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A Skrull scientist describes to Veranke that Doctor Strange is “one of the masters of this dimension’s mystic arts,” and at the relatively early stage of the invasion, before [[House of M]], Veranke tells the other disguised Skrulls that they are to “start at the top of the list, taking them out one at a time,” and names Strange the first of the “bigger guns,” along with Doctor Doom, Namor, the Scarlet Witch, and Hercules. However, after M-Day, and after the reemergence of the Sentry, the Skrull Jarvis tells his fellow Skrulls, “The humans are doing our work for us. Thor is gone. The Witch is gone. Doctor Strange will buckle…” Another Skrull cuts in, “You’re wrong about Strange,” but the Skrull Jarvis says, “You’ll see. He’s an arrogant magician who could be pushed to any--” in response, causing a third Skrull to claim, “He’s a practiced sorcerer--” Jarvis merely says, “You’ll see,” concluding their Strange discussion and beginning their [[Sentry (Robert Reynolds)|Sentry]] one. While Veranke was disguised as Spider-Woman, she did not seem to take any special interest in Strange, nor did she appear to attempt to do harm to him.{{issue}} The Skrulls either fail to replace Strange, or they believe Strange will collapse himself or is an insufficient threat, even though he was one of those whom struck their empire years ago. The Skrull Jarvis was indeed correct in his prediction of Strange falling. When Strange was studied by the Skrulls, the scientists were confounded by his mystical abilities, instead calling in the priests from their Vovco Islands, yet were able to contain him in an energy field after stripping him of his Cloak and Eye. Though Strange was unable to sufficiently cloak the Illuminati ship, he was able to, after reclaiming his artifacts, perform a short spell that kept Iron Man's heart valves pumping until they returned. Strange then casts ''The Images of Ikonn'' and succeeds in fooling the Skrull armada (with the aid of Professor X's psychic powers) that [[Galactus]] was attacking.<ref>''New Avengers: Illuminati'' #1</ref> |
A Skrull scientist describes to Veranke that Doctor Strange is “one of the masters of this dimension’s mystic arts,” and at the relatively early stage of the invasion, before [[House of M]], Veranke tells the other disguised Skrulls that they are to “start at the top of the list, taking them out one at a time,” and names Strange the first of the “bigger guns,” along with Doctor Doom, Namor, the Scarlet Witch, and Hercules. However, after M-Day, and after the reemergence of the Sentry, the Skrull Jarvis tells his fellow Skrulls, “The humans are doing our work for us. Thor is gone. The Witch is gone. Doctor Strange will buckle…” Another Skrull cuts in, “You’re wrong about Strange,” but the Skrull Jarvis says, “You’ll see. He’s an arrogant magician who could be pushed to any--” in response, causing a third Skrull to claim, “He’s a practiced sorcerer--” Jarvis merely says, “You’ll see,” concluding their Strange discussion and beginning their [[Sentry (Robert Reynolds)|Sentry]] one. While Veranke was disguised as Spider-Woman, she did not seem to take any special interest in Strange, nor did she appear to attempt to do harm to him.{{issue}} The Skrulls either fail to replace Strange, or they believe Strange will collapse himself or is an insufficient threat, even though he was one of those whom struck their empire years ago. The Skrull Jarvis was indeed correct in his prediction of Strange falling. When Strange was studied by the Skrulls, the scientists were confounded by his mystical abilities, instead calling in the priests from their Vovco Islands, yet were able to contain him in an energy field after stripping him of his Cloak and Eye. Though Strange was unable to sufficiently cloak the Illuminati ship, he was able to, after reclaiming his artifacts, perform a short spell that kept Iron Man's heart valves pumping until they returned. Strange then casts ''The Images of Ikonn'' and succeeds in fooling the Skrull armada (with the aid of Professor X's psychic powers) that [[Galactus]] was attacking.<ref>''New Avengers: Illuminati'' #1</ref> |
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The Hood and his syndicate of criminals assail the Sanctum Sanctorum, tearing through Strange's illusions and defense spells, as well as shooting Strange himself. Wong manages to force the Hood away, and Strange summons Zom's dark magic in one ferocious mystical conflagration to defeat all his friends and enemies. Wong uses a reversal spell to undo the recent defense spell, and the Avengers feel major agony. Strange tells the Avengers, “Our struggles of late. I have had to call upon darker forces than I would normally use….Forces I thought I could control, but I can’t. It was arrogance. The same arrogance that led me down the path I’m on in the first place. My hands are useless again. And I tried to disguise it. All these years, and I have learned nothing. There’s—I’ve had no time to deal with what I’ve done, and the forces are overpowering me. I wanted to help you, my friends. I wanted so much to help my old friend Bruce Banner. But I failed. And I have failed at my task as Sorcerer Supreme of this dimension. I—I don’t think I can help you anymore. I need to atone for what I have done. I need to relearn all that I have lost. And put back magics which I had no business using in the first place. I can’t help you anymore. You need to leave here. We all do. I’m so sorry, my friends.” With a final word of, ‘’”Peesananbnaoo,’’” Strange departed for parts unknown, having lost everything that meant to him, and having fallen from power and grace as the Master of the Mystic Arts. |
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After Strange lost both his magic and home due to his use of destructive and uncontrollable dark power,<ref>''New Avengers'' #38 The Breakup (Previously...)</ref> Danny Rand brings the New Avengers to their new headquarters, and, as he explains their new situation, he says, "Doctor Strange is out walking the Earth like [[Kwai Chang Caine|Caine]] in [[Kung Fu (TV series)|Kung Fu]]...so we have no magic or hocus-pocus...". |
After Strange lost both his magic and home due to his use of destructive and uncontrollable dark power,<ref>''New Avengers'' #38 The Breakup (Previously...)</ref> Danny Rand brings the New Avengers to their new headquarters, and, as he explains their new situation, he says, "Doctor Strange is out walking the Earth like [[Kwai Chang Caine|Caine]] in [[Kung Fu (TV series)|Kung Fu]]...so we have no magic or hocus-pocus...". |
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Revision as of 16:31, 14 April 2009
| Doctor Strange | |
|---|---|
| File:Dr strange.jpg Doctor Strange. Art by John Romita, Jr. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Strange Tales # 110 (July 1963) |
| Created by | Stan Lee Steve Ditko |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Dr. Stephen Strange |
| Team affiliations | New Avengers Illuminati Defenders Nightstalkers Midnight Sons |
| Notable aliases | Stephen Sanders, Red Rajah, Captain Universe, "Shuma Gorath", "Shiva the Destroyer", "One who lives in whispers" |
| Abilities | Genius level intellect and world-renowned neurosurgeon, possesses the Soul Gem, extended life-span and functional immortality, vastly powerful high-level magic and cosmic energy wielder able to generate a near-infinite range of effects, combined with years of extensive mystical training granting him considerable arcane lore and knowledge; Wide array of numerous mystic artifacts, tools and weapons magnifying personal occult abilities as potent power-objects; Mastery of the Mystic Arts and Sorcerer Supreme of the Earth-616 reality |
Doctor Strange is a fictional character, a comic book superhero co-created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, appearing in publications by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #110 in July 1963. Born Stephen Vincent Strange in November 1930, he grows up to become an accomplished and world-renown neurosurgeon until he suffers a car accident in 1963, which results in the crippling of his hands to perform surgical tasks. Learning of a hermit called the Ancient One who might possibly cure him, the desperate Strange ventures to the man's isolated Himalayan abode and asks him for aid. The Ancient One instead, however, teaches Strange in the mystic arts for seven years.[1] Doctor Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe, responsible for defending it from mystic threats. Because of this, Strange is often consulted by other superheroes on supernatural matters, such as the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and more commonly, the Avengers.
In June 1968, the Strange Tales series transitioned into Doctor Strange #169. The series didn't last long, and was abruptly cancelled fourteen more issues before ending at #183 in November 1969. Doctor Strange has since been featured in many of Marvel Comics' animated series, several novels, video games, his own direct-to-DVD film Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme and a 1978 film based on the character. The name had been used for a different Marvel character two months before his debut.
Publication history
After debuting in Strange Tales #110 and returning in the next issue, the nine to 10-page feature "Dr. Strange" skipped two issues and then returned permanently with #114 (Nov. 1963). Ditko's surrealistic mystical landscapes and increasingly head-trippy visuals helped make the feature a favorite of 1960s college students, according to accounts.[2][3] Ditko, as co-plotter and later sole plotter, in the "Marvel Method", would eventually take Strange into ever-more-abstract realms that nonetheless remained well-grounded thanks to Lee's reliably humanistic, adventure/soap opera dialog. Doctor Strange shared the "split book" Strange Tales with solo adventures of Fantastic Four member the Human Torch (whose feature had begun in issue #101), and, beginning with #135, with its replacement feature, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D..
During Ditko's run on the feature, many enduring elements were introduced. His mentor the Ancient One and enemy Nightmare both debuted along with Strange in issue #110, and his nemesis Baron Mordo debuted in #111. An even more powerful adversary, the dread Dormammu, was introduced in #126. In issue #138, with what historians consider one of modern comics' great moments,[citation needed] Doctor Strange first encountered Ditko's grand and enduring conception of Eternity, the personification of the universe, depicted as a majestic silhouette whose outlines are filled with the cosmos. It was a groundbreaking creation at a time before such cosmic conceits were commonplace.
While Lee and Ditko themselves interacted less and less as each went their different creative ways, Ditko took his final bow on the feature in issue #146 (July 1966) with the culmination of Strange's long-running conflict with Dormammu.[2] "Doctor Strange" continued to the end of the book's run, when the "S.H.I.E.L.D." feature was spun off into its own title and Strange Tales was renamed Doctor Strange with issue #169 (June 1968).[2]
Doctor Strange's first namesake comic book, written by Roy Thomas with art by penciller Gene Colan, lasted only until issue #183 (Nov. 1969), by which point Strange had been given, separately, both a form-fitting, body-suit style costume with full-head mask, and then a secret/civilian identity as "Dr. Stephen Sanders" in an effort to more resemble a Marvel superhero and help low sales. These changes were unsuccessful and the series was subsequently discontinued. The cancellation was abrupt (there was a "Next Issue" blurb in the last edition), and loose ends were tied up in Sub-Mariner #22 (Feb. 1970) and The Incredible Hulk #126 (April 1970).
