"This is a silly way to settle this."

"What better way to prove who is the more brilliant villain -- than to battle on the chessboard!" Doom said, as his hand swept over the sculpted chess pieces.

Luthor sat down, looked at his DC-style pieces, and grimaced. "I've already outdone you in life -- for example, I was elected president of the United States!"

"Ha! I have been emperor of this world, and many others!"

"Well, I've fought a Kryptonian, and held my own."

"I have defeated the Beyonder, whose powers were unlimited and god-like!"

"Whatever. I'm still going to beat you. I'm the five, remember?"

Doom slammed his fist on the table. "Reed Richards is an insignificant gnat."

"Who you can't defeat," taunted Luthor. "I've handled my three pretty well, and I'll handle you."

"I will avenge myself on Richards for defeating me at the Baxter building, after I've defeated you."

Doom and Luthor began to play chess. Doom moved his Fantastic Four-themed pieces deftly. Luthor was impressed by his opponent's gamesmanship, but not intimidated. Slowly, steadily, Luthor established control of the center of the board. Deliberately, Luthor nipped at Doom's defenses. Finally, there were five pieces left on the board: the Lois Lane Queen, Batman Knight, Superman King, Thing Rook, and Namor King.

Luthor looked up from the board and stared at Doom.

"Doom never concedes."

"But he does lose," said Luthor as he moved his queen into position. "Checkmate! Ha ha ha!"

***

After destroying the composite Luthorbot, Doom pondered the chess match from his balcony overlooking the fields of Latveria. Was it possible that Doom was a prisoner to the personality he acted out?

He walked over to his library, and picked out a book: Personality Types. He sat down, and began to read.