HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. Created by
Steve Ditko Stephen John Ditko. Page contains two reproductions from school yearbooks. A 1943 Garfield Junior High School yearbook excerpt lists "Stephen Ditko". A 1945 Johnstown High School yearbook excerpt lists "Stephen J. Ditko" under extracurricular ac ...
, the character first appeared in ''
Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...
'' #110 (
cover-date The cover date of a periodical publication is the date displayed on the cover, which is not necessarily the true date of publication (the on-sale date or release date); later cover dates are common in magazine and comic book publishing. More unusu ...
d July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as the Sorcerer Supreme, the primary protector of Earth against magical and
mystical Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute, but may refer to any kind of ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or spiritual meaning. It may also refer to the attainment of insight ...
threats. Strange was introduced during the
Silver Age of Comic Books The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and widespread commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those featuring the superhero archetype. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books, the Silver A ...
in an attempt to bring a different kind of character and themes of
mysticism Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute (philosophy), Absolute, but may refer to any kind of Religious ecstasy, ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or Spirituality, spiritual meani ...
to Marvel Comics. The character starts as an intelligent and arrogant
neurosurgeon Neurosurgery or neurological surgery, known in common parlance as brain surgery, is the medical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment or rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, ...
who is injured in a car accident. Because his hands had suffered severe nerve damage from the accident, he was told that current medical therapy and rehabilitation would not be enough to enable him to practice again as a surgeon. Unable to accept this
prognosis Prognosis ( Greek: πρόγνωσις "fore-knowing, foreseeing"; : prognoses) is a medical term for predicting the likelihood or expected development of a disease, including whether the signs and symptoms will improve or worsen (and how quickly) ...
, he travels the world searching for alternative ways of healing, which leads him to the
Ancient One The Ancient One is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, ...
, the Sorcerer Supreme. Strange becomes his student and learns to be a master of both the mystical and the
martial arts Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defence; military and law enforcement applications; combat sport, competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; ...
. He acquires an assortment of mystical objects, including the powerful
Eye of Agamotto The Eye of Agamotto () is a fictional, mystical item appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The item appears in publications that feature Doctor Strange. The Eye of Agamotto and Agamotto in his caterpillar form also appear ...
and
Cloak of Levitation Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as ...
, and takes up residence in a mansion referred to as the
Sanctum Sanctorum The Latin phrase ''sanctum sanctorum'' is a translation of the Hebrew term ''קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים'' (Qṓḏeš HaQŏḏāšîm), literally meaning Holy of Holies, in Latin texts, this generally refers to the holiest place of t ...
, located at 177A
Bleecker Street Bleecker Street is an east–west street in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is most famous today as a Greenwich Village nightlife, nightclub district. The street connects a neighborhood popular today for music venues and comedy as well as a ...
,
Greenwich Village Greenwich Village, or simply the Village, is a neighborhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan in New York City, bounded by 14th Street (Manhattan), 14th Street to the north, Broadway (Manhattan), Broadway to the east, Houston Street to the s ...
,
Manhattan Manhattan ( ) is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the Boroughs of New York City, five boroughs of New York City. Coextensive with New York County, Manhattan is the County statistics of the United States#Smallest, larg ...
,
New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
. Strange assumes the title of Sorcerer Supreme and, with his friend and valet
Wong Wong or Mr Wong may refer to: Name * Wong (surname), a Chinese surname, listing people and fictional characters with the surname * Wong (Marvel Comics), manservant/mentor to Doctor Strange Sr./Jr. in Marvel Comics ** Wong (Marvel Cinematic Univer ...
, defends the world from mystical threats. In live-action adaptations, the character was first portrayed by
Peter Hooten John Peter Hooten (born November 29, 1950) is an American actor. He is best known for playing the title character in the television film '' Dr. Strange'' (1978). Career Hooten started acting in 1968 at the age of 17. He appeared as an uncredite ...
in the 1978 television film ''Dr. Strange''. Since 2016,
Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch (born 19 July 1976) is an English actor. He has received List of awards and nominations received by Benedict Cumberbatch, various accolades, including a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Laurenc ...
has portrayed the role of Stephen Strange in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appe ...
.


Publication history


Creation

Artist
Steve Ditko Stephen John Ditko. Page contains two reproductions from school yearbooks. A 1943 Garfield Junior High School yearbook excerpt lists "Stephen Ditko". A 1945 Johnstown High School yearbook excerpt lists "Stephen J. Ditko" under extracurricular ac ...
and writer
Stan Lee Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book author, writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Comics which later bec ...
have described the character as having been originally the idea of Ditko, who wrote in 2008, "On my own, I brought in to Lee a five-page, penciled story with a page/panel script of my idea of a new, different kind of character for variety in Marvel Comics. My character wound up being named Dr. Strange because he would appear in ''
Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...
''." In a 1963 letter to
Jerry Bails Jerry Gwin Bails (June 26, 1933 – November 23, 2006) was an American popular culturist. Known as the "Father of Comic Book Fandom," he was one of the first to approach the comic book field as a subject worthy of academic study, and was a primar ...
, Lee called the character Ditko's idea, saying:


Early years

''Doctor Strange'' debuted in ''
Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...
'' #110 (July 1963), a split book shared with the feature "
The Human Torch The Human Torch (Jonathan Lowell Spencer "Johnny" Storm) is a fictional superhero character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. He is writer Stan Lee's and arti ...
". Doctor Strange appeared in issues #110–111 and #114 before the character's eight-page
origin story In fiction, an origin story is an account or backstory revealing how a character or group of people become a protagonist or antagonist. In American comic books, it also refers to how characters gained their superpowers and/or the circumstances ...
in #115 (December 1963). His origin was later retold in ''Doctor Strange'' #169 (February 1968). Scripter Lee's take on the character was inspired by the ''
Chandu the Magician ''Chandu the Magician'' is an American supernatural radio drama which originally aired from 1931 to 1936. A revival on a different network took place 12 years later, airing from 1948 to 1950. The series was created by Harry A. Earnshaw (1878–1 ...
'' radio program that aired on the
Mutual Broadcasting System The Mutual Broadcasting System (commonly referred to simply as Mutual; sometimes referred to as MBS, Mutual Radio or the Mutual Radio Network) was an American commercial radio network in operation from 1934 to 1999. In the Golden Age of Radio, ...
in the 1930s. He had Doctor Strange accompany spells with elaborate artifacts, such as the "
Eye of Agamotto The Eye of Agamotto () is a fictional, mystical item appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The item appears in publications that feature Doctor Strange. The Eye of Agamotto and Agamotto in his caterpillar form also appear ...
" and the " Wand of Watoomb", as well as mystical-sounding vocabulary such as "Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth!". Although these often referenced the names of established mythological beings, Lee has said he never had any idea what the incantations meant and used them simply because they sounded mystical and mysterious. Ditko showcased
surrealistic Surrealism is an art movement, art and cultural movement that developed in Europe in the aftermath of World War I in which artists aimed to allow the unconscious mind to express itself, often resulting in the depiction of illogical or dreamlike s ...
mystical landscapes and increasingly vivid visuals that helped make the feature a favorite of college students at the time. Comics historian Mike Benton wrote: "People who read ''Doctor Strange'' thought people at Marvel must be heads .e., drug users" recalled then-associate editor and former ''Doctor Strange'' writer
Roy Thomas Roy William Thomas Jr."Roy Thomas Checklist" ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #50 (July 2005) p. 16 (born November 22, 1940) is an American comic book writer and editor. He was Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics and possibly bes ...
in 1971, "because they had had similar experiences high on mushrooms. But I don't use hallucinogens, nor do I think any artists do." Originating in the early 1960s, the character was a predictor of trends in the art prior to them becoming more established in the later
counterculture of the 1960s The counterculture of the 1960s was an anti-establishment cultural phenomenon and political movement that developed in the Western world during the mid-20th century. It began in the early 1960s, and continued through the early 1970s. It is ofte ...
. As historian Bradford W. Wright described: As co-plotter and later sole plotter in the
Marvel Method A script is a document describing the narrative and dialogue of a comic book in detail. It is the comic book equivalent of a Television, television program teleplay or a film screenplay. In comics, a script may be preceded by a plot outline, and ...
of scripting, Ditko took Strange into ever-more-abstract realms. In a 17-issue story arc in ''Strange Tales'' #130–146 (March 1965 – July 1966), Ditko introduced the cosmic character
Eternity Eternity, in common parlance, is an Infinity, infinite amount of time that never ends or the quality, condition or fact of being everlasting or eternal. Classical philosophy, however, defines eternity as what is timeless or exists outside tim ...
, who personified the universe and was depicted as a silhouette filled with the cosmos. "Indexer notes: Part 5 of 17. First mention of Eternity. Strange would finally find it in ''Strange Tales'' #138 (November 1965)."
Golden Age of Comic Books The Golden Age of Comic Books describes an era in the history of American comic books from 1938 to 1956. During this time, modern comic books were first published and rapidly increased in popularity. The superhero archetype was created and ma ...
artist/writer
Bill Everett William Blake Everett (; May 18, 1917 – February 27, 1973) was an American comic book writer-artist best known for creating Namor the Sub-Mariner as well as co-creating Zombie (comics), Zombie and Daredevil (Marvel Comics character), Daredevil ...
succeeded Ditko as an artist with issues #147–152, followed by
Marie Severin Marie Severin (; August 21, 1929 – August 29, 2018) was an American comics artist and colorist best known for her work for Marvel Comics and the 1950s' EC Comics. She is an inductee of the Will Eisner Comics Hall of Fame and the Harvey Awards ...
through #160 and
Dan Adkins Danny L. AdkinsDanny L. Adkins
at the Social Security Death Index via FamilySearch.org. Retrieved December ...
through #168, the final issue before the ''
Nick Fury Colonel (United States), Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and ...
'' feature moved to its own title and ''Strange Tales'' was renamed ''
Doctor Strange Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as ...
''.DeFalco in "Hailing 1968 as the beginning of the 'Second Age of Marvel Comics,' and with more titles to play with, editor Stan Lee discarded his split books and gave more characters their own titles...''Strange Tales'' #168 as followedby ''Dr. Strange'' #169." Expanded to 20 pages per issue, the ''Doctor Strange'' solo series ran 15 issues, #169–183 (June 1968 – November 1969), continuing the numbering of ''Strange Tales''. Thomas wrote the run of new stories, joined after the first three issues by the art team of
penciler A penciller (or penciler) is an artist who works on the creation of comic books, graphic novels, and similar visual art forms, with a focus on the initial pencil illustrations. In the American comic book industry, the penciller is the first step ...
Gene Colan Eugene Jules Colan (; September 1, 1926 – June 23, 2011)Eugene Colan
at the Social Security Death Index via ...
and
inker The inker (sometimes credited as the finisher or embellisher) is one of the two line artists in traditional comic book production. After the penciller creates a drawing with pencil, the inker interprets this drawing by outlining and embellishing ...
Tom Palmer through the end. After plans were announced for a never-released split book series featuring Doctor Strange and Iceman, each in solo adventures. Strange next appeared in the first three issues (December 1971 – June 1972) of the quarterly showcase title ''
Marvel Feature ''Marvel Feature'' was a comic book showcase series published by Marvel Comics in the 1970s. It was a tryout book, intended to test the popularity of characters and concepts being considered for their own series. The first volume led to the launc ...
''. He appeared in both the main story detailing the formation of superhero team the
Defenders Defender(s) or The Defender(s) may refer to: * Defense (military) * Defense (sports) ** Defender (association football) Arts and entertainment Film, television, and theatre Film * ''The Defender'' (1989 film), a Canadian documentary * ''The D ...
, and the related back-up story. The character then starred in a revival solo series in ''
Marvel Premiere ''Marvel Premiere'' is an American comic book anthology series that was published by Marvel Comics. In concept it was a tryout book, intended to determine if a character or concept could attract enough readers to justify launching their own ser ...
'' #3–14 (July 1972 – March 1974). This arc marked the debut of another recurring foe, the entity
Shuma-Gorath Shuma-Gorath () is a character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner, the character first appeared in ''Marvel Premiere'' #10 (September 1973). Shuma-Gorath bel ...
, created by writer
Steve Englehart Steve Englehart (; born April 22, 1947) is an American writer of comic books and novels. He is best known for his work at Marvel Comics and DC Comics in the 1970s and 1980s. His pseudonyms have included John Harkness and Cliff Garnett. Early li ...
and artist
Frank Brunner Frank Brunner (born February 21, 1949) is an American comics artist and illustrator best known for his work at Marvel Comics in the 1970s. Early life Brunner attended Manhattan's High School of Art and Design. He was in the same graduating class ...
, who took over as the regular creative team starting with ''Marvel Premiere'' #10. Englehart and Brunner collaborated closely on the stories, meeting over dinner every two months to discuss the series, and their run became known for its psychedelic visuals and plots. In issues #8–10 (May–September 1973), Strange is forced to shut down the Ancient One's mind, causing his mentor's physical death. Strange then assumes the title of Sorcerer Supreme. Englehart and Brunner created another multi-issue storyline featuring sorcerer Sise-Neg ("Genesis" spelled backward) going back through history, collecting all magical energies, until he reaches the beginning of the universe, becomes all-powerful and creates it anew, leaving Strange to wonder whether this was, paradoxically, the original creation. Stan Lee, seeing the issue after publication, ordered Englehart and Brunner to print a retraction saying this was not God but ''a'' god, to avoid offending religious readers. According to Frank Brunner, he and Englehart concocted a fake letter from a fictitious minister praising the story, and mailed it to Marvel from Texas. Marvel unwittingly printed the letter in ''Doctor Strange'' #3 and dropped the retraction. Due to the growing number of Doctor Strange readers, the ''Marvel Premiere'' series segued to the character's second ongoing title, ''Doctor Strange: Master of the Mystic Arts'', also known as ''Doctor Strange'' vol. 2, which ran 81 issues (June 1974 – Feb. 1987). ''Doctor Strange'' #14 featured a crossover story with ''
The Tomb of Dracula ''The Tomb of Dracula'' is an American horror comic book series published by Marvel Comics from April 1972 to August 1979. The 70-issue series featured a group of vampire hunters who fought Count Dracula and other supernatural menaces. On rare ...
'' #44, another series which was being drawn by Gene Colan at the time. In Englehart's final story, he sent Strange back in time to meet
Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin (April 17, 1790) was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and Political philosophy, political philosopher.#britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Wood, 2021 Among the m ...
.


1980s

Strange met his allies
Topaz Topaz is a silicate mineral made of aluminium, aluminum and fluorine with the chemical formula aluminium, Alsilicon, Sioxygen, O(fluorine, F, hydroxide, OH). It is used as a gemstone in jewelry and other adornments. Common topaz in its natural ...
in #75 (February 1986) and
Rintrah Rintrah is a character in William Blake's mythology, representing the just wrath of the prophet. Rintrah first appears in ''The Marriage of Heaven and Hell'': "Rintrah roars and shakes his fires in the burdened air" shows him personifying revolu ...
in #80 (December 1986). The series ended on a cliffhanger as his home, the Sanctum Sanctorum, was heavily damaged during a battle. Among the losses were Doctor Strange's entire collection of mystic books and other important artifacts. As a consequence, Strange was now considerably weaker, and several spells designed to protect humanity from
vampire A vampire is a mythical creature that subsists by feeding on the Vitalism, vital essence (generally in the form of blood) of the living. In European folklore, vampires are undead, undead humanoid creatures that often visited loved ones and c ...
s and the evil serpent god
Set Set, The Set, SET or SETS may refer to: Science, technology, and mathematics Mathematics *Set (mathematics), a collection of elements *Category of sets, the category whose objects and morphisms are sets and total functions, respectively Electro ...
expired. The title was discontinued so that the character's adventures could be transferred to another split-book format series. ''Strange Tales'' vol. 2, #1–19 (April 1987–Oct. 1988) was shared with street heroes
Cloak and Dagger "Cloak and dagger" was a fighting style common by the time of the Renaissance involving a knife hidden beneath a cloak. The term later came into use as a metaphor, referring to situations involving intrigue, secrecy, espionage, or mystery. Over ...
. This new Doctor Strange series resolved Strange's quest to reclaim his power and missing artifacts, as well as resurrecting the Defenders, who had died in the last issue of that team's title.


