The Multiverse of Madness is coming. But the real magic isn’t on the big screen. It’s on the page.
As anticipation builds for Doctor Strange’s universe-altering sequel, the character has seen a resurgence in popularity. Debuting in Strange Tales #110 (1963) by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Doctor Strange spent several decades in virtual anonymity. He was never a marquee name. Now, thanks in large part to Benedict Cumberbatch’s interpretation, the Sorcerer Supreme is no longer a second-tier character. The Avenger has officially made the A-List.
So, it’s time he made the pull list too. Doctor Strange comics are a showcase of Marvel’s mystical elements, blending the superhuman and the supernatural. But, with such an expansive comic book history that touches on several different genres, it’s difficult to know where to start.
To help, we’ve conjured up these 13 essential Doctor Strange comics and storylines.
Doctor Strange: The Oath (2007)
“The Oath” is widely heralded as one of the best Doctor Strange comics of all time. Yet it’s not a story of magic or mysticism. It’s a story about friendship. After sustaining a gunshot wound, Doctor Strange tries to simultaneously track down his attempted murderer while also finding a cure for Wong, who is suffering from terminal cancer. This story arc is more straightforward and less psychedelic when compared to other entries on this list. The five-issue mini-series by Brian K. Vaughan and Marcos Martin also lays the groundwork for the more modern, MCU character fans have grown to appreciate. And, since it is a self-contained story, it’s a great pickup for even casual readers.
Strange Tales #126-127 (1964)
No list would be complete without a nod to Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s debut run. These two issues contain “The Domain of Dread Dormammu” and “Duel With The Dread Dormammu” stories, which was the first multi-issue arc to grace the pages of Strange Tales. This establishes Doctor Strange’s most formable foe and also introduces his long-running love interest, Clea. Upon his initial defeat of Dormammu, the Ancient One gifts the Sorcerer Supreme two magical items that will influence many future stories: the Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto.
Doctor Strange: Season One (2012)
As the name implies, Marvel’s Season One OGNs are re-tellings and re-imaginings of classic origin stories. Since Doctor Strange has had his origin reprinted the least of most major superheroes, this is a welcome addition. Greg Pak sets up the titular surgeon-turned-sorcerer, his backstory, and his relationships as he embarks on his first adventure. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a core narrative that builds up his supporting cast of Wong, Baron Mordo, the Ancient One, and Dormammu. The art, penciled by Emma Rios, is both emotional and nuanced.
Marvel Fanfare #5 (1982)
“To Steal the Sorcerer’s Soul” is a short, succinct 17-page story within this larger book. But it makes up for this length by stuffing each page with a potent, action-packed tale. Known for melodrama, legendary writer Chris Claremont channels his love for operatic romance to dig deep into Doctor Strange and Clea’s blossoming relationship. Yet, this tale is most notable for the presence of Nicodemus West. Doctor Strange’s colleague, racked with guilt, emerges as a full-on, nefarious villain as he tries to steal magical powers for himself.
Strange Tales #130-146 (1964-1966)
Few Doctor Strange comics are more complex and sprawling than “The Eternity Saga.” Stan Lee and Steve Ditko worked at peak performance. And it shows, producing sharp prose, wild visuals, and fantastical elements. In many ways, these comics were an invitation to explore infinite possibilities. In this arc, Doctor Strange battles both Baron Mordo and Dormammu, before losing his power and his eyesight. This leads him on a quest to find the elusive being called Eternity. It’s a brilliant opus that can only be described as odd, creative, and experimental.
Doctor Strange: A Separate Reality (1974)
Fans of weirdness love this trippy story. This tale is over-the-top. It reads like a frenetic, acid trip that has gone terribly wrong. When writer Steve Englehart moved from the Defenders book to the Doctor Strange solo title, he also transitioned away from super heroics. Instead, he goes deep into mysticism, magic, and mystery while dabbling in horror. It also features Lovecraftian themes and time travel. This trade paperback collects Englehart’s entire five-issue run alongside Marvel Premiere #4-14.
Marvel Premiere #11-14 (1973)
Although it is included in the previously-mentioned trade, this arc deserves its own mention here. This signifies the first time Doctor Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme. However, all this is overshadowed by another plot point. And it’s a controversial one at that. In this story, Doctor Strange is present when the universe is created. “Time Doom!” features other religious undertones, including a villain whose name is “Genesis” backward and a Garden of Eden. In response to the immediate outcry, creators Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner faked a letter disguised as a preacher just so Marvel wouldn’t apologize. Regardless, this storyline remains one of the most clever studies of Doctor Strange, as the man with the “God complex” must challenge God himself.
Marvel Premiere #3-10 (1972-1973)
“The Shuma-Gorath Saga” is another creepy, Lovecraft-inspired comic. Doctor Strange attempts to help a woman with a simple rescue mission. Yet, it quickly spirals out of control. He encounters destructive minions who have been ordered by Shuma-Gorath. What continues over the next seven issues is a dizzying endeavor. Not as well known as Doctor Strange’s other rogues, Shuma-Gorath is a multiversal, tentacled terror. With the cosmic entity set to appear in the upcoming sequel, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, this arc is a great primer.
Defenders: Indefensible (2005)
Doctor Strange comics aren’t known for being funny. Although many modern Marvel books attempt to inject humor, the five-issue Defenders series straddles the line of becoming a full-on farce. Creators Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis unite the original team while painting caricatures of each of its members. The foursome battle Dormammu and Nightmare as they struggle with their own deficiencies. While there are countless Defenders issues to choose from, this limited series makes the cut due to this irreverent, refreshing take.
Doctor Strange: Way of the Weird (2016)
Another collected edition, “Way of the Weird,” takes place over the first five issues of Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo’s run. In addition to being one of the newest entries on this list, this story is also one of the few Doctor Strange comics to capture the supernatural while giving the impression of real consequences. In this version, magic usage harms Doctor Strange. The physical pain that comes from this detail provides some parameters and real stakes. Here, he teams up with other magic users, like Scarlet Witch and Magik, to combat a villain determined to eradicate magic altogether.
Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment (1989)
Readers get a double dose of doctors in this graphic novel. Some of the best Doctor Strange comics feature him paired with an unlikely ally. And legendary creators Roger Stern and Mike Mignola deliver. In an effort to free his mother from the pits of hell, Doctor Doom solicits the help of Doctor Strange. Moved by sympathy, Sorcerer Supreme agrees to help, pitting them both against Mephisto. The duo’s fragile alliance is put to the test more than once. However, this same tenuous friendship in this OGN would also serve as the foundation for the most recent Secret Wars event down the road. It’s also an interesting study in the fine line that separates a hero from a villain.
Doctor Strange: What Is It That Disturbs You, Stephen? (1997)
P. Craig Russell contributes both words and art in this re-telling of Doctor Strange Annual #1. Much like the first MCU film, the imaginary is mindbending and psychedelic. Described as a mesmerizing tale, Doctor Strange navigates his ego, deceit, dark magic, and mayhem. Perhaps the key takeaway from this collection is the involvement of Clea. Although she is merely training to become a successor in this story, the long-time love interest currently holds the title of Sorceress Supreme in the current Marvel continuity.
Strange (2005)
This six-part limited series is another reimagining of Doctor Strange’s origin. This take, published under the Marvel Knights imprint, follows Stephen Strange from an idealistic medical school student to an arrogant, greedy surgeon. Finally, he evolves into an empathetic wielder of magic. Writers J. Michael Straczynski and Samm Barnes really harness who Doctor Strange is as a character. Don’t miss the shocking late reveal. It will leave you backtracking to look for clues.