Doctor Druid
Encyclopedia
Doctor Druid, also known as Doctor Droom and Druid, is a fictional character
, a supernatural
monster
-hunter in the Marvel Comics
universe
.
Co-created by writer
-editor
Stan Lee
and penciller
Jack Kirby
, he starred in his own continuing feature that debuted in Amazing Adventures
#1 (June 1961)—predating Lee & Kirby's milestone creation The Fantastic Four #1 (Nov. 1961).
#1-4 & #6 (June-Sept. & Nov. 1961), the character was called Doctor Droom. The first strip was drawn by Jack Kirby
and inked by Steve Ditko
, two of Marvel's most prominent artists. More a monster-story appendage than a serious attempt at creating a three-dimensional character in the manner of Ditko's upcoming Spider-Man
or Kirby's Fantastic Four
, Doctor Droom vanished into obscurity for years after the series was re-titled and reformatted as Amazing Adult Fantasy with #7 (eventually the magazine was retitled Amazing Fantasy
with issue #15). He resurfaced in the 1970s as a guest character in The Incredible Hulk, where he was re-titled Doctor Druid to avoid confusion with the far more recognizable Doctor Doom
. Doctor Druid also appeared in Ghost Rider (1973 1st Series) #26 (Oct. 1977) when he attacked Johnny Blaze, mistakenly thinking the Ghost Rider was evil.
In the 1990s he appeared in Quasar
#23-25, 28, 38, 45-46, 50-51, Captain America #402-409 and Secret Defenders #15-24. He starred in the miniseries
Druid #1-4 (May-Aug. 1995), by writer Warren Ellis
and artist Leonardo Manco
, and co-starred with Ulysses Bloodstone
and others in the flashback title Marvel Universe #4-7 (Sept.-Dec. 1998). There he was retconned as a member of the group the Monster Hunters
, whose adventures took place between the "Age of Monsters" and the "Age of Heroes". This theme would be picked up with his appearance in issue #2 of a subsequent flashback title, Marvel: The Lost Generation
.
Doctor Druid's real name is Dr. Anthony Ludgate Druid, although he usually refers to himself as Dr. Anthony Druid. He is a psychiatrist
and explorer, as well as a minor telepath and magician
, specializing mostly in hypnosis
and other feats of mesmerism. He has minor magical abilities that have varied over the years. He is also an expert on the occult
, having been trained by a Tibet
an lama
who had come to the U.S. for medical attention. Many years later Druid discovered that the lama was in fact the Ancient One
, who selected Anthony Druid as a "back-up" in case his grooming of Doctor Strange
failed. Ludgate was later revealed to be a distant descendant of the real-life Amergin
the Druid
of the 10th century.
Doctor Druid remained on the sidelines for years. He eventually appeared again, and teamed with the Hulk
against the Maha Yogi
. With the Avengers
, he encountered the Fomor
and his ancestor Amergin.
Doctor Druid some time later aided the Avengers in thwarting Baron Zemo and the fourth Masters of Evil
's takeover of Avengers Mansion
. He joined the ranks of the Avengers shortly after helping to defend from this attack. He battled a Dracula
doppelganger
in the realm of Death.
His membership was tainted when he was mind control
led by supervillain
ess the Terminatrix (at the time impersonating the space pirate
Nebula
) into manipulating the team on her behalf. While in this state, he even assumed chairmanship of the team for a very short period. When "Nebula" was cast into Limbo
, Druid followed, as he was still under her thrall. He eventually regained control of his own mind and returned to Earth, where, after learning his true origin, banished "Nebula" and became younger by magic.
Due to his actions as the villain's thrall, Druid was disgraced. He was briefly reunited with his former teammates while working with Doctor Strange
during the Infinity War
, and later became leader of the Secret Defenders. In that role, he was once again victimized by a villain's mind-control, this time by the demon Slorioth. Doctor Druid and the demon were defeated, Druid faked his own death, and the team disbanded.
Then, he abandoned his spandex costume and became even more of a real, traditional druid, a fact reflected by his taking on the simple name of "Druid", and the new nature of his nature powers, but he let his feelings of rage and power lust take him over, went insane, was betrayed by his allies, and was finally killed by Hellstorm
, the putative Son of Satan. Druid's ghost appeared later alongside the spirits of other dead ex-Avengers, confirming that Druid had in fact died this time. The Avengers later placed a memorial statue of him in the garden of Avengers Mansion.
