7 Things Only Comic Book Fans Know About the Doctor Strange
Strange is quickly becoming a major force in the MCU in Phase 4, thanks to his recent appearance on an episode of What If...?, as well as the highly anticipated sequel to his 2016 film and a significant role in Spider-Man: No Way Home. On screen, his future is bright, and his comic book past may hold some hints as to where it's going. Posted On September 28th, 2021
Didn’t have his own comic book at first
Doctor Strange made his debut in Strange Tales #110 in 1963. He was created in collaboration by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, with Ditko contributing the original concept. Doctor Strange would not have his own solo comic for many years because of Marvel Comics’ reliance on DC Comics for distribution.
Clea from the dark dimension was his first love
Christine Palmer has been Doctor Strange’s primary love interest in the MCU thus far. His first major love interest in the comics was a woman named Clea. She first appeared in Strange Tales #126 in 1964, the same year Dormammu, one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe, made his debut.
His Stories Held the origin of eternity
Doctor Strange comics gave birth to a slew of memorable characters, including Eternity. Eternity is by far one of the most powerful cosmic beings in the Marvel Universe, and his appearance in Strange Tales #138 marked a significant expansion of the Marvel cosmos.
Shuma-Gorath was his Arch-Nemesis
Shuma-Gorath, another major cosmic and magical being linked to Doctor Strange, is likely to interest MCU fans. Shuma-Gorath is an Ancient One, a tentacled creature from another dimension with the ability to shape reality.
He formed the defenders
Doctor Strange is a nominal member of the Avengers in the MCU, but in the comics, he founded another superhero team. Strange formed the Defenders, initially comprising himself, the Hulk, and Namor, to combat the Undying Ones, another race of ancient squid entities.
He Shared the stage with Cloak and Dagger
He only shared the book with Cloak and Dagger, characters who spun out of the Spider-Man comics, for 19 issues between 1987 and 1988. Doctor Strange has reverted to being a full-fledged solo title. Doctor Strange’s third volume ran for several years before being cancelled in 1995.
He was the part of the midnight sons
In the 1990s, the mystical side of the Marvel Universe became very popular, prompting Marvel to create the Midnight Sons brand for a subset of its comics, including Doctor Strange. During this time, Doctor Strange became a member of the supernatural team of the same name, which included Blade, Moon Knight and Ghost Rider.