Doctor Strange: 8 Best Comic Issues Of The 2010s | ScreenRant
Doctor Strange has entertained comic book audiences for a long time. If the sorcerer's depiction was any different in the 2010s, it was because of a variety of factors. Firstly, he wore a darker costume with a white logo on his chest (inspired by his tenure with the Illuminati).
The storylines from this era were also filled with a twisted sense of humor. The usually brooding character started having his share of hilarious Kafkaesque visions. At the same time, the decade also retained some classic elements like his origin story and his relationship with allies like Wong.
8 Damnation (Limited Series)
While the events of Secret Empire led to the destruction of Las Vegas, Doctor Strange plans to restore the city and resurrect its inhabitants. This decision draws the ire of Mephisto who has already laid claim on the souls from Las Vegas. What follows is a deal with Marvel's devil and an intense game of blackjack between the two.
Heroes like Iron Fist and Blade also join in to prevent the 'damnation' brought about by Mephisto (and later Dormammu). Strange's strengths are also expanded upon as he faces immense torture by Mephisto. At one point, the villain even turns him into a Ghost Rider-like creature.
7 Doctor Strange: Season One (One-Shot)
The Season One series of Marvel Comics reimagined the origins of several iconic heroes. In the case of Doctor Strange, this comic incorporates his classic origin story while adding more to his martial arts training.
The surgeon-turned-sorcerer is depicted as an egoistic individual who has a tough time following up with the Ancient One and Wong. Depicting Strange as moodier than usual explores new angles to his personality. Season One shows that the cowl-wearing Avengers wasn't always the calm and mature mystic that he became later. Instead, he was a hot-headed surgeon eager to find his life's purpose. This transition goes much in line with the character's arc in the MCU. Hence, fans of the Doctor Strange film are bound to enjoy reading this one-shot.
6 The Way of the Weird (Doctor Strange Vol 4 #1-5)
The Way Of The Weird revamped Doctor Strange in an all-new fashion. The well-groomed mystic was now replaced with a more rugged-looking warrior who didn't just wield mystical spells but also weapons (like a battleaxe). His enemies include all sorts of creatures like zombies, psychic 'mind maggots', and parasitic Soul Eaters.
Jason Aaron has penned several Thor comic issues of the 2010s. His stint as a writer on The Way of the Weird mixes offbeat humor with a dark edginess to the character. True to its title, the storyline is filled with all sorts of 'weird' visuals too. For instance, in the very first few panels, readers can find Strange aggressively making out with a Soul Eater!
5 Blood In The Aether (Doctor Strange Vol 4 #11-16)
Set directly after The Last Days of Magic, this storyline finds Doctor Strange at his weakest with his magic about to be replenished. Every issue ends up featuring an iconic villain from his past as he goes on to have a really bad week.
But Strange's misery means more fun for the readers as Blood in the Aether is also filled with some hilarious moments. This includes a fever dream with some strangers and a trip to Hell where Strange has a near-death experience eating bacon! Such surreal scenarios might remind dedicated fans about the Doctor Strange comic issues from the 1970s that were filled with such psychedelic sequences.
4 Doctor Strange/Punisher Magic Bullets (Limited Series)
The Punisher isn't even remotely connected to magic as he mostly operates with arms and ammunition. But when he faces the onslaught of 'Mafia zombies', he has no option but to turn to Doctor Strange. However, a clash of ideals is bound to arise as Strange doesn't necessarily approve of Frank Castle's violent ways. They must still collaborate to protect the city of New York.
The unexpected Marvel hero team-up provides enough drama and entertainment to make this comic a page-turner. Michael Walsh's art also adds a rough look to Strange's facial features that gels well with the usually stone-cold Punisher.
3 Under the Knife (Doctor Strange: Surgeon Supreme #1-6)
From the start, Strange turned towards magic because his hands lost their former precision. But with his hands healed, he has the option to go back to his neurosurgeon roots. After all, the continuous life of practicing mystic arts has taken a mental toll on him. As a surgeon, he can still fulfill his mission of saving lives.
Surgeon Supreme is a rare comic as it brings out his proficiency in both scenarios. But now he has to choose one path for the rest of his life. While the answer might be predictable, the whole buildup to solving this dilemma makes the comic a thought-provoking take on Strange's life.
2 Mr. Misery (Doctor Strange Vol 4 #17–20)
Jason Aaron continues his stint on Doctor Strange Volume 4 with Mr. Misery, a storyline dedicated to the titular creature. Even though Mr. Misery initially helped Strange to fight off the Emperikul, the magical being returns to inflict more pain and suffering on Strange's life. If the Doctor's problems weren't enough, Clea also comes back into his life.
A special appearance by Thor is one of the selling points of the comic. Mr. Misery on his own also proves to be a major comic book villain as he was created by none other than Doctor Strange himself. But what Strange miscalculated was its constant hunger for human pain. Ultimately, this adventure shows the immense risk that Strange and his peers' magic carries.
1 The Last Days of Magic (Doctor Strange Vol 4 #6–10)
Strange, Wong and all magic users on Earth are under threat as The Imperator leads an army of robots and beasts called The Emperikul. A few issues take time to touch upon a few origin stories that have never been touched before. This includes wizards such as Doctor Doom's teacher Mahatma Doom, and the most powerful sorcerer of Mexico, Medico Mistico.
Naturally, these origins make the comic pretty unique. But it is also worth a read for the tumultuous fights Strange goes through. At one point, The Imperator even rips his cloak in half. The latter himself turns out to be a villain with grey areas. As The Imperator's history is revealed, readers can't help but empathize with him.
Source: Screenrant
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