Doctor Druid's son is introduced as one of Nick Fury
's new recruits to fight against the Secret Invasion
. Secret Invasion #4 reveals that he is operating under the name "Druid".
During the Chaos War
storyline, Doctor Druid is among the dead heroes brought back to life when Amatsu-Mikaboshi
dominated the death realms.
. He has a variety of psionic abilities including: telepathy
, enabling him to scan or project his thoughts to any mind on Earth; the ability to mesmerize minds less adept than his own, and can perform mass hypnosis
. Doctor Druid's hypnotic abilities enable him to achieve numerous illusory effects, including invisibility, altering the appearance of himself and others, and the projection of illusionary objects or beings. He has psychokinetic powers enabling him to levitate himself or other people and objects. Doctor Druid has limited precognitive abilities and can sense the presence of recent uses of magic and trace them to their sources.
Doctor Druid's druidic powers have a special vulnerability to iron, as did the powers of his ancestors. Iron tends to act as a "lightning rod" for the magical forces he employs, sometimes disrupting their effects.
Doctor Druid employs the mystical knowledge and skills of the ancient Druid
s. Through Earth magic rituals that may involve chants, runes, candles, potions, mystic symbols, and other such preparations, Doctor Druid can achieve various magical feats. These rituals tap the inherent mystical energies in natural objects and materials. Doctor Druid possesses various Celt
ic mystical artifacts as well; at one time, Druid even had access to the Moebius Stone, which was a mystic item Agamotto
created that had a limited ability to manipulate time. The Stone was able to raise the dead, absorb the life-force of another and accelerate or reverse the passage of time within a confined area, though sometimes random time related side effects occurred. Doctor Druid eventually destroyed the artifact because he felt it was too powerful to fall into the wrong hands. Doctor Druid can also call upon the Celtic war goddesses Morrigan
, Macha
, and Badb
for mystical assistance. Doctor Druid also possesses various yogi
c abilities including control over involuntary functions of his body, such as his heartbeat, respiration, bleeding, and reaction to pain.
In his latest and last "incarnation", when he was called only "Druid", he has been seen manipulating fire, and making a tree instantaneously grow in a person's stomach from the seeds of an eaten apple. These powers were nature-based (elements, plants, etc.) as the druids of old worshipped nature.
Druid has earned an M.D. from Harvard, completed a residency in psychiatry
, and has extensive knowledge of occult lore, especially Celtic lore.
Amazing Adventures
All reprinted in Amazing Fantasy Omnibus (2007). The previous reprints below were edited to reflect name-change to "Dr. Druid" plus other retcon
s.
series, Martians had come to Earth and wiped out much of humanity. Doctor Druid is one of the few survivors of the North American battles and leads a resistance movement based in Ireland. He also works to make sure the Martian battle is recorded in the otherwise priceless Book of Kells
.
version of Dr. Druid appears in the 2008 miniseries
Marvel Apes
#2-4 (Nov.-Dec. 2008). Druid plays a key role in issue #3 (Dec. 2008) in which he uses his staff, the Monkey's Paw to control the realm created by Doctor Strange
.
version of Dr. Druid appears in the 2007 miniseries
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
. Infected with the zombie
virus, he visits Doctor Strange
seeking help to stop from turning. With Strange having left to join the resistance, a ravenous Druid reluctantly consumes Strange's assistant, Wong
. Despite pleading for mercy and understanding from Ash Williams
, Dazzler
and the Scarlet Witch
, Ash surprises Druid and blows his head off with his shotgun.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
, a supernatural
Supernatural
The supernatural or is that which is not subject to the laws of nature, or more figuratively, that which is said to exist above and beyond nature...
monster
Monster
A monster is any fictional creature, usually found in legends or horror fiction, that is somewhat hideous and may produce physical harm or mental fear by either its appearance or its actions...
-hunter in the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
.
Co-created by writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
-editor
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
and penciller
Penciller
A penciller is an artist who works in the creation of comic books, graphic novels, and similar visual art forms.The penciller is the first step in rendering the story in visual form and may require several steps of feedback with the writer. These artists are concerned with layout to showcase...
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
, he starred in his own continuing feature that debuted in Amazing Adventures
Amazing Adventures
Amazing Adventures is the name of several anthology comic book series, all but one published by Marvel Comics.The earliest Marvel series of that name introduced the company's first superhero of the late-1950s to early-1960s period fans and historians call the Silver Age of Comic Books...
#1 (June 1961)—predating Lee & Kirby's milestone creation The Fantastic Four #1 (Nov. 1961).
