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Doctor Anthony Druid, also known as Doctor Droom and Druid, is a fictional mystic and a supernatural monster-hunter appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller Jack Kirby, he debuted as Dr. Anthony Droom in Amazing Adventures #1, published in March 1961 (with a cover date of June 1961). Amazing Adventures vol. 1 #1 (published March 1961 - cover date "June 1961"). Story by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inking by Steve Ditko. Kirby's art was inked by artist Steve Ditko. Dr. Droom appeared in four more issues of Amazing Adventures before his stories discontinued. Over a year later, artist Steve Ditko approached Stan Lee with a new magic character called Mr. Strange.Ditko, Steve (w). ""Toyland": "Martin Goodman/Stan Lee"" The Avenging Mind (April 2008), Robin Snyder and Steve Ditko. Liking the idea, Stan Lee renamed the character Doctor Strange and wrote an origin story similar to Droom's. Dr. Anthony Droom was finally reintroduced to comics in 1976 in Weird Wonder Tales #19 in a retelling of his origin story which renamed him Dr. Anthony Druid. This retelling included new writing by Larry Lieber, Stan Lee's brother. Weird Wonder Tales vol. 1 #19 (published September 1976 - cover date "December 1976"). Original story by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Additional script by Larry Lieber. New art by Steve Ditko.
Through his knowledge, Doctor Druid has enhanced physical and mental abilities (such as hypnosis and the ability to sense magic) and knows how to counteract magic and protect against it (through rituals and special arrangement of symbols). According to the lore of Marvel Comics, this makes Druid a mystic but not a full sorcerer like Doctor Strange since he does not cast spells that alter the state of people or the environment around him and does not draw power from Earth's magical energy, extra-dimensional energy, or energy linked to magical entities. Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe vol. 1 #3 (Marvel Comics, 1985).
Considered a scholar of multiple fields, Anthony Druid is originally a psychiatrist who then becomes an author and physician. After Druid undergoes a series of tests in Tibet, a dying lama and mystic mentally transmits to his mind secrets of how to enhance his own body and mind's power and control, as well as knowledge regarding magic and supernatural threats. Later, it is said Druid also taps into the knowledge of Celtic ancestors regarding magic. With the combined knowledge of both his Celtic ancestors and the Tibetan lama, Druid acts as a magic-based consultant and hero of Earth. Over the years, he has worked with the superhero team known as the Avengers, and it is later said he was part of a group known as the Monster Hunters.
After his origin in issue #1, Dr. Droom starred in stories in Amazing Adventures #2–4 and #6 (1961). Dr. Droom did not appear in the series again afterward, which was retitled as Amazing Adult Fantasy starting with issue #7 (the same series that with its final issue, Amazing Fantasy #15, would introduced Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's creation Spider-Man).
According to Lee, the idea of Doctor Droom was essentially succeeded by Doctor Strange: "... I always liked Doctor, but I forgot about him. It was a one-shot thing. And one day while we were trying to think of some new heroes, I thought I'd like to bring back a magician". Lee later clarified that the inciting incident to bring forth a magical character similar to Dr. Droom came when Steve Ditko brought him artwork for a character he called Mr. Strange. Stan Lee changed the name to Doctor Strange and gave the character a new version of Dr. Droom's origin, making Stephen Strange a physician who loses the use of his hands and then seeks out help from a sorcerer in the Himalayas for help, only to then become the man's student and return to New York as a sorcerer himself.
In 1976, Marvel editor Roger Stern thought to bring Doctor Droom back for issue #19 of Weird Wonder Tales, a series that reprinted previously published Marvel Comics stories, sometimes with new art. Issue #19 reprinted Dr. Droom's origin story but with some altered and added dialogue by Larry Lieber and with the protagonist now called Doctor Anthony Druid, new name conceived by Len Wein, presumably to avoid confusion with Marvel supervillain Doctor Doom. Druid sported a red outfit in his role as hero and the new version of his origin story removed the idea that the appearance of his racial heritage is altered by magic. Droom's second story was then reprinted in Weird Wonder Tales #20, again with new art work and with his name changed to Doctor Druid. The character then appeared in issues #21-22, but only as a host introducing fantasy stories to the reader. Weird Wonder Tales then ended with issue #23, which contained a reprint of another Droom story from Amazing Adventures. The story was introduced by a new splash page drawn by artist John Byrne. In the story, Droom's drab grey clothing was painted over with Druid's new red uniform.
Druid appeared next in The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #210-211 by writer Len Wein, and Ghost Rider (vol. 2) #26 by writer Jim Shooter. During Roger Stern's work as writer of Avengers in the 1980s, Druid frequently appeared as an associate of the team.
Druid appeared in the miniseries Druid #1–4 (May–Aug. 1995) by writer Warren Ellis and artist Leonardo Manco. (2025). 9781465455505, DK Publishing. ISBN 9781465455505 In Marvel Universe #4–7 (Sept.–Dec. 1998), his backstory was expanded and retconned, now revealing he had been a member of the Monster Hunters, whose adventures took place between the "Age of Monsters" and the "Age of Heroes" (the latter era beginning when the Fantastic Four gain their powers and are soon followed by a wave of new public superheroes). Druid appeared as a Monster Hunter again in issue #2 of .
Doctor Druid was one of the featured characters in the 2011 three-issue limited series Chaos War: Dead Avengers.