Strange's next appearance was a backup solo tale in the showcase title Marvel Feature #1 (Dec. 1971) This story not only tied into the issue's lead feature, the creation of the loosely affiliated antihero team the Defenders, but also led into a new ongoing feature for the sorcerer in Marvel Premiere #3-14 (July 1972 - March 1974). This series continued into a solo book generally titled as Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts, which ran 81 issues (June 1974 - Feb. 1987). An acclaimed[citation needed] early arc by writer Steve Englehart and penciller/co-plotter Frank Brunner, featured the death of Strange's mentor, the Ancient One, followed by a storyline in which Strange witnessed the creation, or re-creation, of the universe. Reflecting that era's trend toward "cosmic" characters and stories — a trend ironically begun in the Lee-Ditko '60s stories — this turn away from more traditionally occult, supernatural stories helped propel for 15 years under various teams.
Following this solo title's cancellation, the character continued uninterrupted in Strange Tales (vol. 2) #1-19 (April 1987 - Oct. 1988), appearing in 11-page stories in this "split book" he shared predominantly with the feature "Cloak and Dagger". (The final issue's co-feature was "The Thing and Mayhem", although the other pair's logo still appeared on the cover). This in turn was followed directly by Strange's third solo title, generally listed as Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme, which lasted 90 issues (Nov. 1988 - June 1996) Writer Peter B. Gillis and artists Richard Case & Randy Emberlin were the creative team for the last few issues of the second self-titled comic, the entire Strange Tales run, and the first few issues of this new solo comic). Doctor Strange also appeared in various miniseries and two graphic novels, and had major recurring roles both in the 1970s feature and later comic book The Defenders and the 1990s comic book Nightstalkers.
Fictional character biography
Stephen Vincent Strange was born on November 18, 1930,[4] in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Eugene and Beverly Strange. A few months later, the Stranges move to a farm in Nebraska where Stephen is brought up alongside his brother Victor (who later became the second Baron Blood) and sister April.
In adulthood, Stephen becomes a successful, but arrogant, neurosurgeon until he suffers subtle, though profound, neurological damage in an automobile accident in 1963. His hands in particular are no longer able to make the precise, fine movements necessary for surgery, although their overall mobility remains. Unable to continue his profession and too proud to accept subordinate medical assignments, he becomes unemployed and destitute. He is reduced to being a derelict, performing shady medical procedures for little money. Learning of a hermit called the Ancient One who might possibly cure him, the desperate Strange ventures to the man's isolated Himalayan abode and asks him for aid. The Ancient One instead offers to take Strange on as an apprentice in the mystic arts. Strange refuses, but cannot leave immediately due to a sudden blizzard.[1]
While staying for the duration of the storm, Strange witnesses the Ancient One's apprentice, Baron Mordo, secretly attack the teacher with mystically summoned skeletons, which the old man easily dispels. Strange, his skepticism eroding, confronts Mordo about the treachery but Mordo responds with restraining spells that keep Strange from warning the Ancient One or attacking Mordo physically. Amazed by these displays of magic, alarmed by Mordo, but frustrated by the mystic restraints, Strange undergoes a change of heart. Deciding that the only way to stop Mordo is to learn magic himself in order to challenge Mordo on his terms, Strange accepts the Ancient One's offer. Pleased by Strange's acceptance for unselfish reasons, the Ancient One removes the mystic restraints, explaining that he is well aware of Mordo's treachery but prefers to keep Mordo close by in order to control and possibly change him.[1] Strange studies magic under the Ancient One for seven years and returns to the United States in the 1970s.
Silver Age Strange
Based in his Sanctum Sanctorum mansion in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood, Strange uses his new abilities to fight such mystic enemies as recurring nemesis Mordo; the flame-headed other-dimensional ruler Dormammu (and his sister Umar), with whom he clashes often; and Strange's first recorded foe upon returning to America, Nightmare. He also gains a valuable ally in Wong, a loyal servant who is part of a line trained to serve the current Sorcerer Supreme.
Doctor Strange encounters such cosmic beings as the Living Tribunal, and the personification of the universe itself, Eternity, as well as numerous superheroes and even, at one Times Square New Year's celebration, longtime family friend and author Tom Wolfe (who allowed his likeness to be used in Doctor Strange #180, May 1969). On one journey to Dormammu's realm, Strange meets and eventually falls in love with Clea, the tyrant's human-appearing niece.
When the demon Asmodeus briefly impersonates him, Strange dons a superheroic-looking full-face cowl and a "secret identity" as Dr. Stephen Sanders from #177 through the final issue, #183 (Feb.-Nov. 1969).
Death of the Ancient One
When the demonic entity Shuma-Gorath (first mentioned in Marvel Premiere #5, Nov. 1972) tries to cross into the Earth's dimension from within the mind of the Ancient One (#9, July 1973), Strange is forced to sacrifice his mentor in order to save humanity's collective soul (#10, Sept. 1973). After his mentor's death — in which the Ancient One becomes "one with the universe" and a lingering presence — Strange inherits the mantle and power of Sorcerer Supreme of Earth's plane.
After taking his lover Clea as his disciple (Marvel Premiere #12, Nov. 1973), one of his first tasks as Sorcerer Supreme is to confront the personification of Death. After proving himself worthy, Strange is granted the extended lifespan befitting his new role. His elderly predecessor, the Ancient One, had lived for over five centuries.
The Ancient One, much later, fought Dr. Strange in the five-issue miniseries X-Statix Presents: Dead Girl (March-July 2006), which played many of its characters and concepts for laughs. He was depicted as having been condemned to Hell, without a Marvel Universe-continuity explanation. In All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A - Z, select entries, including that of the Ancient One himself, state that this was probably an impostor.
Defenders and Nightstalkers and beyond
When fighting the undying ones, Dr. Strange manipulates the Hulk and Namor the Sub-Mariner to assist him in defeating them. When Mordo returns the identity of Stephen Strange to Dr. Strange, Dr. Strange again recruits the antiheroes the Hulk, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and the Silver Surfer to form the sporadically summoned superhero "non-team", the Defenders.
In a 1982-83 arc, Strange successfully invokes the "Montesi Formula" that eliminates all vampires in the Marvel Universe.[5] Though this is considered permanent at the time, in the early 1990s Strange finds it necessary to organize, in Defenders fashion, a group of vampire hunters dubbed the Nightstalkers — Frank Drake, Blade and the vampiric private detective Hannibal King. The three are told they have been brought together to fend off supernatural threats, and only later learn it is in fact to prepare for the weakening of the Montesi Formula and the expected return of Dracula. By the time vampires do return, throughout various Marvel occult comics in the mid-1990s, Strange has been temporarily usurped as Sorcerer Supreme by the demonic Salome and replaced by his own creation, Strange. His position restored shortly afterward, Strange, by the mid-2000s, serves chiefly as a supporting character to whom Marvel superheroes might turn for matters concerning magic and the supernatural. Other times, he directly intervenes in crises. His actions have become questionable at times, as in his attempts to steal a powerful Book of Shadows, the Tome of Zhered-na, from fellow magic user Jennifer Kale, insisting that her family book of magic can only be properly used by himself.
Doctor Strange was conscripted by various Principalities and mystical entities, especially the Vishanti, to participate in the War of the Seven Spheres. Strange, fearing his absence would be detrimental for his own dimension, declined, and when his superiors attempted to force him, Strange chants the Emancipation Incantation to free him from any obligation to them, in exchange for their release of any obligation to him:
“Satannish, Watoomb and Raggadorr Ikonn, the Seraphim and Cyttorak Agamotto, Oshtur and Muniporr Hoggoth, the Faltine, Valtorr and Denak! Those whom I named plus other I've omitted whose who threatened my cherished liberty hark to this irrevocable decree: such enslavement will not be permitted your claims on my person I now reject all demands of servitude I must deny for your wisdom and might I've the utmost respect but the price for its use is far too high better the path I walk be mine alone hear now these words: let my fate be my own!”’’
After the Illuminati discuss the Sentry, all the Illuminati members, except for the handicapped Professor Xavier, arrive on the scene to help him, joined by their teammates and allies, but the arrival of the Void forces them into fierce combat. Doctor Strange, attempting to shield Reed Richards, the Sentry and Emma Frost from harm, casts a protective spell in the form of a huge, red dome-shaped barrier to help impede the Void, and the strength of his defensive enchantment is augmented by the force field of the Invisible Woman and an energy shield from Iron Man, sufficient, if but barely, to stop the Void from destroying the heroes while it was being attacked by the combined forces of the X-Men, the Avengers, the Inhumans, the Fantastic Four, and the Atlanteans. Strange also worked with Richards and Reynolds to wipe the memory of the Sentry from everyone’s minds.[volume & issue needed]
House of M
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Doctor Strange used the Eye of Agamotto to present the Scarlet Witch with a memory so terrible she collapsed from it, and ended the chaos she was inadvertently causing during the events of ‘’Avengers Disassembled’’; the frail Wanda was taken by her father Magneto, to the mutant island nation of Genosha for many months. After a desperate and grieving Magneto enlists the aid of his old friend and enemy, Professor Charles Xavier, to help his mentally unstable daughter, the Scarlet Witch, Xavier in turn summons his fellow Illuminati and long-time friend Doctor Strange, but even their combined efforts were not enough to help her. Strange tells the Avengers and the X-Men he has done all he can for her, and he does not believe anything in the mystic arts can help her, but he is still researching for a way to heal and free Wanda. Though Strange does not offer his own opinion when the gathered heroes at Avengers Tower discuss Wanda’s fate, he claims that together, he, Xavier and Emma Frost can shield the heroes from Wanda’s power and goes with the Avengers and X-Men to Genosha, tracking down Wanda to an old building after Xavier vanishes, but was unable to negate or disrupt her reality-warp in time or even to preserve his own memories. Strange is a psychologist in this reality (a surprising desire of the heart, unless Strange is not one of Wanda’s friends) who attends to Robert Reynolds, who claims of the presence of a dark shadow within his mind (the Void). The position of Sorcerer Supreme is in the hands of another, more sinister man, one who serves as a powerful enemy of Ms. Marvel, by the name of Warren Traveler, armed with the Eye of Watoomb, a man whose magical abilities were extremely high, yet threatened to drive him insane; even Strange was overwhelmed by his powers.