1990s

Strange was returned to his own series, this time titled ''Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme'', which ran 90 issues (November 1988 – June 1996). The initial creative team was writer Peter B. Gillis and artists
Richard Case Richard Case (born 1964) is an American comics artist best known for his work for DC Comics especially the Vertigo imprint. He is not to be confused with the similarly-named Richard Case, another comics artist who worked for the Iger Studio and ...
and
Randy Emberlin Randy Emberlin is a comic book inker best known for his ink work on the Spider-Man comic books. Per the bio on his website, he currently lives in Portland, Oregon. He has spent the past 30 years working in a variety of creative fields, including as ...
, with storylines often spanning multiple issues. Strange lost the title of "Sorcerer Supreme" in issues #48–49 (Dec. 1992 – Jan. 1993) when he refused to fight a war on behalf of the Vishanti, the mystical entities that empower his spells. During this time the series became part of the "
Midnight Sons The Midnight Sons are a team of supernatural superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Including Ghost Riders Danny Ketch and Johnny Blaze, Blade, and Morbius, the original team first formed as part of the ''R ...
" group of Marvel's supernatural comics. Doctor Strange found new sources of magical strength in the form of
chaos magic Chaos magic, also spelled chaos magick, is a modern tradition of magic. Emerging in England in the 1970s as part of the wider neo-pagan and esoteric subculture, it drew heavily from the occult beliefs of artist Austin Osman Spare, expressed ...
, as well as a magic construct he used as a proxy. He would form the Secret Defenders with a rotating roster of heroes, and reunite with the original Defenders. Strange regained his title in ''Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme'' #80 (August 1995). Strange appeared with the Human Torch and the
Thing Thing or The Thing may refer to: Philosophy * An object * Broadly, an entity * Thing-in-itself (or ''noumenon''), the reality that underlies perceptions, a term coined by Immanuel Kant * Thing theory, a branch of critical theory that focuses ...
in the
one-shot One shot may refer to: Film and television * One-shot film, a feature film shot in one long take with no edits, or manufactured to look like so * ''One Shot'' (2005 film), a Sri Lankan action film directed by Ranjan Ramanayake * ''One Shot'', a ...
publication ''Strange Tales'' vol. 3, #1 (Nov. 1994). The character was featured in several
limited series In the field of comic books, and particularly in the United States, a limited series is a comics series with a predetermined number of issues. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is finite and determined ...
. The first was ''Doctor Strange: The Flight of Bones'' #1–4 (February–May 1999), with a series of
spontaneous combustion Spontaneous combustion or spontaneous ignition is a type of combustion which occurs by self-heating (increase in temperature due to exothermic internal reactions), followed by thermal runaway (self heating which rapidly accelerates to high tem ...
s by criminals instigated by old foe
Dormammu Dormammu () is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #126 (November 1964). He is the extra and inter-dimensional demonic e ...
. Strange was the
catalyst Catalysis () is the increase in rate of a chemical reaction due to an added substance known as a catalyst (). Catalysts are not consumed by the reaction and remain unchanged after it. If the reaction is rapid and the catalyst recycles quick ...
for the creation of a trio of sorceresses in ''
Witches Witchcraft is the use of magic by a person called a witch. Traditionally, "witchcraft" means the use of magic to inflict supernatural harm or misfortune on others, and this remains the most common and widespread meaning. According to ''Enc ...
'' #1–4 (August–November 2004). The ''Strange'' limited series (November 2004 – July 2005) by writers
J. Michael Straczynski Joseph Michael Straczynski, known as J. Michael Straczynski (; born July 17, 1954) is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is known as the creator of the science fiction televi ...
and
Samm Barnes Sara "Samm" Barnes is a television and comics writer, as well as a television producer. Biography Though born in Great Britain to Michael and Bridget Barnes, Barnes was raised in Canada, first in Ottawa, then Toronto and finally Vancouver. Her p ...
updated the character's origin. Another limited series, ''Doctor Strange: The Oath'' #1–5 (December 2006 – April 2007), written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Marcos Martin, focused on Strange's responsibilities as sorcerer and doctor. Doctor Strange has appeared in four
graphic novels A graphic novel is a self-contained, book-length form of sequential art. The term ''graphic novel'' is often applied broadly, including fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work, though this practice is highly contested by comics scholars and ...
: ''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?'' (1997).


2000s

Strange appeared as a supporting character for the bulk of the 2000s. He appeared regularly in ''
The Amazing Spider-Man ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' is an ongoing American superhero American comic book, comic book series featuring the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man as its title character and main protagonist. Being in the Earth 616, mainstream continuity of t ...
'' under
J. Michael Straczynski Joseph Michael Straczynski, known as J. Michael Straczynski (; born July 17, 1954) is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is known as the creator of the science fiction televi ...
, before being cast into a time loop by
Baron Mordo Baron Karl Amadeus Mordo (known as Baron Mordo) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly as an adversary of Doctor Strange. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first ...
. He later appeared on and off in '' The New Avengers'', where he was stated as being part of the secret group known as the
Illuminati The Illuminati (; plural of Latin ''illuminatus'', 'enlightened') is a name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically, the name usually refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on 1 ...
to deal with future threats to Earth. Ultimately Strange joined the team and allowed them to use his home as a base after the events of the 2006 "
Civil War A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...
" storyline, which he sat out. Doctor Strange was critical of the federal
Superhuman Registration Act Superhero fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction examining the adventures, personalities and ethics of costumed crime fighters known as superheroes, who often possess superhuman powers and battle similarly powered criminals known as super ...
and aided the anti-registration Avengers team led by
Luke Cage Lucas "Luke" Cage, born Carl Lucas and also known as Power Man, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Archie Goodwin, George Tuska, Roy Thomas, and John Romita Sr. in 1972, he was the first Af ...
. During
Brian Michael Bendis Brian Michael Bendis (; born August 18, 1967) is an Americans, American comic book writer and artist. Starting with crime fiction, crime and hardboiled, noir comics, Bendis eventually moved to mainstream superhero fiction, superhero work. While a ...
' time as writer, Doctor Doom attacked the Avengers and manipulated the
Scarlet Witch The Scarlet Witch is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #4 in March 1964, in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
into eliminating most of the
mutant In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
population. Doctor Strange's failure to recognize Doom's hand in the former and to stop the latter caused him to start to doubt his abilities. After he was forced to use dark magic to confront an enraged
Hulk The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk ...
, followed by further use of dark spells to save the New Avengers from the Hood's supervillain army, Strange renounced his status as Sorcerer Supreme, as he felt that he was no longer worthy of it. The Eye of Agamotto passed the mantle on to
Jericho Drumm Dr. Jericho Drumm is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #169 (September 1973) as Brother Voodoo. The character was created by Marvel publisher Stan Lee, writer ...
. He was also featured in ''The Order'', which spun out of the 2001 ''Defenders'' revival, and the ''Indefensible Defenders'' mini-series.


2010s

Doctor Strange appeared as a regular character throughout the 2010-2013 ''The New Avengers'' series.
Jericho Drumm Dr. Jericho Drumm is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #169 (September 1973) as Brother Voodoo. The character was created by Marvel publisher Stan Lee, writer ...
, now newly appointed Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Voodoo, sacrifices himself to stop the powerful mystical entity Agamotto from reclaiming the Eye. A guilt-ridden Strange rejoins the New Avengers, and he offers the team his valet Wong to act as their housekeeper. Strange eventually regains his position of Sorcerer Supreme, but is possessed by a demon and becomes leader of the Black Priests. After the various Marvel universes merge into one, Doctor Strange acts as righthand man of Doctor Doom, who has become the ruler of this world after erasing all recollection of the previous separate realities that existed. Circumstances force Strange to open a pod that releases the surviving heroes of the original Marvel continuity, known as
Earth-616 In the fictional Multiverse (Marvel Comics), Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 is the primary continuity (fiction), continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place. Origins of the term The designation "Earth-616" has its origins in ...
. Doom kills Doctor Strange. In 2015,
Jason Aaron Jason Aaron (born January 28, 1973) is an American comic book writer, known for his creator-owned series '' Scalped'' and '' Southern Bastards'', as well as his work on Marvel series '' Ghost Rider'', ''Wolverine'', '' PunisherMAX'', ''Thor'', a ...
and
Chris Bachalo Chris Bachalo (; born August 23, 1965) is a Canadian comic book illustrator known for his quirky, cartoon-like style. He became well known for stints on DC Comics' ''Shade, the Changing Man'' and Neil Gaiman's two Death (Sandman), Death series. C ...
teamed up for the fourth volume of ''Doctor Strange''. A new character, reluctant librarian Zelma Stanton, agrees to reorganize Strange's magical library.
Jericho Drumm Dr. Jericho Drumm is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #169 (September 1973) as Brother Voodoo. The character was created by Marvel publisher Stan Lee, writer ...
returns, and the series and a spinoff, ''Dr. Strange: Last Days of Magic'', sees such characters as Medico Mistico,
Magik Magik (Illyana Nikolaievna Rasputina) (Russian language, Russian: Ильяна Николаевна Распутина) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cock ...
, Scarlet Witch, Mahatma Doom, Professor Xu, Monako, and Alice Gulliver. With the laws of magic fundamentally altered, and with the loss of his former resources, Doctor Strange is forced to depend on his own physical skills and inventive use of his few functional spells. He eventually no longer has access to most of his former spells or his levitating cape. During the "
Infinity Countdown "Infinity Countdown" is a 2018 comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics. The storyline leads into the " Infinity Wars" storyline. Premise The story depicts the Ultron/Hank Pym going after the Infinity Gems that were recreated when the Multi ...
" storyline, Doctor Strange goes on a space mission. He encounters
Super-Skrull The Super-Skrull is an alias used by characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original and most well-known incarnation, Kl'rt, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #18 (Septe ...
who has the
Time Stone The Infinity Stones are fictional items in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, based on the Infinity Gems of the Marvel Comics. As expounded across several interwoven MCU multimedia titles, the six Infinity Stones are repute ...
. After defeating Super-Skrull, Doctor Strange claims the Time Stone. Doctor Strange then tracks down the Mind Stone and finds it in
Turk Barrett Turk Barrett is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted in stories featuring Daredevil, in which his inept schemes are played as comic relief. Barrett was a recurring ...
's possession as Turk manages to evade him. When Black Widow's clone arrives seeking out Doctor Strange where she wants to dispose of the Space Stone, he does not want to take it as he knows what would happen if they are in proximity. Using a magic spell, Doctor Strange speaks to the holders of the
Infinity Stones The Infinity Stones are fictional items in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, based on the Infinity Gems of the Marvel Comics. As expounded across several interwoven MCU multimedia titles, the six Infinity Stones are repu ...
and requests a parley to reform the
Infinity Watch The Infinity Watch is the name of three fictional organizations appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of Infinity Watch was gathered in ''Warlock and the Infinity Watch'' #1, and starred in that series un ...
. He states to
Adam Warlock Adam Warlock is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #66–67 ( cover-dates September 1967 and October 1967) created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, originally ...
, Black Widow's clone, Captain Marvel,
Star-Lord Star-Lord (Peter Jason Quill) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Steve Gan, the character first appeared in '' Marvel Preview'' #4 (January 1976). The son of human Mered ...
, and Turk Barrett that they need to safeguard them from such calamities even if one of them is
Thanos Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...
.


