Doctor Strange

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search
 It has been suggested that Alternate versions of Doctor Strange and Doctor Strange in other media be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)
Not to be confused with Doc Strange.
Doctor Strange

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).

The character has featured in 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

[edit] Publication history

[edit] Strange Tales

The character debuts 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 is established as a world-renowned if selfish neurosurgeon, until a car accident damages his hands and prevents the character from conducting surgery. Learning of a hermit called the Ancient One who might cure his condition, Strange finds The Ancient One in the Himalayas. After Strange selflessly tries to thwart a selfish disciple (Baron Mordo), the Ancient One teaches him the mystic arts.

Steve Ditko drew the feature until Strange Tales #146 (July 1966), and during this period introduced many of Strange's allies, such as the Ancient One and his eventual lover Clea;[1] 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 also 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 Ditko also established Strange's residence, the Sanctum Sanctorum, as 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) feature in many Doctor Strange stories. Strange was also given a personal servant, Wong, who guarded the residence in his absence.[10]

In keeping with Lee's strong emphasis on continuity, Strange was also quickly established as part of the Marvel universe, and guest starred in a Fantastic Four story[11] and encountered the Asgardian god Loki - the brother of Thunder God Thor.[12]

The series continued with writer Roy Thomas and artists Marie Severin and Herb Trimpe creating another cosmic entity, the Living Tribunal[13] and 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] and the last issue of Strange Tales was issue #168 (May 1968), being rebadged the following month as Doctor Strange, still written by Roy Thomas and drawn by penciller Gene Colan.[17] The Nick Fury feature was moved to a self-titled comic book called Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and debuted with issue #1 the same month.

The introductory 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 re-entered the mainstream Marvel universe by teaming with heroes the Black Knight[18] and then Spider-Man[19] and battling the X-Men foe the Juggernaut.[20] The changes were unsuccessful and the title was cancelled, with the last issue being #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[21] and Hulk.[22]

[edit] Other titles

Strange's next appearance was in the first three issues of showcase title Marvel Feature, with the storyline detailing the formation of superhero "non-team" the Defenders.[23] The character was showcased in the title Marvel Premiere[24] 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 cosmic entity Eternity. Strange then assumes the title of Sorcerer Supreme.[25]

The character's adventures continued in a second solo volume, Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts, which ran 81 issues (June 1974 - Feb. 1987). During this period Strange also meets allies Topaz[26] and Rintrah.[27] 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 maverick street heroes Cloak and Dagger. The title ran for nineteen issues.[28]

Strange was again immediately placed into another self-titled series, with the third volume debuting as 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,[29] demons Mephisto and Satannish[30] and encounters with the Werewolf By Night;[31] Ghost Rider;[32] Baron Blood[33] and Morbius the Living Vampire.[34] One significant development was Strange's temporary loss of the title Sorcerer Supreme when he refused to fight a war on behalf of the Vishanti, mystical entities that empower the character's spells.[35] Despite this and other setbacks, Strange is triumphant and eventually restored to the title.[36] 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.[37] 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.[38] Strange is the catalyst for the creation of a trio of witches in the self-titled Witches[39] and also appears in the self-titled limited series Strange, 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.[40] 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.[41]

Marvel also showcased characters through the publication of graphic novels, with Strange appearing in four titles.[42]

The character has remained a constant in the Marvel universe over the decades, appearing on a regular basis in three volumes of the title the Defenders;[43] Secret Defenders[44] and a limited series focused on the Defenders titled The Order.[45] Strange also features in all three volumes of the title Marvel Team-Up[46] and other one-off stories in titles Marvel Two-In-One[47] and Marvel Fanfare.[48] The character also stars in the first issue of the series Nightstalkers, forming a team of anti-heroes in preparation for the return of vampires to the Marvel universe.[49]

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

[edit] Contemporary focus

Strange features heavily in several contemporary limited series, with each storyline having ramifications for the Marvel universe. In the title New Avengers[50] writer Brian Michael Bendis retconned Marvel history and established that during the Kree-Skrull War [51] several metahumans - including Doctor Strange - formed a secret council called the Illuminati to deal with future threats to Earth.

