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Doctor Strange

 
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This article is about the superhero. For other uses, see Dr. Strange.
Doctor Strange
DeodatoDrStrange.jpg
Doctor Strange as featured in Witches #1 (Aug. 2004). Art by Mike Deodato.
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
Abilities Mastery of magic & extended life span
Genius level intellect
Neurosurgeon
Possesses the Soul Gem

Doctor Strange is a fictional character that appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963).

Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books, the character has featured in several self-titled series and Marvel-endorsed products including arcade and video games; animated television series and a direct-to-DVD film and merchandise such as trading cards.

Contents

Publication history

1960s

The character debuted in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963), a "split book" shared with fellow Marvel character the Human Torch until issue #134 (July 1965), and then super spy Nick Fury until issue #168 (May 1968). Strange appeared in the following issue and then #114 before co-creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko gave his origin story in #115 (Dec. 1963). In that eight-page tale, Strange is established as a world-renowned if selfish neurosurgeon, until a car accident damages his hands and prevents him from conducting surgery. Learning of a hermit called the Ancient One who might cure his condition, Strange finds the man in the Himalayas. After Strange selflessly tries to thwart a traitorous disciple (Baron Mordo), the Ancient One teaches Strange the mystic arts.

Steve Ditko drew the feature through Strange Tales #146 (July 1966), and during this period he and Lee introduced many of Strange's allies, such as his eventual lover Clea;[1] and his enemies Nightmare;[2] Baron Mordo;[3] and Dormammu.[4] Ditko also visualized the cosmic entity Eternity, a sometime ally of Strange.[5]

These stories revealed that Strange uses magical artifacts to augment his power, such as the Cloak of Levitation;[6] Eye of Agamotto;[7] Book of the Vishanti[8] and the Orb of Agamotto.[9] From the first story, Strange's residence, the Sanctum Sanctorum, was a part of the character's mythos.[2] The trademark circular window divided by three sweeping lines on the front of the residence (actually the protective Seal of the Vishanti) appears in many Doctor Strange stories. Strange's personal servant, Wong, guards the residence in his absence.[10]

In keeping with Lee's emphasis on continuity, Strange was also quickly established as part of the Marvel Universe, guest starring in a Fantastic Four story[11] and encountering the Norse god Loki, foster brother of Thor.[12]

The series continued with writer Roy Thomas and artists Marie Severin and Herb Trimpe creating another cosmic entity, the Living Tribunal,[13] as well as the sister of Dormammu, Umar.[14] The title, however, had been flagging as Strange encountered ever stranger one-off foes such as Nebulos[15] and Voltorg.[16] After issue #168 (May 1968), the Nick Fury feature was spun off into its own series, and Strange Tales was retitled Doctor Strange; the title feature, still written by Thomas and now penciled by Gene Colan, was expanded to 20 pages.[17]

Splash page for the Doctor Strange story in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963). Art by Steve Ditko.

Thomas and Colan attempted to boost sales by revamping Strange and making the character closer to being a superhero. Given a form-fitting blue costume, a full-head mask and a secret identity as Dr. Stephen Sanders, the character teamed with the superheroes the Black Knight[18] and Spider-Man,[19] and battled the X-Men foe the Juggernaut.[20] The changes were unsuccessful and the title was canceled with issue #183 (Nov. 1969). The cancellation was abrupt (there was a "Next Issue" blurb in the last issue), and outstanding storylines were resolved in the titles Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #22 (Feb. 1970) and The Incredible Hulk vol. 2, #126 (April 1970).