Publication history
In his earliest five appearances, in Amazing AdventuresAmazing Adventures
Amazing Adventures is the name of several anthology comic book series, all but one published by Marvel Comics.The earliest Marvel series of that name introduced the company's first superhero of the late-1950s to early-1960s period fans and historians call the Silver Age of Comic Books...
#1-4 & #6 (June-Sept. & Nov. 1961), the character was called Doctor Droom. The first strip was drawn by Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
and inked by Steve Ditko
Steve Ditko
Stephen J. "Steve" Ditko is an American comic book artist and writer best known as the artist co-creator, with Stan Lee, of the Marvel Comics heroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange....
, two of Marvel's most prominent artists. More a monster-story appendage than a serious attempt at creating a three-dimensional character in the manner of Ditko's upcoming Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
or Kirby's Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
, Doctor Droom vanished into obscurity for years after the series was re-titled and reformatted as Amazing Adult Fantasy with #7 (eventually the magazine was retitled Amazing Fantasy
Amazing Fantasy
Amazing Fantasy is an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics from 1961 through 1962, and revived in 1995 and in the 2000s. It is best known as the title that introduced the popular superhero character Spider-Man in 1962...
with issue #15). He resurfaced in the 1970s as a guest character in The Incredible Hulk, where he was re-titled Doctor Druid to avoid confusion with the far more recognizable Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom
Victor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
. Doctor Druid also appeared in Ghost Rider (1973 1st Series) #26 (Oct. 1977) when he attacked Johnny Blaze, mistakenly thinking the Ghost Rider was evil.
In the 1990s he appeared in Quasar
Quasar (comics)
Quasar is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the . He is one of Marvel's cosmic heroes, a character whose adventures frequently take him into outer space or other dimensions...
#23-25, 28, 38, 45-46, 50-51, Captain America #402-409 and Secret Defenders #15-24. He starred in the miniseries
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
Druid #1-4 (May-Aug. 1995), by writer Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis
Warren Girard Ellis is an English author of comics, novels, and television, who is well-known for sociocultural commentary, both through his online presence and through his writing, which covers transhumanist themes...
and artist Leonardo Manco
Leonardo Manco
Leonardo Manco is an Argentine comic book artist and penciller.-Bibliography:Manco is best known for his dark and gritty style on such titles as Hellstorm , Blaze of Glory , Apache Skies , Deathlok Vol.3 and Hellblazer .Other work by Manco has included Archangel #1 , Werewolf By...
, and co-starred with Ulysses Bloodstone
Ulysses Bloodstone
Ulysses Bloodstone is a fictional character, an immortal monster-hunter in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:John Warner has explained the development of Ulysses Bloodstone: "Len Wein and Marv Wolfman came up with the spark that would become Bloodstone—the premise of a man who fights...
and others in the flashback title Marvel Universe #4-7 (Sept.-Dec. 1998). There he was retconned as a member of the group the Monster Hunters
Monster Hunters
The Monster Hunters were a fictional group, appearing in comic book series published by Marvel Comics. This group exists in Marvel's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
, whose adventures took place between the "Age of Monsters" and the "Age of Heroes". This theme would be picked up with his appearance in issue #2 of a subsequent flashback title, Marvel: The Lost Generation
Marvel: The Lost Generation
Marvel: The Lost Generation is a twelve-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in 2000 and 2001. The series was written by Roger Stern and drawn by John Byrne. Numbered in reverse order, it began with issue #12 and finished with issue #1 Marvel: The Lost Generation is a...
.
Fictional character biography
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy...
and explorer, as well as a minor telepath and magician
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
, specializing mostly in hypnosis
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is "a trance state characterized by extreme suggestibility, relaxation and heightened imagination."It is a mental state or imaginative role-enactment . It is usually induced by a procedure known as a hypnotic induction, which is commonly composed of a long series of preliminary...
and other feats of mesmerism. He has minor magical abilities that have varied over the years. He is also an expert on the occult
Occult
The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus , referring to "knowledge of the hidden". In the medical sense it is used to refer to a structure or process that is hidden, e.g...
, having been trained by a Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
an lama
Lama
Lama is a title for a Tibetan teacher of the Dharma. The name is similar to the Sanskrit term guru .Historically, the term was used for venerated spiritual masters or heads of monasteries...
who had come to the U.S. for medical attention. Many years later Druid discovered that the lama was in fact the Ancient One
Ancient One
The Ancient One is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe. He was the mentor of Doctor Strange and preceded him as Sorcerer Supreme.-Fictional character biography:...