Fictional character biography

Stephen Vincent Strange, M.D., Ph.D., is a brilliant but highly
egotistical Egotism is defined as the drive to maintain and enhance favorable views of oneself and generally features an inflated opinion of one's personal features and importance distinguished by a person's amplified vision of one's self and self-importanc ...
doctor. He was born in
Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
and raised in
New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
. After high school, he went to New York College as a pre-med student, entered
medical school A medical school is a tertiary educational institution, professional school, or forms a part of such an institution, that teaches medicine, and awards a professional degree for physicians. Such medical degrees include the Bachelor of Medicine, ...
at
Columbia University Columbia University in the City of New York, commonly referred to as Columbia University, is a Private university, private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Churc ...
and completed his residency at
New York-Presbyterian Hospital The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (abbreviated as NYP) is a nonprofit academic medical center in New York City. It is the primary teaching hospital for Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. The hospit ...
, where his success made him arrogant. Despite his reputation for being able to handle even the most complicated surgical procedures, Strange is self-centered and greedy, and only treats patients who can afford to pay his exorbitant fees. One night, while speeding in his car, a terrible accident shatters the bones in his hands, leading to extensive nerve damage. He soon finds that his fingers tremble uncontrollably, rendering him unable to perform surgery. Too vain to accept a teaching job, Strange desperately searches for a way to fix his hands and subsequently wastes all of his money on expensive, but unsuccessful treatments. Broke and ostracized from his colleagues, Strange becomes a drifter. He happens to overhear two sailors in a bar discussing a
hermit A hermit, also known as an eremite (adjectival form: hermitic or eremitic) or solitary, is a person who lives in seclusion. Eremitism plays a role in a variety of religions. Description In Christianity, the term was originally applied to a Chr ...
called the
Ancient One The Ancient One is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, ...
(who is actually the Earth's Sorcerer Supreme) in the
Himalayas The Himalayas, or Himalaya ( ), is a mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The range has some of the Earth's highest peaks, including the highest, Mount Everest. More than list of h ...
, who can heal any ailment. Despite not personally believing in magic, Strange uses the last of his money to track down the aged mystic. The Ancient One refuses to help Strange due to his arrogance, but senses a good side that he attempts to bring to the surface. He fails, but Strange then commits a heroic act when he discovers the Ancient One's disciple,
Baron Mordo Baron Karl Amadeus Mordo (known as Baron Mordo) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly as an adversary of Doctor Strange. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first ...
, attempting to kill his mentor and usurp his power. After a confrontation with Mordo leads to him being shackled with restraining spells preventing him from either attacking Mordo or warning the Ancient One, Strange desperately and selflessly accepts the Ancient One's offer to become his apprentice to have some hope of helping the old man. The Ancient One, pleased at Strange's sincere change of heart, accepts Strange as his new student and promptly frees him from the restraining spells while explaining he was aware of Mordo's treachery all along. Strange soon becomes Mordo's most enduring enemy, as the Ancient One trains the doctor in the mystic arts. After completing his training, Strange returns to
New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
and takes up residence within the
Sanctum Sanctorum The Latin phrase ''sanctum sanctorum'' is a translation of the Hebrew term ''קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים'' (Qṓḏeš HaQŏḏāšîm), literally meaning Holy of Holies, in Latin texts, this generally refers to the holiest place of t ...
, a townhouse located in
Greenwich Village Greenwich Village, or simply the Village, is a neighborhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan in New York City, bounded by 14th Street (Manhattan), 14th Street to the north, Broadway (Manhattan), Broadway to the east, Houston Street to the s ...
,
Manhattan Manhattan ( ) is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the Boroughs of New York City, five boroughs of New York City. Coextensive with New York County, Manhattan is the County statistics of the United States#Smallest, larg ...
, accompanied by his personal assistant
Wong Wong or Mr Wong may refer to: Name * Wong (surname), a Chinese surname, listing people and fictional characters with the surname * Wong (Marvel Comics), manservant/mentor to Doctor Strange Sr./Jr. in Marvel Comics ** Wong (Marvel Cinematic Univer ...
. As the Ancient One's disciple, Strange encounters the entity
Nightmare A nightmare, also known as a bad dream, Retrieved 11 July 2016. is an unpleasant dream that can cause a strong emotional response from the mind, typically fear but also despair, anxiety, disgust or sadness. The dream may contain situations o ...
, and other mystical foes before meeting
Dormammu Dormammu () is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #126 (November 1964). He is the extra and inter-dimensional demonic e ...
, a
warlord Warlords are individuals who exercise military, Economy, economic, and Politics, political control over a region, often one State collapse, without a strong central or national government, typically through informal control over Militia, local ...
from an alternate dimension called the "Dark Dimension" who wishes to conquer Earth. Strange is aided by a nameless girl, later called
Clea Clea is a female given name. Clea may refer to: People with the given name * Clea DuVall (born 1977), actress * Clea Hoyte (born 1981), West Indies cricketer * Clea Koff (born 1972), British-born American forensic anthropologist and author * ...
, who is eventually revealed to be Dormammu's niece. When Strange helps a weakened Dormammu drive off the rampaging
Mindless Ones The Mindless Ones are fictional monsters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Their first appearance was in ''Strange Tales'' #127 (Dec. 1964). The Mindless Ones are extra-dimensional creatures who are summoned via magic ...
and return them to their prison, he is allowed to leave the Dark Dimension unchallenged. In ''The Unbelievable Gwenpool'' #3, Strange encounters Gwendolyn Poole, who explains herself to be from a reality where all Marvel characters are fictional characters in comic books. As Strange helps her locate her home reality to create a fake background for her in the Marvel Universe so that she can get a Social Security number, driver's license and other essential documents, he discovers that
Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch (born 19 July 1976) is an English actor. He has received List of awards and nominations received by Benedict Cumberbatch, various accolades, including a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Laurenc ...
has been cast to play him in Gwen's universe, remarking that he "could see that".


Powers and abilities


Powers and skills

Doctor Strange is a practicing sorcerer who draws his powers from mystical entities such as Agamotto,
Cyttorak Cyttorak is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. A mystical entity, he is the deity that powers Juggernaut through the artifact known as the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak. Publication history Cyttorak wa ...
,
Ikonn The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several fictional teams and organizations and this page lists them. 0–9 198 A A-Force A-Next A.I. Army The A.I. Army is a fictional organization appearing i ...
, Oshtur,
Raggadorr The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several fictional teams and organizations and this page lists them. 0–9 198 A A-Force A-Next A.I. Army The A.I. Army is a fictional organization appearing i ...
, and
Watoomb The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several fictional teams and organizations and this page lists them. 0–9 198 A A-Force A-Next A.I. Army The A.I. Army is a fictional organization appearing i ...
, who lend their energies for spells. Strange also wields mystical artifacts including the Cloak of Levitation which enables him to fly;The blue "student" version first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (July 1963), with the red "master" version first appearing in ''Strange Tales'' #127 (Dec. 1964). the
Eye of Agamotto The Eye of Agamotto () is a fictional, mystical item appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The item appears in publications that feature Doctor Strange. The Eye of Agamotto and Agamotto in his caterpillar form also appear ...
, an amulet whose light is used to negate evil magic; the Book of the Vishanti, a
grimoire A grimoire () (also known as a book of spells, magic book, or a spellbook) is a textbook of magic, typically including instructions on how to create magical objects like talismans and amulets, how to perform magical spells, charms, and divin ...
which contains vast knowledge of white magic; and the Orb of Agamotto, a crystal ball which is used for
clairvoyance Clairvoyance (; ) is the claimed ability to acquire information that would be considered impossible to get through scientifically proven sensations, thus classified as extrasensory perception, or "sixth sense". Any person who is claimed to h ...
. In addition to his magical abilities, Strange is trained in several martial arts disciplines, including
judo is an unarmed gendai budō, modern Japanese martial art, combat sport, Olympic sport (since 1964), and the most prominent form of jacket wrestling competed internationally.『日本大百科全書』電子版【柔道】(CD-ROM version of Encyc ...
, and has shown proficiency with numerous magically conjured weapons including swords and axes. Strange was a skilled neurosurgeon before nerve damage impaired his hands. Doctor Strange is described as "the mightiest magician in the cosmos" and "more powerful by far than any of your fellow humanoids" by
Eternity Eternity, in common parlance, is an Infinity, infinite amount of time that never ends or the quality, condition or fact of being everlasting or eternal. Classical philosophy, however, defines eternity as what is timeless or exists outside tim ...
, the sentience of the
Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. He holds the title of Sorcerer Supreme beginning with the 1973 storyline in which the Ancient One dies, and retains the title thereafter, except during an interruption from 1992 to 1995. He relinquishes the title once again in a 2009 storyline, but reclaims it in a 2012 story when he proves himself willing to protect the world even without the title.


