Boris was friend of Victor von Doomâs father, Werner von Doom. But when Werner was called to heal King Vladimirâs wife, and failed, he took his son and fled from their gypsy camp and into the bitter cold of the Latverian winter. Once the soldiers that searched for Doom had left, Boris came looking for his friend and found him with his son Victor, freezing to death. He saved the pair, but Werner, who protected his son with his last ounce of energy, was beyond saving. On Wernerâs death bed he asked Boris to watch his son, but he worried that Victor would take up his motherâs sorcery, and wanted Boris to protect the world from his dangerous son; though Victor believed that Boris was asked to protect Victor, himself. Boris encouraged young Victor to take up his fatherâs herbs and medicines and become a healer, using his powers for good. However, Victor found his motherâs magical tools instead, and followed his motherâs dark legacy. Later, the Dean of Science from the American State University in New York came searching for Victor to offer him a scholarship since he had heard of Victorâs amazing experiments that mixed sorcery and science. When Victor agreed, eager for the use of the Universityâs equipment, Boris was asked by Victor to stay behind in Latveria and await his return. As his loyal servant, Boris did as he was told.
Years later, Victor returned to Latveria as the armored villain, Doctor Doom. He soon took over the country and became its secret leader. And though Borisâ duty to protect the world from Victor has constantly been for naught, he continues to stand by Doomâs side as his servant, and in Doomâs words, his only living friend.