Featuring: Dr. Strange
Release: November 12, 1963
Cover: February 1964
12 cents
Written by: Stan Lee
Illustrated by: Steve Ditko
Lettered by: S. Rosen
8 pages
All the original Dr. Strange stories, except for the origin story, bore the subtitle “Master of Black Magic”. He was Dr. Strange, Master of Black Magic. It’s gone now. In this comic, he’s just Dr. Strange. That tagline will never return. However, the narrator remembers it, possibly for the last time.
We get some nice clear exterior shots of Dr. Strange’s house. Before Mordo sends it to another dimension. Note the distinctive window.
I quite like this shot of Dr. Strange, shrouded in shadow, walking down the street with an aura of mystery about.
The dimension Mordo transports Dr. Strange and his house to looks all prismatic.
It reminds of the mirror dimension from the Dr. Strange film.
As with most of these Dr. Strange stories, there’s generally cool art and a surreal feel to it all. But from a story perspective, this feels like just another encounter with Mordo. Strange and Mordo have battled in a full half of the Dr. Strange stories so far. It is building to something, so I’ll try to show some patience.
Invocations:
- Mordo: Dread powers of mighty Dormammu
- Dr. Strange: Power of the Vishanti
Rating: ★★★☆☆, 56/100
Significance: ★★☆☆☆
I read this story in Marvel Masterworks: Dr. Strange vol. 1.
Except for the first page and feature image, the scans are taken from a reprint in Marvel Premiere #11 (1973).
You can also find the story in Dr. Strange Epic Collection vol. 1: Master of the Mystic Arts. Or on Kindle.
Characters:
- Dr. Strange
- Baron Mordo
- Ancient One
Story notes:
- Baron Mordo used spell to create replica to Dr. Strange’s home.
- Amulet guides ethereal form to Mordo, but Mordo is able to trap the ethereal form.
- Mordo seeks to destroy Ancient One, but finds Dr. Strange impersonating him.
- Ancient One gives Dr. Strange a magic ring, which grants his ethereal form the ability to do what his live form can. Some online sources call this the “ring of full power”. It is not named in the comic.
#145 story in reading order
Next: Amazing Spider-Man #9
Previous: Strange Tales #117