After Emma Frost and Layla Miller join forces to unlock his memories, Strange goes with the heroes to Genosha, able to connect with magic once more (though it is unclear to what precise extent, due to the office of Sorcerer Supreme already held; thus, the Vishanti and other Principalities cannot supply the same amount of vast power and authority to two people, as much of Strange’s former power was from the position of Sorcerer Supreme), but apparently powerless to himself restore reality and reverse Wanda’s spell. In his astral form, he finds and reaches out to a presently-sane Wanda playing with her created children. Strange discovers that Pietro was the one who was truly responsible for the House of M, and telepathically informs Emma of this. A level Emma, having failed to find Xavier’s body with the help of Cloak, tells Strange to ask Wanda where Xavier was, but, against Strange's pleas that now would not be a suitable time for his presence, Hawkeye shoots Wanda in the back with an arrow, angrily blaming her for his death and the House of M while saying he had deeply cared for her.
After this, and the second death of Clint Barton, inflicted by the unharmed Witch herself, through her children as power conduits, albeit accidentally, a shaken and alarmed Doctor Strange tells her to put the world back, and Wanda flies outside to resurrect her slain brother and confront Magneto himself. Strange cautions the remaining heroes not to attack her while in such an unstable state, and quickly tries to counter Wanda’s spell of ‘’No More Mutants’’ with his own spell-casting while assisted by Emma Frost, but is sadly able to only shield several hundred mutants out of millions formerly.
Strange explains to the confused Avengers that only those his magic and Emma’s telepathy were able to protect retained their memories, while others forgot of the entire event. Spider-Man demands Strange uses his magic to take his memories of the illusory reality from his mind, but Strange refuses, saying that is not how the magics work. A troubled Strange claims that, as his job was to prevent something exactly like the House of M and its aftermath, he has “failed completely,” one of the various factors that would eventually lead to his loss of his role.
Strange was unable to break the successfully wrought spell or even find Wanda with his powers afterward, and, after the joining of the New Avengers, explains to Beast, who was searching desperately for a way to reverse Decimation, that her magic has affected the Multiverse (and all of magic) itself, and even a mere attempt on reversing it could wipe them all from existence by imploding reality itself. Shortly after this confrontation, Strange is met with far more pressing issues that even the shocking consequences of the House of M…
Civil War and aftermath
It is revealed that Doctor Strange has been a member of the Illuminati, a secret alliance of several prominent superheroes, since just after the Kree-Skrull War.[6] In the final known meeting of the group, Strange vehemently opposes the proposed Superhuman Registration Act, and informs Iron Man and Mister Fantastic that they are never to call on him again. Some time later,[7] Wong tells Hank Pym and the Wasp that Strange has no intention of supporting the Act and is in seclusion in the Arctic. The government declares Dr. Strange exempt from registration.[8] He is then seen in the North Pole, fasting and meditating. Strange expresses regret on his lack of involvement in the Civil War after joining the New Avengers and finding new love.
Following the Civil War, Doctor Strange joins the renegade team New Avengers,[9] and houses the team in his Sanctum Sanctorum under the guise of a Starbucks under construction, as well as aiding the team on their first missions, being key to their continued success at avoiding loss, such as disabling the Mighty Avengers with mental illusions, teleporting them away from Elektra to the Silver Samurai while in Japan, freeing Maya from the Hand's dark magic and defeating the ninjas, saving their Ultron-virus infected plane, casting a series of spells helping to calm the panicking symbiote-infected people to return to their homes, and enabling the New Avengers to best the Hood, at least temporarily.[10] Nonetheless, Strange's powers, as he later reveals, have been weakened considerably, by both the events of World War Hulk and his use of Zom's uncontrollable dark magic.
Strange is still consulted by other superheroes even after the Civil War, such as when Hank McCoy sought him for aid concerning Decimation and Wanda's spell (to which he replied he cannot break it without destroying all reality, and that Wanda's magic has permeated perhaps billions of other realities and alternate dimensions), and when Spider-Man came to seek his magical expertise in healing Aunt May, to which he tried to help Peter Parker by using the Hands of Death to send him around the entire world to consult others, but says to Peter that even his magic cannot help May now, or at least he is unable to use it to help her. However, pro-Registration heroes are not allowed to see him, such as Iron Man.
World War Hulk
Dr. Strange was among the members of the Illuminati who, alarmed at the continuing destruction caused by the Hulk, agreed to exile the Hulk into space, despite Namor's fury that Strange, having "known him the longest" consent to such an unprecedented plan; Strange tells Namor that he merely seeks to aid the Hulk, having failed to cure Bruce Banner, despite all his magic.[11] When the Hulk returned to Earth seeking vengeance, in World War Hulk, Strange flies to outer space in his astral form and declines Iron Man's request to use magic to again banish the Hulk, arguing the Hulk would simply return again, insteading offering Iron Man the aid of the New Avengers to evacuate and help defend New York, which Stark gladly accepts.[12]
Doctor Strange, after astral-projecting himself to the “entire superhuman community,” and conscripting all those who were not already summoned, such as Spider-Man and She-Hulk, to the defense of New York, remains in his Sanctum Sactorum, observing the battle of the Hulk against the Ghost Rider while establishing contact with Reed Richards, telling him that it would be possible for the Ghost Rider to defeat the Hulk, explaining that the Rider’s power was “boundless” and “godlike,” and also informing him when Johnny Rider lost control of the Ghost Rider, for the Rider only defended the innocent, which none of the Iluminati were.
Strange continues to remain in his mansion several miles away from the battlescene with Iron Fist, Ronin and Echo, while the other New Avengers aid the Mighty Avengers and other heroes, such as She-Hulk and Doc Samson, with evacuation. Strange tells his friends that the Hulk was “never a killer,” despite some doubt from the others, and, despite Echo’s suggestion of quickly ending the World War Hulk by permanently removing the Hulk, destroying his life, Strange refuses, asking her coldly, “And lose my soul forever, Echo?” in response. Strange next casts a spell to seek the person who could both defeat and redeem the Hulk, apparently meaning Bruce Banner himself, and enters the Hulk’s mind when Rick Jones stirred enough emotion and memory, combined with the vicious attack of General Ross, to create an opening for Strange’s astral form. Within the mind of the Hulk, Strange sees the inside of Banner’s mind, and attempts to calm and reason with him, reminding them of their history and friendship, as well as insisting the bomb was not planted by the Illuminati. Just as the Hulk reverts to his Bruce Banner form, and a sympathetic Strange presents himself in a physical form, he turns back and crushes Strange’s hands. Strange’s illusions and protective spells on the Sanctum Sanctorum are quickly broken by Hiroim the Shadow Priest, and is unable to sustain his new, flawed defense spells for long, unable to access resources in his mansion to heal them sufficiently in the time he had, though he and Wong, through the use of a magical handcuff-like object, tried to do so, or at least alleviate his suffering and stop the flow of blood.
When in a confrontation with Hulk, Strange's hands were crushed, thereby limiting his magic abilities. Strange invoked the power of Zom to battle the Hulk, drinking Zom's soul to become a semi-demonic version of himself, and defeats Hiroim, the Shadow Priest.
Strange chants the incantation: In the name of the Eternal, By the Rings of Raggadorr, Though his spirit be infernal, Zom must live once more. And may he who dies...die well.
However, the unfamiliar use of such vast dark magic weakened his control over his new powers, which caused Strange to almost kill civilians. The shaken Strange is overpowered by the Hulk, implanted with an Obedience Disk, and is forced to first fight a giant, tentacled monster, then battle the other Illuminati members. The Sentry arrives in time to save the Illuminati, and Strange is freed, though his mind, body and soul were all evidently scarred by this incident.[13]
Secret Invasion: The Infiltration
Later, the Illuminati inadvertently precipitated a secret infiltration of Earth by the shapeshifting, alien Skrull race by attacking the homeworld after delivering a warning not to endanger their planet again, leading to their capture, experimentation and analysis, which enabled the Skrulls to perform enough reverse biological engineering and cloning to gather the resources required to launch the covert invasion.
Doctor Strange, saying that his powers are no longer sufficient to magically bring the New Avengers to Japan, instead teleports the seven of them on board a Rand Corporate Jet owned by Iron Fist to retrieve Maya Lopez. The New Avengers, after succeeding in doing so, are teleported by Strange to the Silver Samurai, and are found yet again by the Hand and Elektra. Strange's astral form frees Maya, who in turns slays Elektra, revealing her to be a Skrull. On the ride home, Strange is silent and pensive, not participating in the discussion of the Skrull and the invasion, even though he was among those who started it. Strange only gives in to agitation when the plane begins to fall, and casts a spell (Vistanti Lununani Steenani) and it is unclear what precise effect is has, though it is evident it has failed to stop the plane from crashing. Strange is knocked out cold, but eventually returns to the Sanctum Sanctorum with the Avengers.
The disturbed Iron Man, having received the Skrull corpse from Veranke, summons the other five Illuminati members to discuss the threat. In astral form, Strange is the first to arrive, asking Stark whose body it is that is before them, while expressing his initial reluctance to attend and his surprise at Stark calling them back togther says, "curiosity...got the best of me." When asked how the New Avengers were by Iron Man, a cool Strange informs Stark he is not to have the "Why are you doing this?" kind of conversation with Stark, to which the latter replies he does not care for "any of that" any more. Strange after giving his congratulations to Professor X for his healed legs, explains to the Illuminati that the New Avengers had found the Skrull impersonating Elektra in Japan, and Spider-Man's senses, Wolverine's mutant power, and his own magic was unable to detect it. When the Illuminati were caught by surprise when the Black Bolt at the meeting was a Skrull, Doctor Strange's astral form withstood the massive explosion unscathed and conjures a magical binding spell (Cytorrak's Crimson Bands) on it, only for the Skrull, possessing mystical powers of its own, to break free of it and temporarily dispel Strange's astral form. Strange returns in a physical form and Iron Man tells Xavier to have Strange teleport them four out of there; Strange does so and a small nuclear bomb is detonated to destroy the two other Super-Skrulls attacking. The five Illuminati members then go each his own separate way, realizing that they have lost far more than just a world: they have lost each other's trust, and their ability to trust; the Illuminati is essentially no more.[14]
Before the invasion was fully underway, Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum had been invaded by the crime syndicate of the supervillain the Hood, prompting Strange to use of darker magic than normal; this lapse prompts him to temporarily depart this plane to heal himself and to reflect on his worthiness to be Earth's Sorcerer Supreme.[15] In the Prologue to the New Avenger issues following this disastrous event, it is revealed that Strange had lost both his mastery of the Mystic Arts and the Sanctum Sanctorum: "The attack at the Sanctum Sanctorum was fierce, and though the Avengers won the day, they did so at the cost of Doctor Strange, who lost both his mastery of the mystic arts and his home."
