Featuring: Dr. Strange
Release: September 10, 1963
Cover: December 1963
12 cents
Written by: Stan Lee
Drawn by: Steve Ditko
8 pages
We learn the origin of Dr. Strange, one of the greatest superhero origins ever. Probably the second-greatest. It will thus be only the second Marvel Age story I give the (presumably) coveted 5-star rating.
A brilliant surgeon cared only for wealth and fame. When an accident damaged his hands, his desperate quest to be able to operate again led him to seek out a mystic healer. There he learned of the nature of black magic and the threat to the world posed by Mordo. He spent years studying under the Ancient One to become a master of black magic.
The Marvel movies seemed to have this origin in mind long before they made the Dr. Strange movie. Pieces of it were peppered through other films, most notably the first Iron Man film, where Tony Stark goes on his own journey to find humility. His initial arrogance reminds of Dr. Strange’s origin more than his own.
This origin of course parallels the other great superhero origin, from the same creative team. Peter Parker had been arrogant and selfish and had to learn a lesson about responsibility. Stephen Strange has a similar character arc.
Dr. Strange had initially decided the Ancient One was a fraud and was going to leave, when a sudden snowstorm trapped him. Did the snow fall naturally, one is left to wonder.
The Ancient One mentions some very specific invocations to protect himself. Vishanti, Dormammu, Agamotto. These aren’t magic words but rather the names of mystical beings he is calling to his aid. We see Dormammu mentioned again. Mordo also calls upon him for help with a spell. Apparently this being is not too concerned which side he is on, as long as people ask him for help nicely. The Ancient One describes Agamotto as “All-Seeing”. Dr. Strange’s amulet has been described as the all-seeing eye. Is there some connection between Agamotto and the amulet?
I’m going to pull out 3 panels where I think Ditko really nails the expressions for Dr. Strange. This character arc fits into 8 pages, so often we get a single panel for each stage of it. Given that, a lot of weight is placed on those single panels.
Ditko needs to convey quickly that Dr. Strange is a haughty jerk. The dialogue will help, but Ditko sells it with the face and mannerisms. He gets a total of 4 panels to convey what an arrogant prick the doctor is. This is the best of those.
Here, we see the moment when Dr. Strange understands the full implication of what he is being told. Remember, he’s brilliant. He knows what can be treated and what can’t be. He can quickly interpret the diagnosis to understand this is likely the end of his surgical career. Yet, this understanding is paradoxically mingled with denial. He cannot accept what he knows to be true.
Now, in one of my all-time favorite comic book panels, Dr. Strange has sunk low. The previous pages, he’d always been depicted nicely dressed and perfectly groomed. He is quite different now. What was needed here was an image of desperation. A man desperate enough to travel to India seeking rumors of a mystical healer.
I can’t believe the issue’s cover doesn’t even bother to mention this story is in it. A little text box even? “Plus: The origin of Dr. Strange.” But no. Nothing. Somebody in marketing assumes people only care about Human Torch.
Rating: ★★★★★, 93/100
Significance: ★★★★★
The scans, except for the first page, are taken from a reprint in Marvel Premiere #11.
I read this story in Marvel Masterworks: Dr. Strange vol. 1. You can also find it in Dr. Strange Epic Collection vol. 1: Master of the Mystic Arts. Or on Kindle.
Characters
- Dr. Strange/Stephen Strange
- Ancient One
- Mordo
Minor characters:
- Joe (Highway patrolman)
Story notes:
- Blue cloak now regular feature.
- Ancient One’s dwelling is in India.
- We learn his true name is Stephen Strange. He really is a doctor. Thus, Dr. Strange is actually his name, not a made-up name.
- Ancient One now regular name for The Master.
- Ancient One trapped by Vapors of Valtorr.
- Ancient One summons the powers of the Vishanti, the Dread Dormammu, and the All-Seeing Agamotto. Mordo also calls upon Dormammu for aid.
- Dr. Strange understands the threat of Mordo, and so agrees to be a disciple of the Ancient One.
- Dr. Strange spent years studying.
#121 story in reading order
Next: Fantastic Four #21
Previous: Strange Tales #115, Story B