1970s

Strange's next appearance was in the first three issues of showcase title Marvel Feature, appearing in both the main storyline detailing the formation of superhero "non-team" the Defenders, and the related back-up story.[21] The character was showcased in the title Marvel Premiere[22] with one story marking the debut of another of Strange's recurring foes, the entity Shuma-Gorath. To stop Shuma-Gorath entering reality, Strange is forced to shut down the Ancient One's mind, which causes his physical death. The Ancient One, however, assures Strange this was a necessary sacrifice and his soul merges with the cosmic entity Eternity. Strange then assumes the title of Sorcerer Supreme.[23]

1980s - 1990s

The character's adventures continued in a second ongoing series, Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts, which ran for 81 issues (June 1974 - Feb. 1987). During this period Strange also meets allies Topaz[24] and Rintrah.[25] Following the title's cancellation, the character's adventures continued in a second volume of Strange Tales, which was again published in the "split book" format, and shared with street heroes Cloak and Dagger. The title ran for nineteen issues.[26]

Strange again featured in another self-titled series; Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme. The initial creative team was writer Peter B. Gillis and artists Richard Case & Randy Emberlin, with storylines often written as multi-issue arcs. Strange was written as being on the defensive from the first issue, battling a host of supernatural foes including Dormammu,[27] demons Mephisto and Satannish[28] and encounters with the Werewolf By Night;[29] Ghost Rider;[30] Baron Blood[31] and Morbius the Living Vampire.[32] One significant development was Strange's temporary loss of the title of "Sorcerer Supreme" when he refused to fight a war on behalf of the Vishanti, mystical entities that empowered Strange's spells.[33] Despite this and other setbacks, Strange was triumphant and eventually restored to the title.[34] The series ran for 90 issues (Nov. 1988-June 1996).

Strange appeared - together with original regulars the Human Torch and the Thing - in a one-shot publication called Strange Tales.[35]

The character features in several limited series, the first being Doctor Strange: The Flight of Bones, with a series of spontaneous combustions by criminals instigated by old foe Dormammu.[36] Strange was the catalyst for the creation of a trio of witches in the self-titled Witchesmini-series [37] and also appeared in the self-titled Strange mini-series, written by J. Michael Straczynski and Samm Barnes, with artwork by Brandon Peterson. The series reimagined the character's origin, allies and enemies in a contemporary setting.[38] A second limited series, Doctor Strange: The Oath, written by Brian K Vaughan and illustrated by Marcos Martin, focused on Strange's duty as Sorcerer Supreme and the nature of his powers.[39]

Doctor Strange also appeared in four graphic novels.[40]

The character has remained a constant in the Marvel Universe over the decades, appearing on a regular basis in three volumes of the title Defenders;[41] Secret Defenders[42] and a limited series focused on the Defenders titled The Order.[43] Strange also featured in all three volumes of the title Marvel Team-Up[44] and other one-off stories in titles Marvel Two-In-One;[45] Marvel Fanfare[46] and the alternate universe title What If.[47] The character also featured in the first issue of the title Nightstalkers, forming a team of anti-heroes in preparation for the return of vampires to the Marvel Universe.[48]

Doctor Strange's first appearance in his new guise on the cover of Doctor Strange #177 (Feb. 1969). Art by Gene Colan.

2000s

Strange appears as a supporting character in pivotal stories in 2000s. In New Avengers #7 (July 2005), writer Brian Michael Bendis retconned Marvel history and established that during the Kree-Skrull War,[49] several metahumans, including Strange, formed a secret council called the Illuminati to deal with future threats to Earth.

Strange played a pivotal role at the conclusion of the House of M miniseries, as courtesy of his magic several of the mutant X-Men were able to retain their powers when reality was rewritten.[50] The "Civil War" storyline — involving the introduction of the Superhuman Registration Act and a split in the superhero community — found Strange opposed to mandatory registration. He leaves the Illuminati and goes into seclusion in the Arctic until the issue is resolved.[51]

The New Avengers: Illuminati miniseries revealed that Strange and the Illuminati took proactive steps to avoid global threats by finding and isolating the Infinity Gems, with Strange taking possession of the Soul Gem (a condition being that the individuals hide the Gems and never reveal their location to other members).[52] When Strange returns from the Arctic he secretly shelters the team the New Avengers, formed after the events of the Civil War, in his residence and assists on several missions.[53] Strange suffered a setback when his hands were broken during the events of the "World War Hulk" storyline, and he resorted to the use of dark magic to try and stop the Hulk.[54]

