The Super Powered Fancast

Doctor Strange #383

Marvel Comics

Written by Donny Cates

Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta

Colors by Jordie Bellaire

Stephen Strange has some explaining to do and the person he’s telling his tale to needs to be brought up to speed if he’s going to be of any help. Stephen recalls the humiliation he suffered during the Tournament and it is definitely a tale worth repeating. At the annual Tournament, Stephen Strange is stripped of the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, even after defeating the other mystics in the world and winning the tournament. The Vishanti, unfortunately, have other ideas. They appoint Loki, who was merely watching the contest as the new Sorcerer Supreme and Stephen doesn’t take it well. This is evident in his interactions with Sentry as they make their way through the suburbs to meet someone else Stephen needs to contact.

As he relays the stakes involved with what Loki is looking to do with all of magic, they come upon a small, non-descript house. Before knocking on the door, Sentry warns Strange that the Void will return every good deed Sentry performs back with evil. Stephen is not worried, at least not visibly. When Wong answers the door, the old friends exchange pleasantries as his former assistant hands him a spell that should take Stephen on the next leg of his journey. As he walks away, Wong gives Strange some friendly advice, as well as a warning that Stephen should heed.

Stephen’s next stop is Asgard where he finds that the politics of the realm have removed Odin from the throne and replaced him with his brother Cul. As Sentry distracts the Asgardians, Stephen heads to his target. Once he gets there, it will take everything in his dwindling power, including a sacrfice to get what he needs to stop Loki, but is the price of victory too high for even Stephen to pay?

Stephen’s desperation is taking him down an intriguing road. Even though his being stripped of his title and purpose are shown to be unfair, the steps Stephen is taking to get back what he lost might end us causing more trouble for himself and everyone involved. Cates has done a great job of explaining to Stephen the potential risks of his acts and one can only hope that Stephen is both aware of and has planned for those eventualities. Walta’s art also adds to the overall tone of the story with some great details and effects as well as some harsh close ups that show the pain Stephen is enduring for the sake of his quest. Can’t wait to see what happens next.