A Skrull scientist describes to Veranke that Doctor Strange is “one of the masters of this dimension’s mystic arts,” and at the relatively early stage of the invasion, before House of M, Veranke tells the other disguised Skrulls that they are to “start at the top of the list, taking them out one at a time,” and names Strange the first of the “bigger guns,” along with Doctor Doom, Namor, the Scarlet Witch, and Hercules. However, after M-Day, and after the reemergence of the Sentry, the Skrull Jarvis tells his fellow Skrulls, “The humans are doing our work for us. Thor is gone. The Witch is gone. Doctor Strange will buckle…” Another Skrull cuts in, “You’re wrong about Strange,” but the Skrull Jarvis says, “You’ll see. He’s an arrogant magician who could be pushed to any--” in response, causing a third Skrull to claim, “He’s a practiced sorcerer--” Jarvis merely says, “You’ll see,” concluding their Strange discussion and beginning their Sentry one. While Veranke was disguised as Spider-Woman, she did not seem to take any special interest in Strange, nor did she appear to attempt to do harm to him.[volume & issue needed] The Skrulls either fail to replace Strange, or they believe Strange will collapse himself or is an insufficient threat, even though he was one of those whom struck their empire years ago. The Skrull Jarvis was indeed correct in his prediction of Strange falling. When Strange was studied by the Skrulls, the scientists were confounded by his mystical abilities, instead calling in the priests from their Vovco Islands, yet were able to contain him in an energy field after stripping him of his Cloak and Eye. Though Strange was unable to sufficiently cloak the Illuminati ship, he was able to, after reclaiming his artifacts, perform a short spell that kept Iron Man's heart valves pumping until they returned. Strange then casts The Images of Ikonn and succeeds in fooling the Skrull armada (with the aid of Professor X's psychic powers) that Galactus was attacking.[16]
The Hood and his syndicate of criminals assail the Sanctum Sanctorum, tearing through Strange's illusions and defense spells, as well as shooting Strange himself. Wong manages to force the Hood away, and Strange summons Zom's dark magic in one ferocious mystical conflagration to defeat all his friends and enemies. Wong uses a reversal spell to undo the recent defense spell, and the Avengers feel major agony. Strange tells the Avengers, “Our struggles of late. I have had to call upon darker forces than I would normally use….Forces I thought I could control, but I can’t. It was arrogance. The same arrogance that led me down the path I’m on in the first place. My hands are useless again. And I tried to disguise it. All these years, and I have learned nothing. There’s—I’ve had no time to deal with what I’ve done, and the forces are overpowering me. I wanted to help you, my friends. I wanted so much to help my old friend Bruce Banner. But I failed. And I have failed at my task as Sorcerer Supreme of this dimension. I—I don’t think I can help you anymore. I need to atone for what I have done. I need to relearn all that I have lost. And put back magics which I had no business using in the first place. I can’t help you anymore. You need to leave here. We all do. I’m so sorry, my friends.” With a final word of, ‘’”Peesananbnaoo,’’” Strange departed for parts unknown, having lost everything that meant to him, and having fallen from power and grace as the Master of the Mystic Arts.
After Strange lost both his magic and home due to his use of destructive and uncontrollable dark power,[17] Danny Rand brings the New Avengers to their new headquarters, and, as he explains their new situation, he says, "Doctor Strange is out walking the Earth like Caine in Kung Fu...so we have no magic or hocus-pocus...".
Sebastian Druid, the grandson of the skilled but late mystic Doctor Druid comes to Greenwich Village to seek the aid and guidance of Doctor Strange over his newfound abilities and the book his grandfather left him, but Daisy Johnson, under the orders of Nick Fury, confronts and recruits him instead to combat the Skrull invasion. The Sanctum Sanctorum is clearly designated as "the former home" of Doctor Strange in this issue.[volume & issue needed]
Doctor Strange returns to Greenwich Village once more to combat a stampede from the Dream Realm, though he himself admits he is in no shape to do battle with the beasts unleashed, his hands still broken and his mystical energies at an all-time low. Daimon Hellstrom uses hellfire to destroy Nightmare’s beasts, and greets Strange, saying he looks like hell. Strange tells Daimon that he hears of Kyle Richmond’s New Defenders team, and states he is not interested, claiming he is “destined for a decidedly solitary existence” and that he should not have returned. Upon Daimon’s insistence that it was Strange who founded the Defenders in the first place, Strange questions this, saying that, “I’ve often wondered if I was following a ‘’’true path’’’ with my participation in that collective. Despite my best intentions, it never quite gelled. However…” Strange senses the Son of Satan’s destiny is intertwined with that of Nighthawk’s, saying he sees a cracked mirror image when he looks at Daimon. [18]
Dark Reign
Strange is said by Brian Reed Bendis to have fallen from grace as Sorcerer Supreme from a long while ago, from his earuly invocation of dark magic, his imbibing of Zom's essence, his failure to prevent the House of M or Decimation,
Doctor Strange is still unavailable to confront the universal threat of the destructive Elder God Chthon, and, in his place, Loki, in the guise of Wanda Maximoff, projects her astral form to gather a motley crew of "Mighty Avengers."[19]
Doctor Strange appears once more, with his Eye of Agamotto, but apparently without the Cloak of Levitation, along with the other five Illuminati, gazing at a projected image of the globe while floating. The reality-bending machine of Reed Richards, which he has dubbed the Bridge, has been tampered with by H.A.M.M.E.R. agents and now the other three members of the Fantastic Four are stuck in another time period. [20]
At the beginning of X-Infernus, which is after Secret Invasion and at the same time as Dark Reign, Strange is still unavailable, as he is nowhere to be found when the X-Men seek his aid.[21]
From the issues of Hulk #10-11, a Doctor Strange from an earlier time period appears (wearing the dark masked costume he had worn long ago to conceal his identity, during the period just prior to the first known gathering of the anti-team the Defenders) with the other three original Defenders to engage his longtime rival Mordo, allied with Terrax, Tiger Shark and Red Hulk. It is revealed that two of the Elders of the Universe, the Grandmaster and the Collector have made a bet involving the teams of the original Defenders, for the Grandmaster, clashing with the newly formed team of Offenders, for the Collector. Strange must work together with his allies to fend off the sinister foursome if he is to the save the life of the woman he loves at the exact moment when he lost her.[22]
Rand also asked the gathered New Avengers prior to their battle with the Hood, which had been planned to be a trap, where Doctor Strange was. Luke, mirroring Danny’s own words last time the New Avengers discussed the sorcerer, claimed that, “He’s out walking the Earth like Caine in Kung Fu." The Hood and his army also taunted the Avengers, saying this time there is no Doctor Strange to enable them to prevail.[volume & issue needed]
Strange, wearing black clothing without his Eye of Agamotto or the Cloak of Levitation, contacts Wiccan, attempting to find out if he is the one destined to be the next Sorcerer Supreme, mentioning that he had previously met with Jennifer Kale, only to find that she was not the one. Shortly after speaking with Billy, Strange is attacked by the Hood, and teleports outside the New Avengers' doorstep, magically wounded and pleading for help.[23]
The Avengers race to help the fallen Doctor Strange battle the forces of the Dark Dimension as they make their earthly power play, with the entire Marvel Universe hanging in the balance, with the Hood, on Dormammu's commands, desperate to destroy Strange to claim his much-desired office of Sorcerer Supreme.[24]
When describing Doctor Strange and his battle against Baron Mordo...
"I love these two guys," says Loeb. "They worked together when Strange started out. Mordo was in a weird way the good guy when Strange was being the arrogant surgeon. So they are pretty evenly matched. Only, now Mordo has the ego problem and Strange is very confident.
"We picked the time when [Strange] wore the mask strictly as a fanboy thing. I'm pretty sure most readers aren't aware that back in the day the Doctor Strange comic was about to be cancelled, and so for a few issues, maybe three, Marvel tried to make him more 'superhero-y.' It didn't work, and the book still got cancelled. The interesting thing—at least to me—is the next time you saw Doc Strange was in the very first Defenders appearance."[citation needed]
At the 2009 Emerald City ComiCon, writer Brian Bendis implied that Doctor Strange may next approach Nico Minoru of the Runaways, seeing as the search is "not done yet".[25]
In New Avengers #53, Doctor Strange and the eight New Avengers continue their struggle against Dormammu and the Hood as the battle for the new Sorcerer Supreme continues, with a healed Strange, having regained his original costume, including the Eye of Agamotto and the Cloak of Levitation, trying to protect them as they fight a battle that "will shape the future of the Marvel Universe for years to come."
The new Sorcerer Supreme has been chosen, having passed the initiative. [26]
Powers and abilities
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Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth's Universe, with the greatly extended lifespan befitting his station. Described as "the greatest and most learned magician on Earth," he has unparalleled mastery of the mystic arts, which he uses to defend this reality from otherworldly threats. His primary magical patrons are a group of entities known as "the Vishanti", a trinity of godly beings composed of Agamotto, Hoggoth and Oshtur. He has, on rare occasions, called upon the power of the demon Dormammu, an arch-nemesis; Strange more frequently did so before he realized Dormammu's true dark nature in the earlier issues.
Strange holds an M.D. in neurosurgery, although his ability to perform such delicate tasks has been compromised due to his accident. He is also an accomplished martial artist, learning martial arts as part of his training to be a mystic, able to dodge a kung fu chop by Mantis, something "only three others have ever done", and possesses considerable strategic skills, which he has employed as leader of the Defenders, all of which, combined with his level of intellect rivaling that of Reed Richards, Tony Stark, and the other great minds of the Marvel Universe and surpassing even those of amazingly gifted intellect such as Peter Parker, makes Strange a most formidable being indeed.
Dr. Strange's powers are all mystical but take several forms. Main manifestations include:
- Personal abilities — As a result of his mystic training, Dr. Strange is capable of manipulating the forces of magic as well as reality for a great many abilities such as astral projection, telepathy, hypnotism or mesmerism, thought-casting, illusion-casting, and several others. These are put in a separate category because he seems to perform these functions as a telepath would, not needing to manipulate magic to do it. These abilities can be exhausted through over-use but can be amplified by mystic energy (as against Moondragon) or the Eye of Agamotto (done countless times) to afford Strange powerful psychic abilities. Doctor Strange uses astral projection more frequently than any of his other abilties, as it is among his own personal abilties and he has mastered it for many decades. In his astral form, Doctor Strange does not need to breathe, eat, drink or sleep, is unrestricted by physical laws (for example, Strange has flown beyond Earth’s atmosphere, defying gravity with ease to speak with Iron Man), is invisible (though can be seen by any if he wished it so), intangible, and incapable of being harmed by all but the most powerful and rigorous of mystic means. Such is the skill and mastery of Doctor Strange that he is capable of spending up to 24 hours upon the astral plane before he must rejoin his ethereal form with his physical one, lest succumb to corporeal deterioration leading to bodily death and eternal suspension as a spirit. The physical form remains in an inert, death-like trance, vulnerable to both physical and magical forms of harm while the astral form is absent. If harm were to befall his physical form while he was in his astral form, he would be stranded in his wraith-like state. Though Strange has only his personal abilities in his astral form, the Ring of the Ancient One/Ring (of Full Power) can grant him access to the same resources he possesses in his physical body.