Strange's use of dark magic becomes addictive, as he uses it again to repel an attack on his residence by the crime syndicate of the villain Hood (who is in turn backed by Strange's foe Dormammu).[55] After some reflection, Strange seeks out a successor Sorcerer Supreme, and considers several magic-users such as Wiccan, the Scarlet Witch, Magik, and Doctor Doom, while Dormammu attacks Earth in a bid to seize Strange's power. The Avengers aid Strange against Dormammu's minions, with the Eye of Agamotto choosing Brother Voodoo as Strange's successor.[56]

Powers and abilities

Doctor Strange is a master magician and was the holder of the title of "Sorcerer Supreme" for many years (currently he does not). The character can use magic to achieve a number of effects, such as energy projection;[57] teleportation;[58] telepathy;[2] astral projection[59] and the creation of materials, such as food[60] and water.[61] Strange is capable of creating even planet-wide effects, such as a protective shield.[62] When casting a spell the character is often written to be invoking the name of a mystical entity, such as one of the Vishanti (Hoggoth, Oshtur and Agamotto) or the group the Octessence. These entities usually lend their power to a particular effect, such as the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, that Strange can use to entrap foes.[63]

Strange was also schooled in the use of dark magic by one-time foe Kaluu, using it to destroy the entity Shuma-Gorath. The use of this magic, however, is both addictive and corruptive and Kaluu had to purge the magic from Strange before it could take full effect.[64]

Other versions

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 (called "Carl Strange"). Making his sole appearance as an early Iron Man foe, in the Tales of Suspense story, "The Stronghold of Dr. Strange", the character gained mental powers in a freak lightning strike.[65]

The character stars in several alternate universe titles: in the limited series Marvel 1602, Sir Stephen Strange is both the court physician and magician to Queen Elizabeth I.[66] The title Spider-Man 2099 introduces a female version of Strange who shares her body with a demon.[67] In the limited series Marvel Zombies Strange is infected with a zombie virus with many other heroes;[68] and reappears in the third installment in the series, Marvel Zombies 3. After being zombified, Strange is only capable of casting two spells.[69]

In the Marvel imprint MC2, an alternate universe future, Dr. Strange is no longer the Sorcerer Supreme, the title being passed to "Doc Magnus". Dr. Strange uses his remaining power to reform the superhero team the Defenders,[70] and to fight the Norse god of mischief, Loki.[71]

The Ultimate Marvel title Ultimate Marvel Team-Up introduces a version of the character called "Stephen Strange Jr.", the son of the original Doctor Strange.[72] The character is eventually killed in battle by the Ultimate version of Dormammu during the Ultimatum storyline.[73]

The Marvel Mangaverse includes a younger, anime-styled, Doctor Strange, sporting sunglasses and a white flash in his hair.

In other media

Main article: Doctor Strange in other media

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 mini-series

  • Strange Tales #110-111 & 114-168 (July-Aug. 1963 & Nov. 1963-May 1968)
  • Doctor Strange #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)
  • Strange vol. 2 #1-present (Nov. 2009 - present)

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

Various stories have been collected into separate volumes.

Essential Marvel black and white softcovers:

  • Doctor Strange (Vol. 1) (1963-1968) Strange Tales #110-111, 114-168 (2002). ISBN 0-7851-2316-4
  • Doctor Strange (Vol. 2) (1968-1974) Doctor Strange #169-178, 180-183, Avengers (vol. 1) #61, Sub-Mariner #22, Hulk (vol. 1) #126, Marvel Feature #1, Marvel Premiere #3-10, 12-14. (2005) ISBN 0-7851-1668-0
  • Doctor Strange (Vol. 3) (1974-1978) Doctor Strange #1-29, Annual #1, The Tomb of Dracula #44-45. (2007) ISBN 978-0785127338
  • Doctor Strange (Vol. 4) (1978-1981) Doctor Strange #30-56, Chamber of Chills #4, Man-Thing #4 (2009). ISBN 978-0785130628