, who selected Anthony Druid as a "back-up" in case his grooming of Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
failed. Ludgate was later revealed to be a distant descendant of the real-life Amergin
Amergin (comics)
Amergin is a fictional character adapted from legend by Marvel Comics, who has appeared in multiple Avengers comic books. Amergin is a powerful sorcerer with vast mystical abilities, made apparent as a god-like character much like the popular titles of Thor and Hercules...
the Druid
Druid
A druid was a member of the priestly class in Britain, Ireland, and Gaul, and possibly other parts of Celtic western Europe, during the Iron Age....
of the 10th century.
Doctor Druid remained on the sidelines for years. He eventually appeared again, and teamed with the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
against the Maha Yogi
Maha Yogi
Maha Yogi is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:This being was apparently born 10,000 years ago in what is now Central Europe. He apparently was a savage that came to possess some portion of the same Bloodgem that Ulysses Bloodstone would later possess,...
. With the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
, he encountered the Fomor
Fomor (comics)
The Fomor are fictional characters in the Marvel Universe. They are loosely based on the Fomorians of Celtic mythology.The Fomor are a race of extra-dimensional beings...
and his ancestor Amergin.
Doctor Druid some time later aided the Avengers in thwarting Baron Zemo and the fourth Masters of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
's takeover of Avengers Mansion
Avengers Mansion
In the fictional Marvel Comics universe, Avengers Mansion has traditionally been the base of the Avengers. The enormous, city block-sized building is located at 890 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City.-Creative origin:...
. He joined the ranks of the Avengers shortly after helping to defend from this attack. He battled a Dracula
Dracula (Marvel Comics)
Dracula is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain appearing in books published by Marvel Comics. He is based on the vampire Count Dracula from the novel of the same name by author Bram Stoker, and is also influenced by Universal Studios' version of the character.-Publication history:A...
doppelganger
Doppelgänger
In fiction and folklore, a doppelgänger is a paranormal double of a living person, typically representing evil or misfortune...
in the realm of Death.
His membership was tainted when he was mind control
Mind control
Mind control refers to a process in which a group or individual "systematically uses unethically manipulative methods to persuade others to conform to the wishes of the manipulator, often to the detriment of the person being manipulated"...
led by supervillain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
ess the Terminatrix (at the time impersonating the space pirate
Space pirate
Space pirates are a type of stock characters from science fiction. They operate as pirates in outer space and travel by spacecraft; as opposed to the more traditional pirates on the high seas of Earth, who travel by boat...
Nebula
Nebula (comics)
Nebula is a fictional character, an alien supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:A brutal space pirate and mercenary, Nebula seized control of Sanctuary III, a massive spaceship previously under the command of Thanos. Thanos was believed to be dead at...
) into manipulating the team on her behalf. While in this state, he even assumed chairmanship of the team for a very short period. When "Nebula" was cast into Limbo
Limbo (Marvel Comics)
Limbo, may refer to several fictional locations in titles published by Marvel Comics. The concept debuted in The Avengers #2, , and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-History:...
, Druid followed, as he was still under her thrall. He eventually regained control of his own mind and returned to Earth, where, after learning his true origin, banished "Nebula" and became younger by magic.
Due to his actions as the villain's thrall, Druid was disgraced. He was briefly reunited with his former teammates while working with Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
during the Infinity War
Infinity War
The Infinity War is a six-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in 1992. The series was written by Jim Starlin and penciled by Ron Lim, Ian Laughlin, Al Milgrom, Jack Morelli and Christie Scheele....
, and later became leader of the Secret Defenders. In that role, he was once again victimized by a villain's mind-control, this time by the demon Slorioth. Doctor Druid and the demon were defeated, Druid faked his own death, and the team disbanded.
Then, he abandoned his spandex costume and became even more of a real, traditional druid, a fact reflected by his taking on the simple name of "Druid", and the new nature of his nature powers, but he let his feelings of rage and power lust take him over, went insane, was betrayed by his allies, and was finally killed by Hellstorm
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:He first appeared in Ghost Rider Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics...
, the putative Son of Satan. Druid's ghost appeared later alongside the spirits of other dead ex-Avengers, confirming that Druid had in fact died this time. The Avengers later placed a memorial statue of him in the garden of Avengers Mansion.