- Universal sources — By manipulating the ambient mystical energy of this universe, Dr. Strange can perform a great many functions. Commonly this is seen as energy bolts that range from low power to planet destroying, transmutation, telekinesis, teleportation, protective shields, etc. He uses this mystical energy to cast spells of a near infinite variety. Dr. Strange has also been shown to amass as much wealth/gold as he desires using magic, as he has done to pay debts.
- Divine sources — Dr. Strange can channel the virtually unlimited extra-dimensional energy of nigh-omnipotent mystical and non-mystical beings in multiple dimensions (known as Principalities) to empower his spells, as many other sorcerers do. This can take the form of standard spells ("Crimson Bands of Cyttorak") or just stating what he wants to occur and channeling some being to make it happen. This ability to be a conduit to multiversal power sources has given rise to the phrase "Dr. Strange is as powerful as the god he invokes."
Doctor Strange's powers typically come from one of three divine sources: The Vishanti (a trinity formed of Hoggoth, Oshtur, and Agamotto), the Octessence (a group of eight beings, consisting of Balthakk, Cyttorak, Farallah, Ikonn, Krakkan, Raggadorr, Valtorr, and Watoomb) and other beings who owe him a debt (this includes Satannish and even Dormammu). However, certain abilties of his stem from more obscure sources, such as the Faltine, the Seraphim, Cinnibus, Sheol, Ikthalon, Denak, Cyndriarr, Munnopor, Morpheus, Dyzakk, the Olympian deities (such as Poseidon and Hades) and others.
- In the miniseries "The Oath", it is said that he cannot use magic that can replicate anything discovered by human science.
- By force of will, Dr. Strange can "take" the power of another entity. This does not require the use of a spell. He uses this ability against Captain Universe[citation needed] as well as against Arioch and Shuma-Gorath in Strange Tales Volume 2. This is considered black magic and as such, he rarely employs this. Also, when taking the powers of omnipotent entities, he can absorb their mind and assume their duties and roles in the dimension in which they exist. But, if his will falters, he can lose all sense of self.
- In the Black Magic saga in Strange Tales (vol. 2), Dr. Strange also became proficient in Black Magic under the tutelage of Kaluu, including using the necromantic energy released in death for various effects. After he purged Shuma-Gorath from himself, he has since stopped using black magic.
- At a certain period, Dr. Strange became a receptacle of Earth's Gaia magic through the use of a forge built with the support of all his magical artifacts. This energy was exhausted in the War of Seven Spheres.
- For a brief period, research from the Vishanti library led Strange to tap into "catastrophe magic" by invoking a mystical alignment of all the planets, but this source of magic was limited and he ceased using it specifically as a source of his power.
- Strange's magical powers at their greatest peak exceeds that of even the Watcher Uatu and rivals that of other great beings, such as the Heralds of Galactus or Ronan the Accuser. Strange has been shown to be able to destroy the Hulk with a twitch of his finger.[volume & issue needed]
In the Marvel canon, virtually any human is capable of learning and harnessing magic — considered simply another form of energy within continuity — through training; however, each person has a different potential.
Dr. Strange is functionally immortal, having the immortallity conferred upon him by the Ancient One after Strange assumed the title of Sorcerer Supreme.[citation needed] He does not age nor succumb to medical diseases, though he can be killed. His physical appearance is usually a man in his 40's even though he is chronologically in his 80's.[citation needed] He also survived five thousand years in the War of Seven Spheres but his memory of this period has magically faded so it may not count towards his chronological age.
Doctor Strange has certain weaknesses, however, exploitable by adversaries and opponents: It has been said Strange's power is weaker against strictly science-based opponents, though this is illogical, as many times it has been stated magic is superior to science in the Marvel Universe. Strange also depends on spoken incantations, mystical gesturing, and his arcane artifacts in his duties; likely these can be counted as weaknesses, as Strange was incapacitated various times by being gagged and bound, preventing him from uttering arcane invocations or performing mystic gestures. Another weakness is that Strange, despite all his spells and magical training, is only "human physically." Hence, if not taking proper care or defense, Strange can be overpowered by mere blows, energy attacks, or gas.
The mansion where Dr. Strange lives, his Sanctum Sanctorum, is located at 177A Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, New York City, New York, which in this universe was the actual address of the apartment building in which the series writer at that time actually lived. Strange has imbued the mansion with several spells (mostly protective, some proactive, other based upon concealment and disguise). In the comic, "Steven Sanders" was shown reading a telegram addressed to him there.
Artifacts
Strange's own power is often amplified by the numerous magical artifacts that are in his possession or by artifacts that he uses in the course of his adventures. The three artifacts he carries with him at all times are the Eye of Agamotto, the Cloak of Levitation, and the yellow sash tied around his waist.
- The Eye of Agamotto (which resides within the Amulet of Agamotto worn at Dr. Strange's throat) is a powerful and valued artifact that has many functions. Using the Eye, Strange can see through any lie, deception or illusion, send the eye out at light speed to intercept and absorb massive amounts of any type of energy and free others who are trapped in their own illusions. It is often used to amplify his mind's eye, giving psychic abilities that rival the most powerful of telepaths. It is also often used to play back an area's past events and open dimensional portals, as well as placing beings in suspended animation. The Eye can track beings by their psychic or magical emissions. The light given off by the Eye also weakens a variety of evil mystical beings, such as demons, devils, undead beings, dark extradimensional entities, and even sufficiently corrupt human practitioners of dark magic. When used offensively, no being can withstand its light for long; due to its lethal effect, it is often used as a weapon of last resort. The Eye appears to be dimensionally linked to the Orb of Agamotto, and is presented to the current Sorcerer or Sorceress Supreme to aid them in their great duties. The amulet can only be used by a being with a pure heart and a clean soul.
- The Cloak of Levitation allows him to fly, and responds to his thoughts. Strange has used it many times as a "third set of hands" to attack a foe when his own body has been incapacitated. The Cloak is nearly indestructible, often escaping damage during even the most violent confrontations. The cloak has acted independently from Strange as though it has a will of its own. The cloak has been nearly destroyed on at least three occasions:
- Strange Tales (vol. 1) #157 — During a battle with Zom at Stonehenge. Strange was able to reconstruct it in a display of power to prove to The Living Tribunal that Strange was worthy to set right the cosmic events recently unleashed
- Doctor Strange vol. 2, #77 — During a battle with the demon Khat while Strange was in the slow decline of his white-magical powers. The cloak was repaired by Enitharmon the Weaver, the former master of Strange's second apprentice, Rintrah. While the damage to the Cloak on this occasion was not as severe as previously, Strange was unable to repair it himself
- The third instance is convoluted. During his attempt to garner a new power-base for himself, after foregoing the powers and protections of the Vishanti, Strange went underground to create his new power forge, and when he was finished he was rejuvenated, younger-looking and wearing a new costume (including a mystical black body suit) and he had transformed the Cloak into something more resembling a Kimono or robe[27] however, soon he was drafted into the War of the Seven Spheres by the Vishanti. After battling for five thousand years in another dimension, Strange was returned to Earth (at a time mere months from when he was spirited away) a tattered shambles.[28] His magical abilities depleted and his new Robe/Cloak shredded. He soon incorporated elements of the cloak into what would be called the "Overcoat of Levitation"; a red trench coat with the Cloak's gold trim along the collar. He soon returned, however, to his traditional Cloak.
- The Sash of Dr. Strange, worn around Strange's waist, this enchanted yellow sash can be extended ten times its normal length [29]
- The Orb of Agamotto, a large crystal ball which he uses daily to monitor the surrounding dimensions and his own world for trouble;
- The Wand of Watoomb, which amplifies his power and absorbs mystical energy that can be utilized for a variety of effects, such as reopening dimensional portals and firing mystic bolts; near-omnipotent power-item that can be divided into two seperate, though powerless, parts, and can restructure reality itself when combined with other mystical objects
- The Book of the Vishanti, which contains some of the multiverse's most powerful and secret spells and counter-spells for white magic, opposed to the dark arts of the Darkhold
He owns countless other artifacts he can bring out in times of need. Among them include:
- The Hands of the Dead, a highly powerful item created fifteen centuries ago, that allows Strange and others to "enter the tides of time and space, travel the world in the blink of an eye, even be in several places at the same time" though can be damaging to one's non-material self if unused to such travel; used for Peter Parker in One More Day
- The Atlantean Dreamwave, used by Strange to explore the nightmares of John Blaze
- The Book of Demonicus, used by Strange to gain information on Avarrish.
- The Book of Eibon, during the days of Hyperborea, about 750,200 years ago, it was the time of the wizard Eibon, greatest wizard of Hyperborea. He wrote his knowledge down in what became known to mankind as 'the Book of Eibon'. Over the millenia the Book of Eibon was owned by many sorcerers and collectors. It came into the hands of the Ancient One at one time, who passed the book on to his disciple Dr. Stephen Strange, who considers it one of his most treasured artifacts, though stolen by Urthona, yet was restored by Agamotto
- The Brazier of Bom'galiath, used by Strange to enable Eric Masterson to travel to Mephisto's Hell
- The Tome of Oshtur, an ancient book of long-lost spells written by the omnipotent Oshtur
- The Serum of the Seraphim, an all-purpose elixir capable of curing both mystic and non-mystic ailments, described as "the most potent medicine known to the occult"; the serum is so powerful that only a few ounces are needed. It is usually kept in tiny ornale containers holding just a few ounces. Any being drinking this serum is instantly returned to his full health and has all of his wounds healed. Any magical fungus, physical curses (like blindness), or diseases are held in check, then slowly cured over a few days time; either Strange has run out of the Serum recently or its powers have limits: it could not be used apparently to heal Wong's brain cancer or mend Strange's shattered hands
- The Scrolls of Watoomb, a precious source of magical knowledge written by Watoomb in an unidentified past, giving their user quicker and safer control over the Winds of Watoomb, as well as a greater power to the Winds; the Scrolls also increased the power of the sorcerer wielding them
- The Ring of the Ancient One, which can be used to allow Doctor Strange to do anything he is capable of in physical form while astrally projecting, as well as to take on the form of the Ancient One himself
- The Crystal of Kadavus - The Crystal is a fist-sized, diamond-like gemstone that is cut to resemble a skull. When using the proper incantation and exposing it to the light of a full moon, it focuses dimensional forces. When this focused beam is aimed at a magical item it is completely restored to fulI power, even if the item had previously been drained of its magic powers or “destroyed”. This procedure must be repeated for at least two nights of the full moon before the item is restored to full power. The Crystal has been used to restore or contain the power of the Wand of Watoomb.
