Gotta Collect All Those Rings!

No, it's not a Sonic the Hedgehog game review, though now I wish I'd used that as a title for one of those that I did do. No time for useless self-recriminations, though, we've got to move forward! First, thanks to the commenters in yesterday's post for their help. That shed a bit more light on the series, and I appreciate that.

When I was considering possible explanations for how Despero got so big, it occurred to me that he could probably snag himself some of those nice rings that are popping up all throughout the DCU now. I know, he's busy with Trinity, but he's a determined chap, I'm sure he could multi-task if he felt like it. Offhand, I figured he could use a Green Lantern ring, since he has the willpower to keep his molecules from completely dispersing. He's big on hate, so that gives him a shot at being a Red Lantern, and I imagine a Sinestro Corps ring would come most naturally to him. I figure "love", "compassion", and "hope" would be beyond him. Is the key to being a Black lantern that you are dead, or that you have the ability to create death? If it's the latter, then I guess you could pencil him in for that too. He's a conquerer, so that would probably let him use the orange one (that's greed, right?). Planet conquering despots, always wantin' more *shakes head sadly*. So that covers all colors I know of. 5 of 8, not too shabby for Hulk-Despero.

For some reason, my thoughts turned to how many Dr. Doom could wield, were he given the opportunity. Actually, the reason my thoughts turned to the Monarch of Latveria is obvious: Because all truly enlightened people think of Doom frequently, for they recognize DOOM is the one to lead the whole world into a better place. Yellow's a given. People fear Doom, though only because they don't understand that Doom only wants to help them, protect them from that Accursed Richards! If they'd just stop being so blinded by Reed Richards' parlor trick science, they'd see the truth. But Doom isn't going to kill them for that, no Doom will keep trying to show the way. The way, to a better world. The better world Doom could create, if only DOOM wasn't stymied by Reed Richards and his family circus. But Doom will keep trying. Doom will perservere. So, that covers hope and compassion. DOOM once faced down the very personification of a universe, and claimed its power, so willpower? Check. Doom loves us all so much, that Doom continues to try and rule the world to make it a better place, even though we show ourselves to be unworthy by rejecting DOOM's gifts. Doom's subjects in Latveria know the truth, and that's why they adore him. That's love, baby. Purple. Doom has faced death many times, and is well aware of its tricks. It holds no secrets to Doom, so the black ring will be readily wielded.

Now rage and greed, those are a bit tougher. Those are failings of the human spirit, and as such, are beneath one such as DOOM. But DOOM understands greed, and knows the damage it can cause, and so will ensure that everyone has enough to sustain them, but not any more than that (except for Dr. Doom, because someone has to keep all the leftover resources) to prevent the opportunity for greed. By defying it, Doom demonstrates control of it. As for rage, DOOM has also moved beyond its paltry grip, but there was a time when your future ruler knew it well. At the time immdeiately after that Accursed Richards! sabotaged Doom's attempts to contact Doom's mother, DOOM understood the appeal of rage. To attack one's foes in a blind fury, and destroy them without consideration of the larger picture. But DOOM is not like lesser beings, and so did not submit to rage. DOOM mastered it, as DOOM masters all things.

Well, that's a perfect 8 out of 8 for the Future Leader of the 616-Universe. Wait, what's that? Sorry, the future leader of All Existence. However, it should be obvious to all that Doom won't wear all those rings, because that much jewelry would be gaudy and ostentatious, and thus beneath DOOM. DOOM'S very presence is sufficient to bring awe and admiration from the masses, he needs no rainbow-colored adornments to impress. Our Wise Liege Doom would obviously conceive of a way to combine all the rings into one single ring, or perhaps some sort of family crest emblem one could wear upon their wrist. Not on the chest, that too is too showy and demanding of attention. On the wrist, so it's there, but not overbearing, certainly not fighting with DOOM's regal presence for control of the room. This will also allow for ease of use, provided one has the intellect of Dr. Doom. Thus only DOOM will be able to utilize it, to protect his grateful subjects.