Doctor Druid's son is introduced as one of Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
's new recruits to fight against the Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
. Secret Invasion #4 reveals that he is operating under the name "Druid".
During the Chaos War
Chaos War (comics)
"Chaos War" is a Marvel Comics storyline that began publication in October 2010 across nine comic book series: the five-issue miniseries Chaos War, written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, supplemented by seven branded miniseries or one-shot publications, and by three issues of Incredible Hulks, a...
storyline, Doctor Druid is among the dead heroes brought back to life when Amatsu-Mikaboshi
Amatsu-Mikaboshi (comics)
Amatsu-Mikaboshi is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe, a supervillain and demonic god of evil who is best known as an enemy of Hercules...
dominated the death realms.
Powers and abilities
Doctor Druid's latent mystical abilities were activated by the Ancient OneAncient One
The Ancient One is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe. He was the mentor of Doctor Strange and preceded him as Sorcerer Supreme.-Fictional character biography:...
. He has a variety of psionic abilities including: telepathy
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
, enabling him to scan or project his thoughts to any mind on Earth; the ability to mesmerize minds less adept than his own, and can perform mass hypnosis
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is "a trance state characterized by extreme suggestibility, relaxation and heightened imagination."It is a mental state or imaginative role-enactment . It is usually induced by a procedure known as a hypnotic induction, which is commonly composed of a long series of preliminary...
. Doctor Druid's hypnotic abilities enable him to achieve numerous illusory effects, including invisibility, altering the appearance of himself and others, and the projection of illusionary objects or beings. He has psychokinetic powers enabling him to levitate himself or other people and objects. Doctor Druid has limited precognitive abilities and can sense the presence of recent uses of magic and trace them to their sources.
Doctor Druid's druidic powers have a special vulnerability to iron, as did the powers of his ancestors. Iron tends to act as a "lightning rod" for the magical forces he employs, sometimes disrupting their effects.
Doctor Druid employs the mystical knowledge and skills of the ancient Druid
Druid
A druid was a member of the priestly class in Britain, Ireland, and Gaul, and possibly other parts of Celtic western Europe, during the Iron Age....
s. Through Earth magic rituals that may involve chants, runes, candles, potions, mystic symbols, and other such preparations, Doctor Druid can achieve various magical feats. These rituals tap the inherent mystical energies in natural objects and materials. Doctor Druid possesses various Celt
Celt
The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies in Iron Age and Roman-era Europe who spoke Celtic languages.The earliest archaeological culture commonly accepted as Celtic, or rather Proto-Celtic, was the central European Hallstatt culture , named for the rich grave finds in Hallstatt, Austria....
ic mystical artifacts as well; at one time, Druid even had access to the Moebius Stone, which was a mystic item Agamotto
Agamotto
Agamotto is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He is known mainly as the source of the Eye of Agamotto—a tool of magical clairvoyance used by superhero sorcerer Doctor Strange.-Publication history:In a preface to the Dr...
created that had a limited ability to manipulate time. The Stone was able to raise the dead, absorb the life-force of another and accelerate or reverse the passage of time within a confined area, though sometimes random time related side effects occurred. Doctor Druid eventually destroyed the artifact because he felt it was too powerful to fall into the wrong hands. Doctor Druid can also call upon the Celtic war goddesses Morrigan
Morrígan
The Morrígan or Mórrígan , also written as Morrígu or in the plural as Morrígna, and spelt Morríghan or Mór-Ríoghain in Modern Irish, is a figure from Irish mythology who appears to have once been a goddess, although she is not explicitly referred to as such in the texts.The Morrigan is a goddess...
, Macha
Macha
Macha is the name of a goddess and several other characters in Irish mythology.Macha can also mean:*The LÉ Macha , a ship in the Irish Naval Service, named for the goddess*The Macha crater in Russia, less than 7000 years old...
, and Badb
Badb
In Irish mythology, the Badb or Badhbh —meaning "crow" or "vulture"—was a war goddess who took the form of a crow, and was thus sometimes known as Badb Catha . She often caused fear and confusion among soldiers in order to move the tide of battle to her favoured side...
for mystical assistance. Doctor Druid also possesses various yogi
Yogi
A Yogi is a practitioner of Yoga. The word is also used to refer to ascetic practitioners of meditation in a number of South Asian Religions including Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.-Etymology:...
c abilities including control over involuntary functions of his body, such as his heartbeat, respiration, bleeding, and reaction to pain.