Artifacts and technology


''Book of the Vishanti''

The ''Book of the Vishanti'', portrayed as being written by unknown authors, is closely associated with Doctor Strange and is the greatest known source of
white White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
magical knowledge on Earth. The ''Book of the Vishanti'' contains spells of defensive magic and is indestructible. Its counterpart, the ''
Darkhold The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several noteworthy concepts besides its fictional characters, such as unique places and artifacts. There follows a list of those features. Places Certain places fe ...
'', contains all the knowledge of
black magic Black magic (Middle English: ''nigromancy''), sometimes dark magic, traditionally refers to the use of Magic (paranormal), magic or supernatural powers for evil and selfish purposes. The links and interaction between black magic and religi ...
in the Marvel Universe and is likewise indestructible. It is possible to destroy single pages of either book, but the balancing spell in the other book must be destroyed as well to maintain a mystical balance. A collective of the three powerful magical beings—Agamotto, Oshtur, and Hoggoth—known as the Vishanti must allow the spell to be destroyed. Even though the book is a tome of benevolent magic, the spells within can still be dangerous when used improperly. This is proven when a young, inexperienced Strange tried to use the ''Book of the Vishanti'' to resurrect his dead brother Victor, but the spell, known as the Vampire Verses, caused Victor to become the vampire
Baron Blood Baron Blood is the name of several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first incarnation of Baron Blood, John Falsworth, first appeared in ''The Invaders (comics), The Invaders'' #7 (July 1976), who has ...
years later. The first known owner of the book was the Atlantean sorcerer
Varnae Varnae is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Perry (author), Steve Perry and Steve Bissette, the character first appeared in ''Bizarre Adventures'' #33 (December 1982). Varnae is a v ...
, who lived around 18,500 BC. The next known owner was the Babylonian god
Marduk Kurios Marduk Kurios is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a demon who has repeatedly posed as Satan and is the father of Daimon Hellstrom and Satana Hellstrom. Marduk appeared in the Hulu television series ' ...
. Marduk set a
griffin The griffin, griffon, or gryphon (; Classical Latin: ''gryps'' or ''grypus''; Late and Medieval Latin: ''gryphes'', ''grypho'' etc.; Old French: ''griffon'') is a -4; we might wonder whether there's a point at which it's appropriate to talk ...
to guard the Book. The sorcerer known as the
Ancient One The Ancient One is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, ...
traveled back in time to c. 4000 BC, defeated the griffin, and returned to the 20th century. The Ancient One would remain the book's owner, despite a brief loss when the dark wizard
Kaluu Kaluu is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Publication history The character first appeared in the story "From the Nameless Nowhere Comes... Kaluu!" in ''Strange Tales'' #147 (Aug. 1966). The fi ...
returned the Book to the Griffin, until he deemed his student, Doctor Strange, worthy of taking it. Doctor Strange keeps the book in his townhouse library in
New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
's
Greenwich Village Greenwich Village, or simply the Village, is a neighborhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan in New York City, bounded by 14th Street (Manhattan), 14th Street to the north, Broadway (Manhattan), Broadway to the east, Houston Street to the s ...
. He briefly lost the book when he destroyed his home to prevent the alien wizard
Urthona In the mythological writings of William Blake, Urthona is one of the four Zoas, who were created when Albion, the primordial man, was divided fourfold. Specifically, he is the Zoa of inspiration and creativity, and he is a blacksmith god. His fe ...
from taking his magical artifacts, but the book was saved by Agamotto, who transported it to his realm and returned it to Strange some time later.


Cloak of Levitation

The Cloak of Levitation is depicted as a potent mystical
cloak A cloak is a type of loose garment worn over clothing, mostly but not always as outerwear for outdoor wear, which serves the same purpose as an overcoat and protects the wearer from the weather. It may form part of a uniform. People in many d ...
worn by Doctor Strange. The primary purpose of the cloak is to give its wearer the ability to fly. Additionally, the cloak is able to alter its shape, being often used to act as "another set of hands" to attack an opponent when Strange's own body has been incapacitated. There were two distinctly different cloaks worn by Doctor Strange bequeathed to him by his mentor, the
Ancient One The Ancient One is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, ...
: a billowing, full-length blue cloak, that had minor abilities and spells woven into it, and the later, red cloak that Strange is usually seen wearing. The first appearance of the first (blue) cloak was in ''
Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...
'' #114 (November 1963). The first appearance of the second (red) cloak was in ''
Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...
'' #127 (December 1964). The Cloak of Levitation is seen in a great many battles where it often plays a very significant role. While it is extremely durable, there are a few occasions when it is damaged. Its repair requires that Strange engage an ally, Enitharmon the Weaver.


Eye of Agamotto


Orb of Agamotto

Aside from the Eye of Agamotto, the Orb of Agamotto is the other occult object that Doctor Strange owns. It is a powerful
scrying Scrying, also referred to as "seeing" or "peeping," is a practice rooted in divination and fortune-telling. It involves gazing into a medium, hoping to receive significant messages or visions that could offer personal guidance, prophecy, revel ...
crystal ball powered by the Agamotto entity to detect the use of magic anywhere in the world, providing Strange with a location and visual. It can also be used to monitor the shields that protect the planets created by the three sanctums. If Agamotto is inside the Orb, it becomes Strange's ultimate source of knowledge. The Orb of Agamotto rests in Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum in a room called the Chamber of Shadows. It usually is inside a display case with three curved legs. When summoned, the glass covering rises and the ball levitates. While powerful, the Orb has been blocked by exceptionally powerful mystic forces (such as
Umar Umar ibn al-Khattab (; ), also spelled Omar, was the second Rashidun caliph, ruling from August 634 until his assassination in 644. He succeeded Abu Bakr () and is regarded as a senior companion and father-in-law of the Islamic prophet Mu ...
) who do not want their exact location known. On at least one occasion, it has been used to open a dimensional portal to the realm of Agamotto. In the film ''
Thor Thor (from ) is a prominent list of thunder gods, god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred g ...
'', the Orb is briefly shown in Odin's Trophy Room in Asgard.


Sorcerer Supreme

The Sorcerer Supreme is a title for a magic user who is the protector against mystical threats. Before Doctor Strange, other characters have held this title.


Enemies

The following are a selection of enemies of Doctor Strange: * Aggamon – The ruler of the Purple Dimension. *
Baron Mordo Baron Karl Amadeus Mordo (known as Baron Mordo) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly as an adversary of Doctor Strange. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first ...
– An evil wizard and former student of the Ancient One. *
D'Spayre D'Spayre (sometimes D'spayre) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a demon, and was one of the Fear Lords. He has been opposed by Spider-Man, Scarlet Spider, Man-Thing, Cyclops, Hulk, Jugge ...
– A fear-eating demon who is a member of the Fear Lords. *
Dagoth Emmanuel da Costa Emmanuel da Costa is a fictional character appearing in American comic book published by Marvel Comics. Emmanuel da Costa is an Afro-Brazilian businessman and the father of Roberto da Costa. Dagger Dagoth Daggoth is a fic ...
– A sea demon who is the spawn of
Dagon Dagon or Dagan (; ) was a god worshipped in ancient Syria, across the middle of the Euphrates, with primary temples located in Tuttul and Terqa, though many attestations of his cult come from cities such as Mari and Emar as well. In settl ...
. *
Dormammu Dormammu () is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #126 (November 1964). He is the extra and inter-dimensional demonic e ...
– A demon who is the ruler of the Dark Dimension. *
Dweller-in-Darkness He Who Dwells in Darkness, or simply the Dweller-in-Darkness, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a demon, one of the Fear Lords, who has clashed with Doctor Strange. The character made ...
– A fear-generating demon who is a member of the Fear Lords. * Enchantress – An Asgardian sorceress. Doctor Strange first clashed with her during the "
Acts of Vengeance "Acts of Vengeance" is a comic book crossover storyline running through several titles published by Marvel Comics from December 1989 to February 1990. Publication history This company-wide fall crossover was centered on the Avengers and Fanta ...
" storyline. *
Kaecilius Kaecilius () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, primarily as an enemy of Doctor Strange. The character first appeared in '' Strange Tales'' #130 (March 1965) and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. ...
– An evil wizard who works for Baron Mordo. *
Kaluu Kaluu is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Publication history The character first appeared in the story "From the Nameless Nowhere Comes... Kaluu!" in ''Strange Tales'' #147 (Aug. 1966). The fi ...
– A 500-year-old wizard and a former classmate of the Ancient One. *
Mindless Ones The Mindless Ones are fictional monsters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Their first appearance was in ''Strange Tales'' #127 (Dec. 1964). The Mindless Ones are extra-dimensional creatures who are summoned via magic ...
– The inhabitants of the Dark Dimension that serve as Dormammu's foot soldiers. *
Mister Rasputin Pavel Plotnick (né Rasputin), better known as Mister Rasputin, is a fictional character, a super villain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Publication history Mister Rasputin made his official debuts in June 1966's '' ...
– A sorcerer who is the alleged descendant of
Grigori Rasputin Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin ( – ) was a Russian Mysticism, mystic and faith healer. He is best known for having befriended the imperial family of Nicholas II of Russia, Nicholas II, the last Emperor of all the Russias, Emperor of Russia, th ...
. * Necromancer –
Counter-Earth The Counter-Earth is a : Hypothetical bodies of the Solar System, hypothetical body of the Solar System that orbits on the other side of the Solar System from Earth. A Counter-Earth or ''Antichthon'' () was hypothesized by the pre-Socratic philoso ...
's version of Doctor Strange. *
Nightmare A nightmare, also known as a bad dream, Retrieved 11 July 2016. is an unpleasant dream that can cause a strong emotional response from the mind, typically fear but also despair, anxiety, disgust or sadness. The dream may contain situations o ...
– The ruler of the Dream Dimension. *
Paradox A paradox is a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one's expectation. It is a statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true or apparently true premises, leads to a seemingly self-contradictor ...
– A creation of Doctor Strange that was originally used to fill in for him. *
Satannish Satannish is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Publication history Satannish first appeared in ''Doctor Strange'' #174 and was created by writer Roy Thomas artist and Gene Colan. Fictional char ...
– An extra-dimensional demon. *
Shanzar S'Byll S'Byll (sometimes spelled S'byll) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. S'Byll is a Skrull that was raised on the planet Satriani. She was responsible for curing Super-Skrull of his disease. Si ...
– The Sorcerer Supreme of the Strange Matter Dimension. He once possessed Hulk, turning him into Dark Hulk. * Shazana - Extradimensional sorceress and queen *
Shuma-Gorath Shuma-Gorath () is a character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner, the character first appeared in ''Marvel Premiere'' #10 (September 1973). Shuma-Gorath bel ...
– A many-angled one who existed during Earth's pre-history. * Silver Dagger – A religious sorcerer. * Sons of Satannish – A cult that worships Satannish. *
Tiboro T-Ray Taegukgi Taegukgi (Tae-Won) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, created by Jed MacKay and Alessandro Vitti, first appeared in ''Taskmaster'' (vol. 3) #3 (February 2021). Taegukgi ...
– A humanoid who claims to be from the Sixth Dimension. *
Umar Umar ibn al-Khattab (; ), also spelled Omar, was the second Rashidun caliph, ruling from August 634 until his assassination in 644. He succeeded Abu Bakr () and is regarded as a senior companion and father-in-law of the Islamic prophet Mu ...
– A resident of the Dark Dimension and the sister of Dormammu. * Undying Ones – A race of demons from another dimension with a variety of magic and a variety of forms. *
Yandroth Y'Garon Y'Garon is a demon who has clashed with Marada the She-Wolf and Dracula. Yandroth Yandroth was the humanoid Scientist Supreme of the " otherdimensional" planet "Yann" and a would-be-conqueror who, with his robot Voltorg, has fought Doc ...
– A Scientist Supreme from the otherdimensional planet Yann.


