Writer
Tom DeFalco
Penciller, Cover Artist
Paul Ryan
Inker, Cover Artist
Danny Bulanadi
Colorist
Gina Going-Raney
Letterer
Rick Parker
Letterer
David Morrell
Assistant Editor
Pat Garrahy
Editor
Ralph Macchio
 
"It's Always Darkest Before the... Doom!"
The Fantastic Four are gearing up for a showdown with the Secret Defenders, when all of a sudden, they disappear in a flash of blinding light. They reappear at the citadel of Uatu, the Watcher who exists in the blue area of Earth's moon.
Uatu informs the Fantastic Four, that recently Doctor Doom had come to the moon and usurped the power of Aron, the mad renegade Watcher. Doom announced his intentions to conquer Uatu as well. Although Uatu is confident that he can defend his citadel by himself, he is concerned that Doom may pose a threat to Earth even more grave than any he has ever posed before. Uatu disappears to seek council with his fellow Watchers.
Elsewhere in the Watcher's citadel, Doctor Doom has crafted for himself a new cosmic armor designed to hold the power of Aron the Watcher. Doom surveys the advanced alien technology of the palace and schemes on his plan to destroy Uatu. After he’s finished with the Watcher, he fully intends on turning his attention towards the destruction of the Fantastic Four.
Meanwhile, the Inhumans of Atillan learn of a strange presence coming from the area of Uatu's citadel. They fly over towards it to investigate, and are amazed at how easily it is to pierce Uatu's defenses.
Within the citadel, Ben and Sharon begin poking around looking for Doom. Ben is still in a great amount of pain due to the injuries to his face suffered at the hands of Wolverine. Sharon notices that he is using his injury as an excuse to avoid dealing with their relationship issues. But before the two can discuss the issue any further, a robot warrior emerges and begins attacking them. The robot pounds on the Thing's face causing him even greater injury. The Thing responds by thrusting a huge piece of metal debris through the robot’s abdomen.
Elsewhere, Johnny Storm and Lyja are exploring another section of the citadel. Johnny is concerned because Lyja is carrying his baby. Although he is loathe to admit it, he still cares about her. Lyja however, expresses nothing but contempt for humanity and especially for the Fantastic Four.
Johnny and Lyja are the first to encounter Doctor Doom. Lyja fires a blast of energy from her laser fist at Doom, but Doom repels the energy sending back onto her, knocking her out. Johnny assaults Doom with a stream of flame, but this proves ineffective against Doom’s new cosmic armor. Doom blasts Johnny back, dousing his flame. He promises to return to finish them off at a time of his own choosing.