An Introduction To … Doctor Strange
Ever since Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as the title character, a lot of my comic book novice friends have been asking me, “Who is Dr Strange?” After explaining what I did know, I figured there was more to learn and share. So here it is …
Created by Marvel’s Stan Lee and brought to life by artist Steve Ditko in 1963, Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is a talented but somewhat egotistical surgeon. After a very serious car accident, he loses the use of his hands due to severe nerve damage. No longer able to operate, he spends his vast wealth travelling the world looking for a cure. He comes across a mystical person known as “The Ancient One,” but is enraged at the refusal to cure him. Upon seeing the magic used during an attack, Strange decides to dedicate himself to the magical tutilage in the hope of stopping Baron Mordo, a former student and now enemy of The Ancient One. Now proven as a good man, Doctor Strange is on the path to becoming the new Sorceror Supreme of Earth’s dimension. Then, after many years of training, he returns to New York to have many adventures with the likes of Spider-Man and the Avengers.
Powers:
He is a master of the mystic arts, and one of the most powerful sorcerers in the world. He uses this mystical energy bought on by incantations to project energy such as bolts, slashes, blinds, shields and a scattered array of energy appearing as electricity, or to manipulate matter and various energies. Magical artifacts are also used, such as the Eye Of Agamotto and Cloak of Levitation. The eye can extend Doctor Strange’s psychic abilities and allow for interdimensional travel, whereas the cloak responds to his thoughts to entangle opponents, also allowing him to fly and levitate.
His continuity has changed over the years, but these are the basics. Let’s see what happens with the cinematic release of Doctor Strange in November 2016.
Stay tuned …