Cultural impact and legacy


Critical response

Steve Ditko's artwork is considered groundbreaking in comic book history, featuring surreal and psychedelic imagery that mirrored the growing counterculture movement of the 1960s. His visual style, with its otherworldly dimensions and abstract landscapes, was highly innovative. It has been compared to the visual experiences of people who had used LSD. This made the comics very popular with the growing counter culture movement of the time. Laura Bradley of '' Vanity Fair'' included Doctor Strange in their "Stan Lee’s Most Iconic Characters" list. ''
Screen Rant ''Screen Rant'' is an entertainment website that offers news in the fields of television, films, video games, and comic books. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publications including Comic Book Resources, Collider, MovieWeb and XDA Developers. ...
'' included Doctor Strange in their "10 Most Powerful Comic Book Wizards" list, and in their "10 Smartest Magic Users In Comic Books" list. ''
CBR.com ''CBR'', formerly ''Comic Book Resources'', is a news website primarily covering comic book news, comic book reviews, and comic book–related topics involving movies, television, anime, and video games. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publicat ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 1st in their "10 Best Sorcerer Supremes" list, and 5th in their "10 Scariest Avengers" list. ''
Collider A collider is a type of particle accelerator that brings two opposing particle beams together such that the particles collide. Compared to other particle accelerators in which the moving particles collide with a stationary matter target, collid ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 1st in their "Most Powerful Original Marvel Illuminati Members" list, and 14th in their "20 Most Powerful Marvel Characters" list. Lance Cartelli of ''
GameSpot ''GameSpot'' is an American video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information on video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996, created by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady, and Jon Epstein. In addition ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 27th in their "50 Most Important Superheroes" list. ''
IGN ''IGN'' is an American video gaming and entertainment media website operated by IGN Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc. The company's headquarters is located in San Francisco's SoMa district and is headed by its former e ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 33rd in their "Top 50 Avengers" list, and 38th in their "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes" list. ''
The A.V. Club ''The A.V. Club'' is an online newspaper and entertainment website featuring reviews, interviews, and other articles that examine films, music, television, books, games, and other elements of pop-culture media. ''The A.V. Club'' was created in ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 47th in their "100 best Marvel characters" list. Lance Cartelli of ''
ComicBook.com ''ComicBook.com'' is an entertainment website that offers news in the fields of comic books, television, films, video games, and anime. The site came online in 1996 serving as a holding page for sales links and press releases related to comic b ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 35th in their "50 Most Important Superheroes Ever" list. ''
Wizard Magazine ''Wizard'' or ''Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop Culture'' (previously titled ''Wizard: The Guide to Comics'' and ''Wizard: The Comics Magazine'') was a magazine about comic books, published monthly in the United States by ...
'' ranked Doctor Strange 83rd in their "200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time" list.


Impact

* Doctor Strange inspired the name of the psychedelic band Dr. Strangely Strange. * Doctor Strange's character inspired the
Khalid Nassour Dr. Khalid Nassour (Arabic: نصّور خالد) is a superhero featured in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Levitz and artist Sonny Liew, Nassour first appeared in ''Aquaman: Convergence'' #2 (May, 2015) and is the eig ...
version of the
Doctor Fate Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version was originally created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More Fun Comics' ...
character, which was created by
Paul Levitz Paul Levitz (; born October 21, 1956) is an American comic book writer, editor and executive. The president of DC Comics from 2002 to 2009, he worked for the company for over 35 years in a wide variety of roles. Along with publisher Jenette Kahn ...
. * Doctor Strange is referenced in the 1971 song "Mambo Sun" by
glam rock Glam rock is a style of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s and was primarily defined by the flamboyant clothing, makeup, and hairstyles of its musicians, particularly platform shoes and glitter. Glam artists d ...
band T. Rex on their album ''
Electric Warrior ''Electric Warrior'' is the second studio album by English rock band T. Rex and their sixth since their 1968 debut as Tyrannosaurus Rex, released on 24 September 1971, by Fly Records in the United Kingdom and Reprise Records in the United St ...
''. * Doctor Strange is referenced in the song "Cymbaline" by English
progressive rock Progressive rock (shortened as prog rock or simply prog) is a broad genre of rock music that primarily developed in the United Kingdom through the mid- to late 1960s, peaking in the early-to-mid-1970s. Initially termed " progressive pop", the ...
band
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experiments ...
on their 1969 album ''
More More may refer to: Computing * MORE (application), outline software for Mac OS * more (command), a shell command * MORE protocol, a routing protocol * Missouri Research and Education Network Music Albums * ''More!'' (album), by Booka Shade, ...
''. * Doctor Strange appears on the cover of
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experiments ...
's second studio album ''
A Saucerful of Secrets ''A Saucerful of Secrets'' is the second studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 28 June 1968 by Columbia Graphophone Company, EMI Columbia in the UK and in the US by Tower Records (record label), Tower Records. The menta ...
'', which contains a hidden image based on a panel from a 1967 Doctor Strange comic book story. The image used came from ''
Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...
'' #158 which was illustrated by
Marie Severin Marie Severin (; August 21, 1929 – August 29, 2018) was an American comics artist and colorist best known for her work for Marvel Comics and the 1950s' EC Comics. She is an inductee of the Will Eisner Comics Hall of Fame and the Harvey Awards ...
.


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 A pseudonym (; ) or alias () is a fictitious name that a person assumes for a particular purpose, which differs from their original or true meaning ( orthonym). This also differs from a new name that entirely or legally replaces an individual's o ...
"R. Berns"), and
Jack Kirby Jack Kirby (; born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comics artist, comic book artist, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He grew ...
(artist) introduced a criminal scientist and
Ph.D. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, DPhil; or ) is a terminal degree that usually denotes the highest level of academic achievement in a given discipline and is awarded following a course of graduate study and original research. The name of the deg ...
with the same
surname In many societies, a surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family. It is typically combined with a given name to form the full name of a person, although several give ...
(called Carl Strange). Making his sole appearance in the
Iron Man Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
story "The Stronghold of Dr. Strange" in ''
Tales of Suspense ''Tales of Suspense'' is the name of an American comic book anthology series, and two one-shot comics, all published by Marvel Comics. The first, which ran from 1959 to 1968, began as a science-fiction anthology that served as a showcase for s ...
'' #41 (1963), the character gained mental powers in a freak
lightning Lightning is a natural phenomenon consisting of electrostatic discharges occurring through the atmosphere between two electrically charged regions. One or both regions are within the atmosphere, with the second region sometimes occurring on ...
strike.


Age of X

In the ''
Age of X "Age of X" is a comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics as part of its ''X-Men'' series. The storyline is set in an alternate reality known as Earth-11326. Running from January to April 2011, it is similar in name and tone to the 1995 "A ...
'' timeline, Doctor Strange poses as a Mutant-hunter for hire, but is in reality a double agent working with
Magneto A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
, who teleports mutants to Fortress X for safety.