Strange plays a pivotal role at the conclusion of the House of M storyline, as courtesy of his magics several of the mutant X-Men are able to retain their powers when reality is rewritten.[52] The Civil War storyline - involving the introduction of the Superhuman Registration Act - forces a split in the superhero community and Strange, opposed to mandatory registration, leaves the Illuminati and goes into seclusion in the Arctic region until the issue is resolved.[53]

The limited series New Avengers: Illuminati reveals that Strange and the Illuminati are taking proactive steps to avoid global threats by finding and isolating the Infinity Gems, with the character taking possession of the Soul Gem (a condition being that the individuals hide the Gems and never reveal their location to other members).[54] 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.[55] The character suffers a setback (Strange has his hands broken) during the events of World War Hulk when he and the other Illuminati members are humbled by the Hulk, who is angered at the group for exiling the Hulk to an alien planet. The story is significant in that Strange resorts to the use of dark magic to try and stop the Hulk.[56]

Strange's use of dark magic becomes addictive, as the character 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).[57] After some reflection Strange decides to seek out a successor to the title of Sorcerer Supreme, and considers several magic users (such as characters Wiccan, the Scarlet Witch, Magik, and Doctor Doom) as 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 his successor.[58]

[edit] Powers and abilities

Doctor Strange holds the title of Sorcerer Supreme and as such can use magic to achieve a number of effects, such as energy projection;[59] teleportation;[60] telepathy;[2] astral projection[61] and the creation of materials, such as food[62] and water.[63] Strange is capable of creating even planet-wide effects, such as a protective shield.[64] 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.[65]

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.[66]

[edit] Other versions

Main article: Alternate versions of Doctor Strange

[edit] In other media

Main article: Doctor Strange in other media

[edit] Prototype

In issue #41 of the title Tales of Suspense[67] Stan Lee; Robert Bernstein and Jack Kirby (artist) introduced a criminal scientist identified as Carl Strange. Courtesy of a lightning strike the character gained mental powers and attempted world domination, but was defeated by the hero Iron Man. The character has yet to reappear, but the story is significant in that it appeared two months before Dr. Strange' debut.

[edit] Bibliography

Note: The series' subtitles and the varying use of "Doctor" and "Dr.", is per both each series' indicia and their varying cover logos.

[edit] Series and miniseries

  • 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)

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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, The Avengers #61, The Sub-Mariner #22, The Incredible Hulk #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:

