Doctor Doom has an idea. He can strike fear into the hearts of the Fantastic Four if he defeats the Avengers. He fakes a letter from a long lost relative to Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, who, at this point in the Avengers chronology, believe themselves to be orphans. This lures the Avengers to the tiny Balkan kingdom of Latveria, of which Doom is absolute monarch. Immediately upon arrival, they are arrested, and thrown in jail. They soon escape, and Doctor Doom pulls a lever, which causes a giant dome to cover the entire kingdom. No one gets out, and no one gets in.

In the village, most of the peasants are loyal to Doom, and strike out at the Avengers. Soon, though, the heroes find their way to the castle, and confront Doom. The battle goes back and forth, but Doom retreats when his armor is damaged. In the village, he's beseeched by a woman whose crippled son needs to get past the dome in order to receive a restorative operation. Doom refuses. Loyalties begin to waver. The Fantastic Four hear a news broadcast about the situation, and want to help, but are held back by international red-tape.

The Avengers defeat Doctor Doom by themselves, and open the dome. Doom realizes he underestimated them.