Doctor Druid remains on the sidelines for years. He eventually appears again and teams with the Hulk against the Maha Yogi. The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #210–211. Marvel Comics. With the Avengers, he encounters the Fomor and his ancestor Amergin. The Avengers #225–226 (Nov.-Dec. 1982). Marvel Comics.
Sometime later, Druid aids the Avengers in thwarting Helmut Zemo and the fourth Masters of Evil's takeover of Avengers Mansion, making contact with the mentally damaged Blackout and helping him resist Zemo's control while also prompting him to bring Avengers Mansion back to Earth after banishing it into his Darkforce Dimension. The Avengers #276 (Feb. 1987). Marvel Comics. He joins the ranks of the Avengers shortly after helping to defend from this attack. The Avengers #278 (April 1987). Marvel Comics. He also battles a Dracula doppelganger in the realm of Death. West Coast Avengers Annual #2 (1987); The Avengers Annual #16 (1987). Marvel Comics.
His membership is tainted when he is mind-controlled by Terminatrix (at the time impersonating the space pirate Nebula) into manipulating the team on her behalf. While in this state, he assumes chairmanship of the team for a very short period. The Avengers #295 (Sept. 1988). Marvel Comics. When "Nebula" is cast into Limbo, Druid follows, still under her thrall. The Avengers #297 (Nov. 1988). Marvel Comics. He eventually regains control of his own mind and returned to Earth, where, after learning his true origin, he banishes "Nebula" and uses magic to make himself younger. Fantastic Four #337–338 (Feb.-March 1990). Marvel Comics.
Due to his actions while in the villain's thrall, Druid is now disgraced. He is briefly reunited with his former teammates while working with Doctor Strange during the Infinity War, and later becomes the leader of the Secret Defenders. The Secret Defenders #15 (May 1994). Marvel Comics. In that role, he is once again victimized by a villain's mind control, this time by the demon Slorioth. Druid and the demon are defeated, Druid fakes his own death, and the team disbands. The Secret Defenders #25 (March 1995). Marvel Comics.
He then abandons his spandex costume and becomes more of a traditional druid, now reflected by his new use of the simple moniker "Druid", and the new nature of his elemental powers, Druid #1 (May 1995). Marvel Comics. but he soon lets his feelings of rage and power lust take over, goes insane, is betrayed by his allies, and is finally killed by Daimon Hellstrom. Druid #4 (Aug. 1995) Druid is later resurrected in the Chaos War storyline (2010). Chaos War: Dead Avengers #1. Marvel Comics.
As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Druid resurfaces on Weirdworld. Nighthawk of Earth-31916, Blur of Earth-148611 and Tyndall were captured by Druid's minions and taken to his castle. He reveals to his captives that his soul took on a corporeal form when it found Weirdworld, where he remained in order to preserve his life. He also reveals that Ogeode built a massive crystal on top of Druid’s castle to amplify Druid’s mind-control abilities; this brought anyone in his part of Weirdworld under his thrall. For some reason, Thundra and Tyndall are immune to his effects. Squadron Supreme (vol. 4) #4. Marvel Comics.
He later resurfaces on Earth and attempts to live a normal life, but does help Doctor Strange with a magical investigation. Dr. Strange #2. Marvel Comics.
During the "Stark-Roxxon War" arc, Druid is at A.I.M.'s facility in Caspen, Colorado while A.I.M. and Roxxon Energy Corporation are planning a merger with Stark Industries. As a scienceless act on Monica Rappaccini's orders, Doctor Druid subjects Iron Man to illusions of Howard Stark, Captain America, and Emma Frost calling Iron Man a failure. Iron Man Vol. 7 #2. Marvel Comics. Druid accompanies Monica to the meeting with Stark Unlimited's Board of Directors where only Iron Man and Melinda May oppose the merger. When Justine Hammer's Iron Monger begins to best Iron Man, Druid breaks up the fight and takes them and the board members to meet A.I.M. and Roxxon's silent partner, who turns out to be Belasco. As they meet with the demon lord in Limbo, it is also revealed that Druid is enthralled by him, and Belasco now wants to claim the souls of the board members. Thanks to a withdrawal of votes from the board members, Belasco's plans to control the companies falls through. After transporting Tony Stark and Justine Hammer back to Stark Tower, Doctor Druid offers to help Iron Man at a later point. Stark tells Druid to teleport the board members back to their home; Druid takes his leave to do so. Iron Man Vol. 7 #3. Marvel Comics.
During the "One World Under Doom" storyline, Druid and Belasco crash a fight between Iron Man and Vishte Taru; they bring them, Melinda May, and Black Widow to Belasco's lair. When Iron Man defeats Taru throughout Limbo, Belasco has Druid bind Taru with his magic as Belasco states that Iron Man has cost him a second business partner. As Iron Man, May, and Black Widow are sent back to Earth, Black Widow tries to get Druid to break free from Belasco's control, to no avail. Iron Man Vol. 7 #10. Marvel Comics.
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 . Through 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 mystical artifacts as well. At one time, Druid even had access to the Moebius Stone, which was a mystic item created by Agamotto 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 abilities, including control over involuntary functions of his body such as his heartbeat, respiration, bleeding, and reaction to pain.
In his latest and final 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.
All reprinted in Amazing Fantasy Omnibus (2007). The previous reprints below were edited to reflect name-change to "Doctor Druid" plus other :
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