Scan barcode
chitownbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
malteliest's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
shadybanana's review
4.0
Since the movie will be released soon enough, I decided to read about Doctor Strange from the comics. There was no better place to start then the beginning itself! I shall review everything as they come into my mind because this was a really massive compilation and didn't have only one story arc. Well overall the plots were monotonous but that usually prevails in almost all comic books. Some characters were really cool like Dormammu while Baron Mordo was a bit lame. No wonder Dormammu became the main antagonist later. The Ancient One's character was really wonderful because he looked like a real badass when he defeated foes despite the fact that he looked so meek and frail. Ah! The character of Doctor Strange was really well presented. Before being the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange was a haughty surgeon. Then we all know what happened...there was an accident he could no longer perform surgeries so he decided to find a cure and hence found The Ancient One who saw good behind the pride. Long story short, despite being a good person now, there is still some arrogance in Doctor Strange. It is very subtle and is presented in a rather impressive way by Stan lee. And why not?? Doctor Strange is the only one capable of protecting Earth from other worldly forces! Anyway this was about Stan Lee. The art by Steve was extremely good. There is a clear evolution of the character in the compilation as Doctor Strange's appearance changes from dopey to rather magnificent and rather royal. Then the art of the other worlds which includes Dormmamus sketch was the best point of the comic. One must not forget that these comics are almost 3-4 decades old and the kind of art Steve does is literally out of that time. All being said, I don't give it a 5-star just because the plots were rather weak at some points and failed to capture my interest but overall I am really looking forward to the movie and the way it is going to depict the other worlds and Dormammu!
dantastic's review
4.0
Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange contains the Doctor Strange stories from Strange Tales #110-111, 114-141 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Since there's a Doctor Strange movie in the works starring Benedict Cumberbatch, I decided it was time to read the original Doctor Strange stories, since most of my previous Doctor Strange exposure was from the 1990s Doctor Strange series and the various times he guest starred in other titles.
For those of us who don't know, Doctor Strange was an uncaring, egotistical surgeon until a car accident damaged the nerves in his hands, leaving him unable to perform further operations. A distraught Doctor Strange makes his way to the Himalayas and meets the Ancient One, his first step toward redemption and his role of Sorcerer Supreme.
Most of these stories are only 8-10 pages long and, by the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth, are they formulaic. The template goes as follows: A foe of Doctor Strange's, usually Baron Mordo, hatches a scheme. Doctor Strange assumes his ectoplasmic form and uses his amulet to save the day. Lather, rinse, repeat.
The book really shines once Strange is given more pages and Ditko settles into his rhythm. It's very interesting to see Ditko's art evolve as the series progresses. The stories become more and more complex, spanning over a year of issues. The story that beings with the The Defeat of Doctor Strange and evolves into the quest for Eternity must have been something to read as the monthly installments trickled out.
A lot of key elements of the Doctor Strange mythos are introduced, namely Doctor Stephen Strange, Baron Mordo, The Ancient One, Dormammu, and Clea, although she doesn't yet have a name in this volume. This is a 50 year old comic so I'm unable to judge it by today's standards. Stan Lee's writing is pretty hokey, though I love his repeated mentions of Hoggoth, Raggador, Cyttorak, and Dormammu. The Dread Dormammu, in particular, because he eventually becomes Doctor Strange's main foe.
The art pretty sweet, though. Steve Ditko depicts the various realms is blazing, psychedelic form. I can totally see why these stories are so well-regarded art wise. The Mindless Ones and the Dread Dormammu are very cool and the otherworldly landscapes are truly something to behold, a crazy panorama of vivid colors and bizarre shapes.
For its place in comics history, the crazy concepts, and the psychedelic Ditko art, I'm giving this four out of five stars. The Stan Lee writing isn't without its charms in a Silver Age kind of way but has definitely not stood the test of time and I'd grade the collection much harder if I took that under consideration.
Since there's a Doctor Strange movie in the works starring Benedict Cumberbatch, I decided it was time to read the original Doctor Strange stories, since most of my previous Doctor Strange exposure was from the 1990s Doctor Strange series and the various times he guest starred in other titles.
For those of us who don't know, Doctor Strange was an uncaring, egotistical surgeon until a car accident damaged the nerves in his hands, leaving him unable to perform further operations. A distraught Doctor Strange makes his way to the Himalayas and meets the Ancient One, his first step toward redemption and his role of Sorcerer Supreme.
Most of these stories are only 8-10 pages long and, by the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth, are they formulaic. The template goes as follows: A foe of Doctor Strange's, usually Baron Mordo, hatches a scheme. Doctor Strange assumes his ectoplasmic form and uses his amulet to save the day. Lather, rinse, repeat.
The book really shines once Strange is given more pages and Ditko settles into his rhythm. It's very interesting to see Ditko's art evolve as the series progresses. The stories become more and more complex, spanning over a year of issues. The story that beings with the The Defeat of Doctor Strange and evolves into the quest for Eternity must have been something to read as the monthly installments trickled out.
A lot of key elements of the Doctor Strange mythos are introduced, namely Doctor Stephen Strange, Baron Mordo, The Ancient One, Dormammu, and Clea, although she doesn't yet have a name in this volume. This is a 50 year old comic so I'm unable to judge it by today's standards. Stan Lee's writing is pretty hokey, though I love his repeated mentions of Hoggoth, Raggador, Cyttorak, and Dormammu. The Dread Dormammu, in particular, because he eventually becomes Doctor Strange's main foe.
The art pretty sweet, though. Steve Ditko depicts the various realms is blazing, psychedelic form. I can totally see why these stories are so well-regarded art wise. The Mindless Ones and the Dread Dormammu are very cool and the otherworldly landscapes are truly something to behold, a crazy panorama of vivid colors and bizarre shapes.
For its place in comics history, the crazy concepts, and the psychedelic Ditko art, I'm giving this four out of five stars. The Stan Lee writing isn't without its charms in a Silver Age kind of way but has definitely not stood the test of time and I'd grade the collection much harder if I took that under consideration.
sammireynis's review against another edition
4.0
Really picked up near the end around the Dormammu stories. In fact, I might say my interest peaked right as the book ended, so I gueeess I might buy the next one?
rayofhope's review against another edition
4.0
Three thoughts
- Those cheekbones are intense. Cumberbatch really is a good fit.
- I wish Clea was given more opportunities to actually DO something. She helps out sometimes, but for so many issues in a row she is just trapped and watching.
- What a cliffhanger! How rude to leave it off there.
- Those cheekbones are intense. Cumberbatch really is a good fit.
- I wish Clea was given more opportunities to actually DO something. She helps out sometimes, but for so many issues in a row she is just trapped and watching.
- What a cliffhanger! How rude to leave it off there.
caypop's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
erichart's review against another edition
5.0
Steve Ditko is at the top of his form with the surreal art of the early Doctor Strange. Bizzarre, amazing vistas of weird dimensions make this a must for comic lovers. Art so beautiful it makes you wish you could take away the text and just flow along with the pictures.