Amalgam Comics

Set in the
Amalgam Comics Amalgam Comics was a collaborative publishing imprint shared by DC Comics and Marvel Comics, in which the two comic book publishers merged their characters into new ones (e.g., the DC Comics character Batman and the Marvel Comics character Wolver ...
universe, Dr. Strange was combined with
Doctor Fate Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version was originally created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More Fun Comics' ...
and
Charles Xavier Professor X (Prof. Charles Francis Xavier) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 ( ...
into Dr. Strangefate. As the only character aware of the nature of the Amalgam Universe, he was the chief opponent of
Access Access may refer to: Companies and organizations * ACCESS (Australia), an Australian youth network * Access (credit card), a former credit card in the United Kingdom * Access Co., a Japanese software company * Access International Advisors, a hed ...
, who was attempting to separate the DC and
Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
s. Originally numbered as Earth-962.


Bullet Points

In the mini-series '' Bullet Points'', Dr. Strange chooses to work for
S.H.I.E.L.D. S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism government agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this agency first appeared in ''Strange Tal ...
, rather than seek out the
Ancient One The Ancient One is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, ...
, in exchange for them restoring his hands. Later he is seen possessing claws similar to Wolverine's.


''Duckworld''

Set in
Howard the Duck Howard the Duck is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Steve Gerber, based very loosely on his college friend Howard Tockman, and artist Val Mayerik. Howard the Duck firs ...
's home-world and home dimension. This version of Doctor Strange is Ducktor Strange, an
anthropomorphic Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It is considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology. Personification is the related attribution of human form and characteristics to ...
Duck. In this reality, he is still a Sorcerer (the "Mallard of the Mystic Arts"), but is also a drunken derelict, who seems to live in alleys drinking "sorcerous sauce" (alcohol). He has appeared in ''Howard the Duck'' magazine #6 (July 1980), wherein he sends Howard and Beverly back to Earth; and in ''
She-Hulk She-Hulk (Jennifer Susan Walters) is a Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she First appearance, first appeared in ''The Savage She-Hulk ...
'', vol. 4, #20 (Sept 2007), wherein he helps Stu the Intern return to Earth (since Stu's extensive knowledge of Marvel Comics continuity reminded him that he could find the Ducktor and how he could be returned by the Mystic Mallard).


Earth-A/Earth-721

In ''She-Hulk'' (vol. 2) #21, a non-powered counterpart of Dr. Strange from Earth-A comes to Earth-616 (aka Earth-B) and impersonates the 616 Dr. Strange. The impostor is revealed when he cannot think of a rhyme for the word "Cyttorak".


''Earth X''

Set in the
Earth X ''Earth X'' is a 1999 comic book Limited series (comics), limited series published by American company Marvel Comics. ''Earth X'' was written by Jim Krueger with art by John Paul Leon. Based on Alex Ross' notes, the series features a dystopian v ...
universe. Dr. Strange's body is murdered by Clea (this Earth's Sorceress Supreme) at the behest of
Loki Loki is a Æsir, god in Norse mythology. He is the son of Fárbauti (a jötunn) and Laufey (mythology), Laufey (a goddess), and the brother of Helblindi and Býleistr. Loki is married to the goddess Sigyn and they have two sons, Narfi (son of Lo ...
. His astral form aids Captain Marvel in his journey through Death's Realm as one of the few inhabiting heroes aware of his death.


''Exiles''

An alternative Dr. Strange helped the
Exiles Exile or banishment is primarily penal expulsion from one's native country, and secondarily expatriation or prolonged absence from one's homeland under either the compulsion of circumstance or the rigors of some high purpose. Usually persons ...
briefly. This character was not a mystic, but instead was still a practicing physician who specialized in superhumans. This version of Doctor Strange was killed by an alternative version of
Deadpool Deadpool is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, the character first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #98 (December 1990). In his comic book appearances, Deadpool is ...
.


''Fantastic Four: The End''

In this series, Dr. Strange is now the Ancient One and had a daughter with Clea who is the new Dr. Strange.


''Guardians of the Galaxy''

In the alternative future of the
Guardians of the Galaxy The Guardians of the Galaxy are a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Comic book teams 1969 team The 1969 version of the Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team), Guardians of the Galaxy were the origi ...
, Dr. Strange assumed the title of the Ancient One (previously held by his mentor) and took on a disciple of his own, a Lem named Krugarr. Strange/the Ancient One was eventually killed by Dormammu, who was defeated by the combined efforts of Krugarr, his disciple Talon, and the Guardians.


Marvel 1602

Set in the
Marvel 1602 ''Marvel 1602'', or simply ''1602'', is an eight-issue comic book limited series published in 2003 by Marvel Comics. The limited series was written by Neil Gaiman, penciled by Andy Kubert, and digitally painted by Richard Isanove; Scott McKowe ...
universe. Sir Stephen Strange, both the court physician of
Queen Elizabeth I Elizabeth I (7 September 153324 March 1603) was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death in 1603. She was the last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor. Her eventful reign, and its effect on history ...
and a magician, senses that there are unnatural forces at work. He is the replacement in the 1602 universe for
John Dee John Dee (13 July 1527 – 1608 or 1609) was an English mathematician, astronomer, teacher, astrologer, occultist, and alchemist. He was the court astronomer for, and advisor to, Elizabeth I, and spent much of his time on alchemy, divination, ...
and is married to a version of Clea. Here, he cannot use his 'Astral Projection' (which he refers to as a magic mirror) as well as the modern one could, lacking modern materials, and is often physically drained after it is finished, and lacks memory of what he saw in astral form. During this time, he makes indirect contact with
Uatu Uatu (), often simply known as the Watcher, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in '' The Fantastic Four'' #13 (April 1963). He is a member o ...
, who warns him about the danger caused by the 'Forerunner's' arrival in the past, but is placed under a compulsion not to speak or act on this knowledge. Eventually, when Elizabeth is dead, he allows himself to be executed for witchcraft and treason so that his head, kept alive by Clea for some time after his execution, can continue to be of help by sharing the information he has gained from Uatu with the other heroes so that they can prevent the destruction of reality.


Marvel 2099

Set in the
Marvel 2099 Marvel 2099 was a Marvel Comics imprint, started in 1992, that was originally about one possible future of the Marvel Universe, but later revealed to be the Earth of the main Marvel continuity in the distant future. It was originally announced ...
universe, the Sorceress Supreme of Earth is a young woman who calls herself "Strange". She secretly shares her body with a monstrous demon. She is very inexperienced in her powers and uses them recklessly. In one incident, she causes the death of her brother. Her main opponent is
Garokk Garokk (; also known as the Petrified Man) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a resident of the Savage Land and an enemy of the X-Men and Ka-Zar (Kevin Plunder), Ka-Zar, and possesses a sto ...
who wishes to use her past torments and inexperience to gain the title of Sorcerer Supreme for himself. In a 'reset' 2099 timeline where the
Maestro Maestro (; from the Italian '' maestro'' , meaning " master" or "teacher," plural: maestros or maestri) is an honorific title of respect, sometimes abbreviated Mo. The term is most commonly used in the context of Western classical music and oper ...
has conquered a decimated world, he apparently kept Strange contained in a mystical circle. When Miguel O'Hara emerged into this timeline and released Strange, she claimed that the demon possessing her protected her from major world-shifts, working with Miguel to repair an old time machine of Doctor Doom's so that he could return to 2015 and avert this timeline. However, after Miguel's departure, Strange revealed that she was working with the Maestro and was under the control of the demon within her. During the "
Secret Wars ''Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars'', commonly known as ''Secret Wars'', is a 12-issue American comic book Fictional crossover, crossover limited series published from May 1984 to April 1985 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Jim Shooter ...
" storyline, a version of Strange later appears on Battleworld as a member of the Defenders (comics), Defenders 2099. When Miguel returns to a new variation of the 2099 timeline where having superpowers is illegal, he witnesses Moon Knight#Marvel 2099, Moon Knight banishing Strange's demon being from her body using a soul sword. In the unified Marvel 2099 reality of Earth-2099, Strange was a member of Avengers (comics)#Marvel 2099, 2099 version of the Avengers. She was among those who were massacred by the Masters of Evil#Marvel 2099, 2099 version of the Masters of Evil.


''Marvel Zombies''

In the ''Marvel Zombies'' universe, Dr. Strange is one of the last heroes in the alternative "zombie world" to be transformed into a zombie. He was last seen in living form as part of
Nick Fury Colonel (United States), Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and ...
's resistance to defeat the zombified Marvel superheroes in the spinoff ''Dead Days'' before he and the rest of the surviving superheroes are later overwhelmed by the zombie Fantastic Four and turned. He participates in the multi-zombie attack on Doctor Doom's castle, in an effort to capture and devour the unaffected Latverian citizens inside. While part of a multi-zombie chase of Ultimate Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards, he vanishes under a rain of cars launched by
Magneto A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
. However, he later resurfaces in ''Marvel Zombies 3'' but with limited function as a result of Magneto's wrath. He is part of Kingpin (comics), Kingpin's undead alliance and can only perform two spells, one of which allows viewers to see into other universes which becomes an essential tool to Kingpin's plans. Ultron kills Zombie Dr. Strange.


MC2

Set in the Marvel Comics 2, MC2 universe. Dr. Strange is retired and the title of Sorcerer Supreme has been passed to the younger Doc Magus.


