has been fighting at their side now for years. Villains often change their ways and become heroes. Whether it's to seek redemption or just common sense in what is right, the idea of Doom embracing doing good in the world could be a possibility.
But this is Doctor Doom we're talking about. The chances of Doom finally becoming a good guy is about the same as Superman and Lex Luthor renting an apartment together as roommates. Doom always has something up his sleeves. He might be willing to continue his work with the FF. He did make a deal with Valeria and he does keep his word. What happens when the terms of the deal are met? Doom's mind has been repaired and now Doom just needs to do his part.
It is possible Doom might want to try doing good for a change. His arrogance and sense of competition with Reed could be the motivating factor. If Doom is able to accomplish more good than Reed could, it would be a way to finally prove his superior intellect or that he could be a better leader. Reed lost a team member so Doom might ensure that never happened under his watch. Reed wanted to solve everything but Doom is sly enough to find ways to work in his favor.
Other villains may have redeemed themselves in the past but Doom is his own man. He doesn't follow the normal protocols that other villains do. Doom doesn't see himself as a villain. He ruled his country in a way he sees fit. He will do the same if he becomes the leader of the FF. something more here...
Would Reed and Sue entrust Doom with their children and the other ones under their care? There's no doubt Sue would make it perfectly clear to Doom that she would deal with him herself if anything were to happen. Then again, Sue hasn't done a single thing in retaliation of her brother's death. Her sibling and children could be separate issues but it's hard to say.
Because of Valeria's intellect, there is the tiny chance that Reed and Sue would trust in her to be able to take care of herself and do the right thing. Having Alex Power and Dragon Man around could also make them feel more at ease. Obviously they wouldn't stand a chance against Doom. Could this be the area Doom will be lying and waiting to attack and get his revenge on Reed? If he could persuade and corrupt Valeria into thinking along his ways, that could be the greatest slap in the face to Reed.
Reed Richards of course is a smart guy as well. If he is willing to allow Doom to have more control with the Future Foundation, he will have to keep a super close on eye on him. There's a chance that Doom might want to try to make changes in the world for the better to prove to Reed that he can do more. Doom turning over a new leaf is just impossible to accept. He is clearly planning something. With Doom in charge of the Future Foundation, he is likely to doom the team and the future of the world as well.