Full-color hardcover Marvel Masterworks volumes:

  • Doctor Strange: Vol. 1 - Strange Tales #110-111, 114-141 (1992 & 2003). ISBN 0-7851-1180-8
  • Doctor Strange: Vol. 2 - Strange Tales #142-168 (2005). ISBN 0-7851-1737-7
  • Doctor Strange: Vol. 3 - Doctor Strange #169-179, Avengers (vol. 1) #61 (2007). ISBN 0-7851-2410-1
  • Doctor Strange: Vol. 4 - Doctor Strange #180-183, Sub-Mariner #22, Incredible Hulk #126, Marvel Feature #1, Marvel Premiere #3-8 (January 2010). ISBN 978-0-7851-3495-4

Trade paperbacks collections:

  • Doctor Strange: A Separate Reality - Marvel Premiere #9-10, 12-14, Dr. Strange (2nd series) #1-2, 4-5 (2002). ISBN 0-7851-0836-X

References

  1. ^ Debuting - although not initially named - in Strange Tales #126 (Nov. 1964)
  2. ^ a b c Strange Tales #110 (July 1963)
  3. ^ Strange Tales #111 (Aug. 1963)
  4. ^ Strange Tales #126 (Nov. 1964)
  5. ^ First mentioned in Strange Tales #134 (July 1965) and seen in Strange Tales #138 (July 1965)
  6. ^ The blue "novice" version appears in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963) and the "master" version in Strange Tales #127 (Dec. 1964)
  7. ^ Strange Tales #115 (Dec. 1963)
  8. ^ Strange Tales #116 (Jan. 1964)
  9. ^ Strange Tales #118 (March 1964)
  10. ^ Strange Tales #147 (Aug. 1966)
  11. ^ Fantastic Four #27 (June 1964)
  12. ^ Strange Tales #123 (Aug. 1964)
  13. ^ Strange Tales #157 (June 1967)
  14. ^ Strange Tales #150 (Nov. 1966)
  15. ^ Strange Tales #162 (Nov. 1967)
  16. ^ Strange Tales #166 (March 1968)
  17. ^ Doctor Strange #169 (June 1968)
  18. ^ Doctor Strange #178 (March 1969)
  19. ^ Doctor Strange #179 (April 1969)
  20. ^ Doctor Strange #182 (Sept. 1969)
  21. ^ Marvel Feature #1 (Dec. 1971); Marvel Feature #2 (March 1972) & Marvel Feature #3 (June 1972)
  22. ^ Marvel Premiere #3 - 14 (July 1972 - March 1974)
  23. ^ Marvel Premiere #8 - 10 (May, July & Sept. 1973)
  24. ^ Doctor Strange vol. 2, #75-81 (Feb. 1986 - Feb. 1987; bi-monthly)
  25. ^ Doctor Strange vol. 2. #80 (Dec. 1986)
  26. ^ Strange Tales vol. 2, #1 - 19 (April 1987 - Oct. 1988)
  27. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #1-2 (Nov. 1988 & Jan. 1989)
  28. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #5-8 (July-Oct. 1989)
  29. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #26-27 (Feb.-March 1991)
  30. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #28 (April 1991)
  31. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #29-30 (May-June 1991)
  32. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #52 (April 1993)
  33. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #48-49 (Dec. 1992-Jan. 1993)
  34. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #80 (Aug. 1995)
  35. ^ Strange Tales (Nov. 1994)
  36. ^ Doctor Strange:The Flight of the Bones #1-4 (Feb.-May 1999)
  37. ^ Witches #1-4 (Aug.-Nov. 2004)
  38. ^ Strange #1-6 (Nov. 2004-Apr, 2005)
  39. ^ Doctor Strange: The Oath #1-5 (Dec. 2006 - April 2007)