''Mutant X''

Set in the Mutant X (comics), Mutant X universe. Dr. Strange was the Man-Thing. The title of Sorcerer Supreme had been taken by Mordo.


''Spider-Ham''

Set in the Spider-Ham#Other characters, Larval zooniverse, the talking animals in fiction, talking animal version of Doctor Strange is Croctor Strange, an
anthropomorphic Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. It is considered to be an innate tendency of human psychology. Personification is the related attribution of human form and characteristics to ...
crocodile.


''Thor: Vikings''

Dr. Strange assists Thor in the MAX (comics), MAX mini series ''Thor: Vikings'', when zombified, evil Vikings massacre Manhattan by pillaging and killing its citizens. Strange helps Thor locate the descendants of a victim that the Vikings had slain, just after the victim, a village wiseman had placed a curse on the Vikings that caused them to become zombified. With Strange's instruction, the battle-experienced descendants all fight the Vikings with Thor.


Ultimate Marvel

There are two versions of Doctor Strange that reside in the Ultimate Marvel Universe.


Stephen Strange Sr.

First appearing in flashbacks, Dr. Stephen Strange married his former student Clea and the two of them had a child named Stephen Strange Jr. Strange Sr. later vanished and Clea decided to raise Stephen Jr. away from magic. The title of "Sorcerer Supreme" was only self-proclaimed by the elder Strange as reported in the comics during a TV news broadcast.


Stephen Strange Jr.

As a college student, Stephen Strange Jr. was approached by Wong who told him about his father and took him on as a student. He supports himself as a new-age guru to the rich, powerful, and famous, and is seen as a celebrity appearing on television talk shows. He is known to the public as "Dr. Strange", although he does not hold a medical degree or doctorate. Stephen Strange Jr. has bemoaned his lack of knowledge in things mystical and usually, just barely saves the day with one last desperate untried spell. Starting in ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' #107, this Doctor Strange is a member of Daredevil's team fighting against the Kingpin, the Marvel Knights#Ultimate Knights, Ultimate Knights. In ''Ultimatum'', Strange is killed by Dormammu#Ultimate Marvel, Dormammu when Hulk (Ultimate Marvel character), Hulk rampages through his house. A mysterious person later found his body.


Venomverse

A Venomized version of Doctor Strange appears in Venomverse, who is responsible for gathering all of the different incarnations of Venom. His Earth was eradicated by the Poisons so he had gathered Venoms from across the multiverse to prevent the Poisons from consuming more of them. He is captured by the Poisons and he realizes that instead of bringing more Venoms to fight, he had brought the Poisons more Venoms to consume. In the climax he sends all of the surviving Venoms to their universes while the bomb built by Rocket Raccoon explodes. His fate is unknown.


What If?...

Dr. Strange also exists in several What If (comics), ''What If?...'' Multiverse (Marvel Comics), multiverses. *In "What If....Doctor Strange Had Been Disciple of Dormammu?", Strange has his hands healed by Mordo and does not become a student of the Ancient One. Mordo later converts Strange into a disciple of Dormammu. When Strange is forced into a battle between Dormammu and the Ancient One, he decides in favor of good, and finally becomes a disciple of the Ancient One. *In "What If...Dr. Strange Had Not Become Master of the Mystic Arts?", Strange never travels to Tibet, with Mordo becoming Sorcerer Supreme.


In other media


Television

* Doctor Strange appears in the ''Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends'' episode "7 Little Superheroes", voiced by John Stephenson (actor), John Stephenson. * Doctor Strange makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the ''X-Men: The Animated Series'' episode "The Dark Phoenix Saga (Part 3)". * Doctor Strange appears in a self-titled episode of ''Spider-Man: The Animated Series'', voiced by John Vernon. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information. * Doctor Strange appears in ''The Incredible Hulk (1996 TV series), The Incredible Hulk'' episode "Mind Over Anti-Matter", voiced by Maurice LaMarche. * Doctor Strange appears in ''The Super Hero Squad Show'', voiced by Roger Rose. * Doctor Strange appears in the Disney XD Marvel animated series ''Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series), Ultimate Spider-Man'', ''Avengers Assemble (TV series), Avengers Assemble'', and ''Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.'', voiced originally by Jack Coleman (actor), Jack Coleman, and later by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers'', voiced by Yasunori Masutani in the Japanese dub, and Wally Wingert (episode 2) and Liam O'Brien (episode 46) in the English dub. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Lego Marvel Super Heroes - Black Panther: Trouble in Wakanda'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Marvel Future Avengers'', voiced again by Yasunori Masutani in the Japanese dub and Liam O'Brien in the English dub. * Doctor Strange appears in the ''Spider-Man (2017 TV series), Spider-Man'' (2017) episode "Amazing Friends", voiced again by Liam O'Brien. This version is a member of the Avengers (comics), Avengers. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Marvel Super Hero Adventures'', voiced by Toren Atkinson. * Doctor Strange makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the ''X-Men '97'' episode "Tolerance is Extinction - Part 3".


Film

* Doctor Strange appears in a Dr. Strange (1978 film), self-titled film (1978), portrayed by
Peter Hooten John Peter Hooten (born November 29, 1950) is an American actor. He is best known for playing the title character in the television film '' Dr. Strange'' (1978). Career Hooten started acting in 1968 at the age of 17. He appeared as an uncredite ...
. This version is a psychiatrist. * ''Doctor Mordrid'' began development as a ''Doctor Strange'' adaptation, but the studio's license expired before production began. As a result, the project was rewritten to change the main character's name and slightly alter his origin. Additionally, the main character was originally going to be called "Doctor Mortalis" and
Jack Kirby Jack Kirby (; born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comics artist, comic book artist, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He grew ...
worked on early concept art. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme'', voiced by Bryce Johnson. * Doctor Strange makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in ''Planet Hulk (film), Planet Hulk'' as a member of the
Illuminati The Illuminati (; plural of Latin ''illuminatus'', 'enlightened') is a name given to several groups, both real and fictitious. Historically, the name usually refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on 1 ...
. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien.


Marvel Cinematic Universe

Doctor Stephen Strange appears in media set in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appe ...
(MCU), portrayed by
Benedict Cumberbatch Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch (born 19 July 1976) is an English actor. He has received List of awards and nominations received by Benedict Cumberbatch, various accolades, including a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award and a Laurenc ...
. First appearing in a Doctor Strange (2016 film), self-titled film (2016), this version is a successful, wealthy neurosurgeon who becomes severely injured following a car accident, leading him to travel the world for answers to heal his injuries, eventually landing in Kamar-Taj (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Kamar-Taj, and becoming a Master of the Mystic Arts. He makes further appearances in ''Thor: Ragnarok'', ''Avengers: Infinity War'', ''Avengers: Endgame'', ''Spider-Man: No Way Home'', and ''Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'' and will return in ''Avengers: Doomsday''. Additionally, alternate timeline variants of Strange appear in ''What If...? (TV series), What If... ?'' and ''Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'', with the latter version voiced by Robin Atkin Downes.


Video games

* Doctor Strange appears as a non-player character (NPC) in ''The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin''. This version serves as Spider-Man's advisor. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel: Ultimate Alliance'', voiced by James Horan (actor), James Horan. * Doctor Strange appears in Hsien-Ko's ending in ''Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds''. ** He later appears as a playable character in the updated version, ''Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3'', voiced by Rick Pasqualone. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Super Hero Squad Online'', voiced by Charlie Adler. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Avengers Alliance''. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth'', voiced by Chris Cox (voice actor), Chris Cox. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Heroes (video game), Marvel Heroes'', voiced by Nick Jameson. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Lego Marvel Super Heroes'', voiced again by James Horan. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Contest of Champions''. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Lego Marvel's Avengers'', voiced by Wally Wingert. Additionally, an "All-New, All-Different Doctor Strange" appears in a self-titled Downloadable content, DLC, voiced by Jack Coleman (actor), Jack Coleman. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Future Fight''. * Two versions of Doctor Strange, "Stephen Strange" and the "Sorcerer Supreme", appear as playable characters in ''Marvel Puzzle Quest''. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Powers United VR'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Marvel Dimension of Heroes'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Future Revolution'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Marvel Snap''. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel's Midnight Suns'', voiced again by Rick Pasqualone. This version displays a rivalry with
Iron Man Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
. * Doctor Strange appears as a playable character in ''Marvel Rivals''.


Miscellaneous

* Doctor Strange appears in a self-titled WBAI radio drama. * Doctor Strange appears in ''Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts: Nightmare'', written by William Rotsler and published by Pocket Books. * Doctor Strange makes a cameo appearance in ''Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours'', by Jim Butcher.


Notes


References


External links


Doctor Strange
at Marvel.com {{Authority control Doctor Strange, Avengers (comics) characters Characters created by Stan Lee Characters created by Steve Ditko Comics characters introduced in 1963 Fictional characters from Manhattan Fictional characters who can levitate Fictional characters with dimensional travel abilities Fictional characters with neurotrauma Fictional neurosurgeons Fictional paranormal investigators Male characters in film Marvel Comics adapted into films Marvel Comics American superheroes Marvel Comics characters who can teleport Marvel Comics characters who use magic Marvel Comics fantasy characters Marvel Comics male superheroes Marvel Comics martial artists Marvel Comics telepaths