In his latest and last "incarnation", when he was called only "Druid", he has been seen manipulating fire, and making a tree instantaneously grow in a person's stomach from the seeds of an eaten apple. These powers were nature-based (elements, plants, etc.) as the druids of old worshipped nature.
Druid has earned an M.D. from Harvard, completed a residency in psychiatry
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities...
, and has extensive knowledge of occult lore, especially Celtic lore.
Original Doctor Droom appearances
All reprinted in Amazing Fantasy Omnibus (2007). The previous reprints below were edited to reflect name-change to "Dr. Druid" plus other retcon
Retcon
Retroactive continuity is the alteration of previously established facts in a fictional work. Retcons are done for many reasons, including the accommodation of sequels or further derivative works in a series, wherein newer authors or creators want to revise the in-story history to allow a course...
s.
-
- 1 (June 1961)—"I Am the Fantastic Dr. Droom"
-
- Reprinted in Weird Wonder Tales #19 (Dec. 1976)
-
- 2 (July 1961)—"The World Below"
-
- Reprinted in Weird Wonder Tales #22 (May 1977)
-
- 3 (Aug. 1961)—"Dr. Droom Meets Zemu"
-
- Reprinted in Weird Wonder Tales #7 (Dec. 1974)
-
- 4 (Sept. 1961)—"What Lurks Within?"
-
- Never reprinted outside Amazing Fantasy Omnibus
-
- 6 (Nov. 1961)—"Dr. Droom Defies the Menace Called ... Krogg"
-
- Reprinted in Giant-Size Man-ThingMan-ThingThe Man-Thing is a fictional character, a monster in publications from Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in Savage Tales #1 , and went on to be featured in various titles and in his own series, including...
#3 (Feb. 1975)
- Reprinted in Weird Wonder Tales #19 (Dec. 1976)
Guardians of the Galaxy
In an alternate future, detailed in the KillravenKillraven
Killraven is a fictional freedom fighter in several post-apocalyptic alternate futures of the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Amazing Adventures #18 , created by co-plotters Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, scripter Gerry Conway, and penciller Adams...
series, Martians had come to Earth and wiped out much of humanity. Doctor Druid is one of the few survivors of the North American battles and leads a resistance movement based in Ireland. He also works to make sure the Martian battle is recorded in the otherwise priceless Book of Kells
Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier...
.
Marvel Apes
An alternate universeParallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
version of Dr. Druid appears in the 2008 miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
Marvel Apes
Marvel Apes
Marvel Apes is a four-issue limited series by comics publisher Marvel Comics which started publication in October 2008. The series is written by Karl Kesel with art by Ramon Bachs and covers by John Watson....
#2-4 (Nov.-Dec. 2008). Druid plays a key role in issue #3 (Dec. 2008) in which he uses his staff, the Monkey's Paw to control the realm created by Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
.
Marvel Zombies
An alternate universeParallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
version of Dr. Druid appears in the 2007 miniseries
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness is a five-issue 2007 comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in association with Dynamite Entertainment, an intercompany crossover in which Ash Williams, hero of the popular Evil Dead film and comic book, finds himself in the Marvel Zombies...
. Infected with the zombie
Zombie
Zombie is a term used to denote an animated corpse brought back to life by mystical means such as witchcraft. The term is often figuratively applied to describe a hypnotized person bereft of consciousness and self-awareness, yet ambulant and able to respond to surrounding stimuli...
virus, he visits Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
seeking help to stop from turning. With Strange having left to join the resistance, a ravenous Druid reluctantly consumes Strange's assistant, Wong
Wong (comics)
Wong is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He is the sidekick and manservant of Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. Wong was first mentioned in the comic Strange Tales #110 and first appeared in Strange Tales #147. In the 2006 miniseries Dr. Strange: the Oath, it was revealed...
. Despite pleading for mercy and understanding from Ash Williams
Ash Williams
Ashley J. "Ash" Williams is the protagonist in the Evil Dead horror film franchise, played by Bruce Campbell, and created by director Sam Raimi. Throughout the series, Ash has to face off against his loved ones inside an abandoned cabin as they are possessed by "deadites", the evil souls of the dead...
, Dazzler
Dazzler
Dazzler is a Marvel Comics superheroine, associated with the X-Men. She first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #130 ....
and the Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional comic book character that appears in books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
, Ash surprises Druid and blows his head off with his shotgun.
Other characters
Doctor Druid is not the subversive cult leader, Dredmund Druid, also known as The Druid.External links
- Doctor Druid at Marvel.com
- The Grand Comics Database