- The Eye of Zartra, an enchanted "eldritch gem" plucked by Prince Namor from the Sword of Kamuu (thus halving its power) and given as a token of friendship to Strange; enhances the power of the ancient Atlantean Sword of Kammu and provides the Sword's user with immunity to magic
- The Cauldron of the Cosmos, kept in the Meditation Chamber and allowing Strange to "dwell upon the immutable mysteries of the universe" for hours, used basically for consultation and scrying
- The Oculus Oroboros - The Oculus Oroboros is one of the most powerful, maybe 'the' most powerful conduit for elemental magick ever; gathers elemental magical energy and stores it to be used again at will. For centuries it was hidden for the senes of magicians by a cloaking spell, till the day that archeologist disturbed it, and it was resurfaced again. The Oculus was collected by Strange's ethereal construct Strange during the time that he was searching for amulets of Earthbound magick to fuel his new power source; depicts a snake eating its own tail.
- The Gaea shard, a crystal containing a sliver of the essence of the Elder Goddess Gaea, wielded by Dr. Strange against the Undying Ones [30]
- The Hand of the Vishanti, capable of locating others by helping them expel their ethereal form and given to Peter Parker in order for him to track down Shade through Peter entering the Astral Plane [31]
- The Jewel of Transhypnosis, owned by the Ancient One, can teleport its wielder into another dimension by focusing their concentration upon it and has the power to transform matter into imagination.
- The Kartkuthi, a book held by Dr. Strange, one passage was read by Wong to liberate Strange's astral self when it had been trapped by a mystic sword of the Hand with which he had been impaled; Strange finished the spell to release his astral form and help the Avengers win the day by freeing Maya. [32]
- The Iris of the All-Seeing Oracle, a summoning tool kept in the Sanctum Sanctorum used to scry upon specific locations and persons
- The Oracle of Agamotto, a back-up device used by Doctor Strange after the Orb was broken and before Clea mended it
- The Orb of Snnnr, used by Dr. Strange to communicate with the Pitiful One. [33]
- Oktid's Elixir, an immensely powerful potion able to cure all diseases on Earth that "has the power to erase what troubles the mind of man"; stolen from Oktid by Dr. Strange, destroyed by Nicodemus West; one drop was saved and used by Strange to cure Wong of brain cancer. [34]
- The Scroll of Eternity, kept for ages by the Aged Geghis (who gave it to Strange), it holds a spell that opens a gate to a mystic realm close to Eternity; it holds the name of Eternity and it can assume that the spell, when used properly, will indeed transport the caster to Eternity, but when only the slightest mistake is made, this spell will open a gate to a world ruled by a demon who is come to be known as the Demon in the Mask, the Realm of Eternal Madness
- The Sword of the Ultimate Shadow, a magical sword that is able to inflict great physical pain through the astral body, pain that cannot be stopped by mystical energies, even those as potent as the Shield of the Seraphim; once used by Strange's evil double from the Infinity War and is now again stored, protected by spells in his Sanctum Sanctorum.
- The Star of Capistan, a ruby larger than any other existent, its sentience and wicked will of its own corrupted Strange, yet the Sorcerer Supreme, with a Eye of Agamotto having failed him, and his participation in the Order weakening his own sanity, used the Star as his amulet instead; the Star was sensitive to human brainwaves on a global and possibly even cosmic scale; Strange reverted to the Eye shortly, with the Star's current whereabouts unknown, though is likely hidden, in the Sanctum Sanctorum or elsewhere due to its lethal and sinister nature
- The Purple Gem, one of the many enchanted gems of power from the Purple Dimension of Aggamon passed down to Strange through the late Ancient One; a device to bridge the dimensions, it provides a means to enter (or become trapped in) the Purple Dimension, can amplify and focus the Eye of Agamotto's power, entrap an opponent, though ancient and cunning masters of Asgardian magic such as the god Loki resisted being sent to the Purple Dimension (or if he was actually sent there, he was able to return instaneously under his own power) and the conjured portal was shattered by one gesture; said by Strange to have even greater hidden potential, and unlocks more of its vast power when used with a Dimensional Energy incantation that calls on Aggamon's strength.
- The Staff of David, used by Doctor Strange in battle with Wandor.
- The Talisman of Abraxas, an amulet Doctor Strange gave to Namor the Sub-Mariner to palliate his personality shifts
- The Wands of Satannish, objects kept by Strange within the Nisanti cabinet
- Two mirrors, needed for a "radical spell" used to renew the enchanted barrier around the Sanctum Sanctorum
- An enchanted deck of tarot cards utilized by Doctor Strange with his subconscious mind after the original Defenders had disbanded, to choose the best heroes to handle the problem; the heroes would go each their separate ways after the problem was solved
- An magical amulet given to Eric Masterson by Strange to shield him from detection from the demons in Mephisto's Hell; lost in Hell
- Two Gems That are One, magical jewels stolen from Dr. Strange by Urthona [35]
As a result of being a member of the Illuminati, he has also come into possession of the "Soul" Gem of the Infinity Gauntlet, though he has sworn not to ever use it or to reveal its location. Strange also once kept the Book of the Darkhold in his library of the Sanctum Sanctorum, but it has since been removed. Strange was also in possession of the virtually indestructible sword Dragonfang, carved from the tusk of an extradimensional dragon and fell into the possession of the Ancient One, who in turn passed it down to his disciple, Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange then passed it onto Valkyrie; during the events of Ragnarok, she fell in battle and the sword got picked up by Lady Sif, lover of Thor, though Sif, too, eventually fell before Asgard's demise.
A desperate Strange was forced to use a spell to destroy all his magical artifacts to prevent the wicked Urthona from obtaining them, even his Eye and Orb of Agamotto. However, it is later revealed that Agamotto himself had teleported the artifacts to his own realm, and Strange later retrieved them from him, months later.
Dr. Strange shrunk his talismans and hid them behind the Eye of Agamotto. He restored them to their size when he was forced to confront the Infinity Gauntlet God-made Adam Warlock. The Scrolls of Watoomb were really useful to cancel the effects of the Gem of Space, the Winds of Watoomb recalled reading the Scrolls enabled Strange, Pip and Gamora to cover a distance of light-years in few seconds. Shortly later, Strange had to use all the talismans to increase his own powers and match, even if only for a few moments, the power of Adam Warlock. After the fight, Strange went back home and put the scrolls and the other talismans in their right place in his room. [36]
Finally, his Sanctum Sanctorum, due to the magic imbued within it, can be thought of as an artifact itself. The Sanctum consistently has a circular window with three swooping lines; this design has stayed with the building despite the window's destruction on many occasions. The design is actually the Seal of the Vishanti found in the window of Dr. Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum; it protects the Sanctorum from most supernatural invaders, also called "Window of the Worlds," or the Anomaly Rue.[37] This seal has failed in barring out Hiroim the Shadow Priest, and the Hood's army when both attacked the Sanctum Sanctorum, though possibly a factor in this was Strange's own broken hands and misuse of dark magic, damaging his ability to maintain even the enchantments of the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Spell manifestations
Dr. Strange often conjures specific magical effects for specific purposes. Among them are:
- Bolts of Bedevilment/Balthakk (as an offensive weapon)
- A Conjurer's Cone (to transport an enemy away to another realm)
- The Crimson Bands of Cyttorak (to bind someone)
- The Crystals of Cyndriarr (a mystical energy blast composed of yellow rectangular crystals, with the touch of "certain death")
- The Demons of Denak (summons what mainfests as numerous invisible claws, used for attack or to rip suitable objects apart)
- The Flames of the Faltine (as an offensive weapon)
- The Images of Ikonn (to create duplicate images of himself or others to confuse an enemy)
- The Icy Tendrils of Ikthalon (entraps the target in a freezing coating of ice)
- The Seven Rings of Raggadorr (Seven blue energy rings that surround him and deflect attacks)
- The Light of the All-Seeing Eye of Agamotto (to disperse an assailant's spell, to reveal the truth or to destroy an enemy's actual soul)
- The Shackles of Sheol (magenta bands which enwrap a being's legs and cross at the chest, used to trap and transport an opponent)
- The Shield of the Seraphim (as a protective barrier)
- The Vapors of Valtorr (as an obscuring fog)
- The Winds of Watoomb (as an offensive weapon or transportation)
- Chains of Krakkan (constricts an enemy in strong chains)
- The Mists of Morpheus (standard sleep spell)
- The Mists of Munnopor (summons a bluish gas which covers the face of the opponent and suffocates him)
- Seven Suns of Cinnibus (an energy blast that is as hot as seven suns)
- A Sorcerer's Sphere (a black-colored bubble that protects the Sorcerer inside, but absorbs all the mystical energy in the surrounding area. This absorbing-process normally takes one hour, but an adept sorcerer can make time go by faster so that it seems only minutes have elapsed)
As deus ex machina
|
In the Marvel canon, there are no clearly defined limits of what Dr. Strange can or cannot do. The stories themselves contradict one another: Dr. Strange is shown easily altering memories, or having complete mastery over time by either stopping it all together and rewinding it or traveling into the past in one story, then stating that his magic cannot do so in another instance. In some appearances he can stand against something as powerful as the Infinity Gauntlet, and in others he appears defenseless against simple physical attack by another person. Strange's ability to project energy surpasses that of even Uatu and roughly rivals that of the Silver Surfer.
Some writers have ignored canonical evidence that Dr. Strange has enchantments that shield his body from physical harm, and that he virtually does not age and can not die unless under his own terms (having made a deal with the omnipotent being Eternity which grants Stephen life as long as he wishes it so), with his predecessor as Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, having lived several centuries.