[edit] Notes

  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 (Mar. 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 (Mar. 1968)
  17. ^ Doctor Strange #169 (June 1968)
  18. ^ Doctor Strange #178 (Mar. 1969)
  19. ^ Doctor Strange #179 (Apr. 1969)
  20. ^ Doctor Strange #182 (Sep. 1969)
  21. ^ Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #22 (Feb. 1970)
  22. ^ Hulk #126 (April 1970)
  23. ^ Marvel Feature #1 (Dec. 1971); Marvel Feature #2 (Mar. 1972) & Marvel Feature #3 (June 1972)
  24. ^ Marvel Premiere #3 - 14 (July 1972 - Mar. 1974:bi-monthly twice during run)
  25. ^ Marvel Premiere #8 - 10 (May, July & Sep. 1973)
  26. ^ Doctor Strange vol. 2, #75 - 81 (Feb. 1986 - Feb. 1987:bi-monthly)
  27. ^ Doctor Strange vol. 2, #80 (Dec. 1986)
  28. ^ Strange Tales vol. 2, #1 - 19 (Apr. 1987 - Oct. 1988)
  29. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #1 - 2 (Nov. 1988 & Jan. 1989)
  30. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #5 - 8 (July - Oct. 1989)
  31. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #26 - 27 (Feb. - Mar. 1991)
  32. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #28 (Apr. 1991)
  33. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #29 - 30 (May - June 1991)
  34. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #52 (Apr. 1993)
  35. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #48 - 49 (Dec. 1992 - Jan. 1993)
  36. ^ Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme #80 (Aug. 1995)
  37. ^ Strange Tales (Nov. 1994)
  38. ^ Doctor Strange:The Flight of the Bones #1 - 4 (Feb. - May 1999)
  39. ^ Witches #1 - 4 (Aug. - Nov. 2004)
  40. ^ Strange #1 - 6 (Nov. 2004 - Apr, 2005)
  41. ^ Doctor Strange: The Oath #1 - 5 (Dec. 2006 - Apr. 2007)
  42. ^ '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)
  43. ^ Defenders #1 - 152 (Aug. 1972 - Feb. 1986); Defenders vol. 2, #1 - 12 (Mar. 2001 - Feb. 2002) & Defenders vol. 3, #1 - 5 (Sep. 2005 - Jan. 2006)
  44. ^ Secret Defenders #1 - 25 (Mar. 1993 - Mar. 1995)
  45. ^ The Order #1 - 6 (Apr. - Sep. 2002)
  46. ^ Marvel Team-Up #21(May 1974); #35 (July 1975); #50 (Oct. 1976); #76 (Dec. 1978); #80 - 81 (Apr. - May 1979); Marvel Team-Up vol. 2, #8 - 9 (Apr. - May 1998) & Marvel Team-Up vol. 3, #3 (Feb. 2005) & #11 - 13 (Oct. - Nov. 2005)
  47. ^ Marvel Two-In-One #6 (Nov. 1974) & #49 (Mar. 1979)
  48. ^ Marvel Fanfare #5 - 6 (Nov. 1982 & Jan. 1983); #8 (May 1983); #21 (July 1985); #41 (Dec. 1988); #49 (Feb. 1990)
  49. ^ Nightstalkers #1 - 19 (Nov. 1992 - Apr. 1994)
  50. ^ New Avengers #7 (July 2005)
  51. ^ Avengers #88 - 97 (June 1971 - Mar. 1972)
  52. ^ House of M #1 - 6 (Aug. 2005 - Jan. 2006)
  53. ^ Civil War #1 – 7 (July 2006 – Jan. 2007)
  54. ^ New Avengers: Illuminati #1 - 2 (Feb. - Mar. 2007); #3 (July 2007); #4 (Sep. 2007) & #5 (Jan. 2008)
  55. ^ New Avengers #27 (Apr. 2007)
  56. ^ World War Hulk #1 - 5 (Aug. 2007 - Jan. 2008)
  57. ^ New Avengers Annual #2 (Jan. 2008)
  58. ^ New Avengers #51 - 54 (Mar. - Aug. 2009)
  59. ^ Doctor Strange vol. 2, #1 (June 1974)
  60. ^ Defenders #13 (May 1974)
  61. ^ Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #1 (Nov. 1988)
  62. ^ Defenders #18 (Dec. 1974)
  63. ^ Defenders #6 (June 1973)
  64. ^ Defenders #8 (Sep. 1973)
  65. ^ Defenders #15 (Sep. 1974)
  66. ^ Strange Tales vol. 2, #8 - 14 (Nov. 1987 - May 1988)
  67. ^ (The Stronghold of Dr. Strange, May 1963)

[edit] References

  • Youngquist, Jeff, & Grünwald, Jennifer, eds., Marvel Legacy: The 1960s Handbook (Marvel Publishing, 2006), p. 18

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Doctor Strange
Creators
Supporting characters
Villains
In other media
Related articles
v • d • e
Defenders
Creators
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
Members
v • d • e
New Avengers
Creators
Members
Former members
Captain America (Steve Rogers) · Doctor Strange · Iron Man · The Sentry · Echo · Iron Fist · Veranke (disguised as Spider-Woman) · Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers)
Enemies
Storylines
Related series
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Strange"
Personal tools