  40. ^ 'Doctor Strange: Into Shamballa (1986); Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment (1989); Spider-Man / Dr. Strange: The Way To Dusty Death (1992) and Dr. Strange: What is It that Disturbs You, Stephen? (Oct. 1997)
  41. ^ Defenders #1-152 (Aug. 1972 - Feb. 1986); Defenders vol. 2, #1-12 (March 2001 - Feb. 2002) & Defenders vol. 3, #1-5 (Sept. 2005 - Jan. 2006)
  42. ^ Secret Defenders #1-25 (March 1993 - March 1995)
  43. ^ The Order #1-6 (April-Sept. 2002)
  44. ^ Marvel Team-Up #21(May 1974); #35 (July 1975); #50 (Oct. 1976); #76 (Dec. 1978); #80-81 (April-May 1979); Marvel Team-Up vol. 2, #8-9 (April-May 1998) & Marvel Team-Up vol. 3, #3 (Feb. 2005) & #11-13 (Oct.-Nov. 2005)
  45. ^ Marvel Two-In-One #6 (Nov. 1974) & #49 (March 1979)
  46. ^ Marvel Fanfare #5-6 (Nov. 1982 & Jan. 1983); #8 (May 1983); #21 (July 1985); #41 (Dec. 1988); #49 (Feb. 1990)
  47. ^ What If? #18 (Dec. 1979) & #40 (Aug. 1983)
  48. ^ Nightstalkers #1 - 19 (Nov. 1992 - April 1994)
  49. ^ Avengers #88-97 (June 1971 - March 1972)
  50. ^ House of M #1-6 (Aug. 2005 - Jan. 2006)
  51. ^ Civil War #1–7 (July 2006–Jan. 2007)
  52. ^ New Avengers: Illuminati #1-5 (Feb. 2007) - Jan. 2008)
  53. ^ New Avengers #27 (April 2007)
  54. ^ World War Hulk #1-5 (Aug. 2007 - Jan. 2008)
  55. ^ New Avengers Annual #2 (Jan. 2008)
  56. ^ New Avengers #51-54 (March-Aug. 2009)
  57. ^ Doctor Strange vol. 2, #1 (June 1974)
  58. ^ The Defenders #13 (May 1974)
  59. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #1 (Nov. 1988)
  60. ^ The Defenders #18 (Dec. 1974)
  61. ^ The Defenders #6 (June 1973)
  62. ^ Defenders #8 (Sep. 1973)
  63. ^ The Defenders #15 (Sep. 1974)
  64. ^ Strange Tales vol. 2, #8-14 (Nov. 1987 - May 1988)
  65. ^ Tales of Suspense #41 (May 1963)
  66. ^ Marvel 1602 #1-8 (Nov. 2003 - June 2004)
  67. ^ Spider-Man 2099 #33 (July 1995)
  68. ^ Marvel Zombies #1-5 (Feb.-June 2006)
  69. ^ Marvel Zombies 3 #1-4 (Dec. 2008 - March 2009)
  70. ^ A-Next #3 (Dec. 1998)
  71. ^ Last Hero Standing #4 (Feb. 2005)
  72. ^ Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #12 (July 2002)
  73. ^ Ultimatum #1 (Dec. 2008); #2 (Jan. 2009); #3 - 4 (May 2009); #5 (Sep. 2009)

External links

v • d • e
Doctor Strange
Creators
Supporting characters
Villains
In other media
Spider-Man:The Animated Series · Dr. Strange (1978 film) · Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme
Related articles
v • d • e
Defenders
Creators
Members
Doctor Strange • Hulk • Namor • Silver Surfer
Comic book titles

Primary: Marvel Feature • Defenders Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 • Secret Defenders Ancillary: The Order • The Last Defenders

Alternate continuities: Ultimate Defenders
Opponents
Locations
Dr. Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum • Richmond's Horse Ranch
Related Teams
v • d • e
New Avengers
Creators
Members
Former members
Captain America (Steve Rogers) · Doctor Strange · Echo · Iron Fist · Iron Man · The Sentry · Veranke (disguised as Spider-Woman)
Enemies
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