Dr. Strange is often used as a deus ex machina to stop, prevent or undo many world-altering events that occur in other characters' comic books. Examples include:
- In Uncanny X-Men #190-191 (Feb.-March 1985), the wizard Kulan Gath magically transformed New York City into an approximation of his own ancient time. Everyone, save for Strange and a handful of others, forgot who they were and assumed roles appropriate to such a reality. Strange was held prisoner by Kulan Gath, his flesh warped to prevent him speaking aloud or making mystical gestures. Despite numerous characters dying, the spell was eventually broken and reality was restored by Dr. Strange and Magik.
- In Micronauts #35 (Nov. 1981)[citation needed], Dr. Strange was instrumental in helping the Micronauts defeat ancient demons from Earth's past. As he kept the demons at bay, Commander Arcturus Rann rushed the Keys to the Enigma Force to the tomb of Prince Wayfinder, the creator of the Microverse. After opening the Tomb, Strange and Rann encountered the Sword in the Star, who merged them into a single entity, Captain Universe, in order to save the rapidly deteriorating Space Wall between Earth and the Microverse.
- In the Infinity Gauntlet six-issue limited series, Dr. Strange recruited the heroes to stop Thanos. He was one of the few heroes to survive Thanos' destruction of his opposition and was responsible for rescuing the few survivors in the final battle against Thanos and Nebula. Strange was one of the few people to remember that these events had occurred, the others being the Infinity Watch, the Silver Surfer and Thor, Strange and the latter two having witnessed Warlock's soul during the crisis and Warlock being unable to erase such knowledge.
- In Guardians of the Galaxy #31-33, Dr. Strange aided the titular, time-traveling team against an alien Badoon named L'Matto that had been granted the Uni-Power, transforming him into Captain Universe. A duel between the Badoon and the Guardian Charlie-27, which was appearing to be in L'Matto's favor, was turned in Charlie's favor with the intervention of Strange and fellow Guardians Vance Astro and Aleta Ogord, the latter of whom had just become the new Starhawk. With Dr. Strange's help, Aleta defeated the Captain Universe-empowered L'Matto and then exorcised the Uni-Power from L'Matto's body; the Badoon was left with his people to recover, while Strange returned to his studies, the Guardians returned to their home in the 31st century, and the Uni-Power headed off to find a new host.
- In House of M #7-8 (Nov.-Dec. 2005), Dr. Strange and Emma Frost prevented the Scarlet Witch from imposing her will on the entire world. Driven insane by her powers, Scarlet Witch reverted to the alternate reality she had created but stripped the majority of the world's mutants of their powers. Only a few who were shielded by Dr. Strange's spell and Frost's psychic powers retained their memories of the House of M reality and of what had transpired.
- In The Amazing Spider-Man #500, Dr. Strange appeared during an invasion by Dormammu and the Mindless Ones on New York City. Reed Richards of The Fantastic Four inadvertently released Dormammu from his "prison" by making a gun to send the Mindless Ones back to their dimension. Doctor Strange appeared in time to fight Dormammu and, with the help of Spider-Man, Cyclops and other heroes, Dormammu and the Mindless Ones were sent back to their dimension. As a result of the dimensional tampering, Baron Mordo was resurrected and after the battle he kidnapped Strange; what happened between this event and Strange's reappearance in the Marvel Universe is thus far unrevealed.
- In The Avengers #503, he defeats the Scarlet Witch whose powers had been causing widespread chaos throughout the Mavel Universe.
Major supporting characters
Villains
- Baron Mordo — A dark sorcerer and frequent threat.
- Dormammu — A fallen Faltinian being. When outcast, he chose to take a form of pure mystical energy to maintain most of his Faltine essence. He took over the Dark Dimension from the Mindless Ones and consistently tries to expand into other dimensions through conquest. Dormammu is a being of immense power and one of Strange's most frequent foes, perhaps even rightfully called his archenemy.
- Umar — A fallen Faltine. Sister of Dormammu, she chose to take a lesser and more conventionally human physical form in order to experiment with physical pleasures. She is the mother of Clea.
- Nightmare — Ruler of the dream dimension, father of Dreamqueen and inspiration for Gaiman's The Sandman.[citation needed] Though he is a threat to Strange and to humanity, his existence is necessary, since without Nightmare, humanity would go insane. Appeared in Doctor Strange's debut story in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963).
- Shuma-Gorath — A vastly powerful extra-dimensional being of chaos magic and the ruler of thousands of realms which ruled the Earth ages ago. Unable to be destroyed, its essence is taken on by its supplanter. Shuma-Gorath crossing over into our dimension would be disastrous, and Doctor Strange has been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to stop it.
- Death — The personification of Death in Earth's dimension. It was in Doctor Strange's fight against Death that he proved himself worthy to be Sorcerer Supreme. Death has claimed that when Stephen finally fails in his duty she will take him; however, it is more likely that he will become one with Eternity, as have the Sorcerers Supreme before him.
- Satannish — One of the demon rulers of the dead. Strange's duties have occasionally led to conflict with this being.
- Mephisto — One of the demon rulers of the dead, originally introduced as a Silver Surfer foe, but who has since become a major entity in story arcs here and in Daredevil, Ghost Rider and other Marvel series. Strange's duties have occasionally led to conflict with this being.
Allies
- Agamotto
- The Ancient One
- Victoria Bentley
- Morgana Blessing
- Clea
- Eternity
- The Living Tribunal
- Night Nurse
- Rintrah
- The Vishanti
- Wong
Other versions
In other media
Animation
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends
- Dr. Strange appears in the "7 Little Superheroes" episode of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.
Marvel animated universe
- Doctor Strange appears momentarily in the animated series X-Men, in the second episode of "The Dark Phoenix Saga". A vision of him reacting to the Phoenix appears, followed by Thor and the Watcher.[citation needed]
- Strange appears in the Spider-Man: The Animated Series episode "Doctor Strange", voiced by the late John Vernon. Strange and Wong help Spider-Man rescue Mary Jane Watson from Mordo and Dormammu, as well as retrieve the Wand of Watoomb. In the end of the episode, he detects the presence of Madame Web. Mordo and Dormammu would later return to release the Symbiotes Venom and Carnage in the episodes "Venom Returns" and "Carnage".[citation needed]
- The 1997 episode "Mind Over Anti-Matter" of The Incredible Hulk animated series features him (voiced by Maurice LaMarche) and She-Hulk journeying into the mind of Bruce Banner when Banner is possessed by an evil force.[citation needed]
Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007 film)
- In the animated direct-to-DVD movie Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme, released August 14, 2007, gifted neurosurgeon Dr. Strange (voiced by Bryce Johnson) travels to Tibet after injuring his hands in a car accident, desperately seeking any means of healing them. Training with the Ancient One and his pupils, Dr. Strange faces the emergence of Dormammu.[38] Its broadcast premiere occurred November 1, 2008 on Cartoon Network.[citation needed]
Live-action
- The TV-movie adaptation Dr. Strange premiered on CBS on Sept. 6, 1978. Written and directed by executive producer Philip DeGuere, it starred Peter Hooten as Dr. Stephen Strange, Clyde Kusatsu as Wong, Jessica Walter as the villainous Morgan LeFay, Eddie Benton (later pseudonymously Anne-Marie Martin) as Clea Lake; Philip Sterling as Dr. Frank Taylor; Sir John Mills as Strange's mentor, Sorcerer Supreme Thomas Lindmer; Michael Ansara as the voice of the Ancient One; and Ted Cassidy as the voices of both the demon Balzaroth, as well as the comics' Dormammu. Larry Anderson has a cameo appearance. Produced by Universal Television, it served as the unsuccessful pilot for a series. In an interview found in the January 1985 issue of Comics Feature magazine, Stan Lee recounted largely positive experiences working on Doctor Strange, especially compared with the other live-action Marvel Comics adaptations under the publisher's development deal with CBS and Universal in the late 1970s:
Just as with the Hulk, Lee had few problems with the tv movie adaptation done of Dr. Strange. "I probably had the most input into that one. I've become good friends with the writer/producer Phil DeGuere. I was pleased with Dr. Strange and The [Incredible] Hulk. I think that Dr. Strange would have done much better than it did in the ratings except that it aired opposite Roots. Those are the only experiences I've had with live action television. Dr. Strange and the Hulk were fine. Captain America was a bit [of a] disappointment and Spider-Man was a total nightmare."[39]
- The 1992 Full Moon Features film Doctor Mordrid was originally intended as a live-action Dr. Strange film. However, the option expired before production could begin. The script was rewritten to include original characters not directly adapted from the comics property.[citation needed]
Planned film
A movie version of Doctor Strange was initially listed as being in pre-production in 1986, with a script by Bob Gale.[40] For unknown reasons the film never went further into production, but by December 1992, Wes Craven signed to write and direct, with Savoy Pictures distributing.[41] The film was set for release in either 1994 or 1995.[42] However, Savoy went bankrupt and Columbia Pictures purchased the film rights. David S. Goyer had completed a script in 1995.[43] In April 1997, Jeff Welch was working on a new screenplay, with Bernie Brillstein and Brad Grey producing.[44]
Michael France was then commissioned to write a script. Despite interest from Chuck Russell and Steve Norrington as directors, Columbia dropped Doctor Strange entirely.[45] By June 2001, Dimension Films acquired the film rights with Goyer back on board as writer and director. Goyer hinted scheduling conflicts might ensue with a film adaptation of Murder Mysteries,[46] and promised not to be highly dependent on computer-generated imagery.[43] By August 2001, Miramax Films acquired the film rights from Dimension,[47] but by March 2002, Goyer dropped out of the project.[48]
A 2005 release date was announced in March 2003,[49] while in June 2004, a script still had yet to be written. Avi Arad was in search of an A-list writer.[50] In April 2005, Paramount Pictures acquired Doctor Strange from Miramax, with a planned budget of $50–$165 million.[51] Guillermo Del Toro was attached to direct in February 2008, approaching Neil Gaiman to write the script.[52]
In 2009, Marvel is attempting to hire a gathering of scribes to help come up with creative ways to launch its lesser-known properties, such as Black Panther, Cable, Doctor Strange, Iron Fist, Nighthawk and Vision.[53]
Video games
- Doctor Strange acts as Spider-Man's advisor in cutscenes in The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin on the Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear.
- Doctor Strange has a cameo in Marvel Super Heroes: War of the Gems.
- Doctor Strange appears as a playable character and a supporting character in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance voiced by James Horan.[54]
Novels
- In the late 1970s, Pocket Books published a number of mass-market paperback novels featuring various Marvel Comics characters. One was Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts: Nightmare, by William Rotsler. It was reasonably faithful to the comics' characters and concepts.
- In the 1968 novel The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, Tom Wolfe writes about Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters' interest in comics and specifically references Dr. Strange.
Other
- Doctor Strange receives a brief mention in the 2004 live-action film Spider-Man 2. After the failed experiment that melds mechanical arms to Dr. Otto Octavius, newspaper editor J. Jonah Jameson and his assistant attempt to devise a catchy name for him. One suggestion was Doctor Strange, which Jameson rejects it, stating it was already taken.
- Doctor Byron Orpheus of The Venture Bros. animated television series is an homage to Dr. Strange, sharing his mastery of the mystic arts, a similar dialect and familiar garb.[citation needed]
Previous Doctor Strange
Two months before the debut of the sorcerer-hero Doctor Strange, Stan Lee (editor and story-plotter), Robert Bernstein (scripter, under the pseudonym "R. Berns") and Jack Kirby (artist) introduced a criminal scientist and Ph.D. with the same surname. He was later identified with the full name Carl Strange.[citation needed] This Dr. Strange was one of Iron Man's earliest antagonists in the story "The Stronghold of Dr. Strange" in Tales of Suspense #41 (May 1963). After gaining mental powers in a freak lightning strike, this Dr. Strange established a force field-protected island base staffed with corrupt scientists and mercenaries. He attempted world domination but was thwarted by Iron Man and his own estranged daughter, Carla.
This Silver Age story was reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #4 (Aug. 1966), the hardcover collection Marvel Masterworks: Iron Man from Tales of Suspense Nos. 39-50, and Essential Iron Man Volume 1.
As well, the publisher Nedor Comics featured a character known as Doc Strange in the 1940s.
Bibliography
Note: The series' subtitles and the varying use of "Doctor" and "Dr.", is per both each series' indicia and their varying cover logos.
Series and miniseries
- Strange Tales #110-111 & 114-168 (July-Aug. 1963 & Nov. 1963 - May 1968)
- Doctor Strange (vol. 1) #169-183 (June 1968 - Nov. 1969)
- Doctor Strange, also known as Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts #169-175; Dr. Strange #176-181; and Dr. Strange: Master of Black Magic #182-183
- Marvel Premiere #3-14 (July 1973 - March 1974)
- Doctor Strange (vol. 2) #1-81 (June 1974 - Feb. 1987)
- Dr. Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts #1; Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts #2-50; and Doctor Strange #51-81 (Note: #30, 34, 36-37, 40, 42-46, 48 missing subtitle)
- Strange Tales #182-188 (Nov 1975 - Nov 1976; reprints only)
- Dr. Strange Annual #1 (1976)
- Doctor Strange Classics #1-4 (March-June 1984; reprints only)
- Strange Tales (vol. 2) #1-19 (April 1987 - Oct. 1988)
- Doctor Strange (vol. 3) #1-90 (Nov. 1988 - June 1996)
- Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #1-4, and Dr. Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #5-90 (Note: Following issue #4, subtitle appears only sporadically)
- Dr. Strange: Sorcerer Supreme Annual #2-3 & Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme Annual #4 (1992-1994)
- Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme Special (1992)
- Secret Defenders (1993 series) #1-25 (March 1993 - March 1995)
- Doctor Strange: The Flight of Bones #1-4 (Feb.- May 1999)
- Witches #1-4 (Aug.-Nov. 2004)
- Strange #1-6 (Nov. 2004 - July 2005)
- X-Statix Presents Deadgirl #1-#5 — (Dec. 2005 - April 2006)
- Doctor Strange: The Oath #1-#5 — (Oct. 2006 - March 2007)
One-shots and graphic novels
- Giant-Size Dr. Strange #1 (1975; reprints only)
- Doctor Strange Special Edition #1, also known as Dr. Strange/Silver Dagger Special Edition #1 (March 1983)
- Marvel Graphic Novel #23: Doctor Strange: Into Shamballa (1986 graphic novel)
- Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment (1989 graphic novel)
- Doctor Strange & Ghost Rider Special #1 (April 1991; reprints only)
- Spider-Man / Dr. Strange: The Way To Dusty Death (no number; 1992)
- Dr. Strange vs. Dracula #1 (March 1994; reprints only)
- Dr. Strange: What is It that Disturbs You, Stephen? (no number; Oct. 1997)
- Custom: Lions Gate Dr. Strange #0 (prologue to the animated feature as well as four-page story by the "The Oath" team; came with the animated "Iron Man" DVD; Jan. 2007)
Collected editions
The various stories have been collected into separate volumes:
They have been collected as part of the Essential Marvel black and white softcovers:
| Volume Name | Years Covered | Issues Collected | Pages | ISBN | Date Published (First Edition) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor Strange vol. 1 | 1963-1968 | Strange Tales #110-111, 114-168 | 608 | ISBN 0-7851-2316-4 | 2002-01-01 |
| Doctor Strange vol. 2 | 1968-1974 | Doctor Strange #169-178, 180-183, The Avengers #61, The Sub-Mariner #22, The Incredible Hulk #126, Marvel Feature #1, Marvel Premiere #3-10, 12-14 | 608 | ISBN 0-7851-1668-0 | 2005-03-23 |
| Doctor Strange vol. 3 | 1974-1978 | Doctor Strange #1-29, Annual #1, The Tomb of Dracula #44-45 | 616 | ISBN 978-0785127338 | 2007-12-26 |
| Doctor Strange vol. 4 | 1978-1981 | Doctor Strange #30-56, Chamber of Chills #4, Man-Thing #4 | 564 | ISBN 978-0785130628 | 2009-07-22 |
They have also been collected into full-color hardcover Marvel Masterworks volumes:
| Issues Collected | 1st Edition | 2nd Edition | Pages | ISBN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor Strange: Vol. 1 | Strange Tales #110-111, 114-141 | December 1992 | 6 August 2003 | 272 | ISBN 0-7851-1180-8 |
| Doctor Strange: Vol. 2 | Strange Tales #142-168 | 14 September 2005 | N/A | 304 | ISBN 0-7851-1737-7 |
| Doctor Strange: Vol. 3 | Doctor Strange #169-179, The Avengers #61 | 14 March 2007 | N/A | 256 | ISBN 0-7851-2410-1 |
Others:
- Doctor Strange: The Oath (128 pages, June 2007, ISBN 0-7851-2211-7)
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c Strange Tales #115 (Dec. 1963)
- ^ a b c "Doctor Strange Masterworks Vol. 1". Marvel Master Works. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
- ^ BBC Documentary "In Search of Steve Ditko" - 2007
- ^ Biographical dates are taken from Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Marvel Knights, except for Strange's birth month, November, taken from the cover of Doctor Strange (vol. 1) #176 (Jan. 1969).
- ^ Doctor Strange (vol. 2) #56-62
- ^ New Avengers: Illuminati #1 (June 2006)
- ^ Civil War #3 (Sept. 2006)
- ^ Civil War #6 (Jan. 2007)
- ^ Meet the [new] New Avengers: Day 3 - Newsarama
- ^ Newsarama.Com: Meet The [New] New Avengers: Epilogue
- ^ Illuminati #1
- ^ World War Hulk #1
- ^ World War Hulk #3
- ^ New Avengers: Illuminati #5
- ^ New Avengers Annual #2 (Jan. 2008)
- ^ New Avengers: Illuminati #1
- ^ New Avengers #38 The Breakup (Previously...)
- ^ The Last Defenders #3
- ^ Mighty Avengers #21
- ^ Dark Reign: Fantastic Four" #3
- ^ X-Infernus #1
- ^ Hulk #10
- ^ New Avengers #51
- ^ New Avengers #52
- ^ George A. Tramountanas, George. "ECCC: Pint O' C.B." Retrieved 2009-04-07.
- ^ New Avengers #54
- ^ Doctor Strange (vol. 3) #76
- ^ Doctor Strange (vol. 3) #80
- ^ Strange Tales #110 (1963)
- ^ Dr. Strange #41 (1992)
- ^ Amazing Spider-Man #42
- ^ New Avengers #31 (2007)
- ^ X-Statix Presents: Dead Girl #1 (2006)
- ^ Dr. Strange: The Oath #1 (2006)
- ^ Dr. Strange #81 (1987)
- ^ Doctor Strange III#36
- ^ Strange Tales #110 (1963)
- ^ "Doctor Strange (2007)". Marvel Entertainment, Inc. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Comics Feature. Issue 33A. January 1985. "A Talk With The Man, Stan Lee" pp. 40.
- ^ Stan Lee (April 1986). "Stan Lee Sounds Off". Comics Feature. p. 40.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Marvel characters holding attraction for filmmakers". Variety. 1992-12-09. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ John Evan Frook (1993-02-08). "Savoy making public bow". Variety. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b Stax (2001-06-22). "Goyer Talks Dr. Strange & Ghost Rider". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Michael Fleming (1997-04-14). "A Mania For Marvel". Variety. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Michael Fleming (2000-04-04). "Noon strikes twice at Spyglass for 3 scribes". Variety. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Doctor Goyer Is Strange". IGN. 2001-06-21. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Michael Fleming (2001-08-20). "New Line sharpens Blade 3". Variety. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Rob Worley (2002-03-05). "Goyer on Ghost Rider, Zigzag and More". Comics2Film. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Rob Worley (2003-03-04). "Marvel Movies: The Next Wave". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Mark Rahner (2004-06-27). "Marvel Studios CEO on Spider-Man 2, other films". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Paul Bond (2005-09-06). "Marvel in control of own universe". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Olly Richards (2008-02-08). "Exclusive: Del Toro To Make Dr Strange?". Empire. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Marc Graser (2009-03-26). "Marvel's hiring writers". Variety. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Denick, Thom (2006). Marvel Ultimate Alliance: Signature Series Guide. Indianapolis, Indiana: Brady Games. pp. 44, 45. ISBN 0-7440-0844-1.
References
- Youngquist, Jeff, & Gr�nwald, Jennifer, eds., Marvel Legacy: The 1960s Handbook (Marvel Publishing, 2006), p. 18
External links
- Doctor Strange at the Marvel Universe
- Doctor Strange at the Grand Comics Database
- Doctor Strange in Internet Movie Database
- Doctor Strange at DocStrange.com
- Doctor Strange TV Movie
- Doctor Strange Comics: The Lesser Book of the Vishanti
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