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‘Mighty Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange Vol. 1: The World Beyond’ review

Don’t expect any bonus material here.

The new Mighty Marvel Masterworks line of graphic novels intend to collect the early stories of iconic Marvel heroes and present them in “an accessible new format the whole family can enjoy”. It’s an enticing proposition for younger readers who might be looking to get a look at the origins of their favorite, or soon-to-be favorite, characters.

Doctor Strange Vol. 1: The World Beyond collects Strange Tales #110, #111 and #114 – #129. It sounds like a lot of comics, but each story is only about 8-10 pages in length. That’s because when Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first introduced the character in 1963, he appeared exclusively in backup stories, sharing the title with stories about the Human Torch and the Thing. Strange Tales wouldn’t even become Doctor Strange for another 40 issues.

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Might Marvel Masterworks Doctor Strange Back Cover
Squint and you might be able to see Doctor Strange on the back cover!
Marvel Comics

Unfortunately, the collection doesn’t explain any of this to its readers. For Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and X-Men, such an explanation may not be necessary, but Doctor Strange’s publication history isn’t as clear-cut as those other characters. 

The comics themselves are dark and fascinating. In these early issues, Doctor Strange, his world and his powers are all quite mysterious. Strange’s origin isn’t even revealed until the fourth issue of the collection. It is explained on the title pages that Lee, Ditko and crew were caught off guard by the overwhelmingly positive response to Doctor Strange. They “dropped everything” to get the origin story to print on time. 

Sure, that could be read as some classic Stan Lee showmanship, but it’s still the only sort of editorial context given for the character. The back cover of the collection barely even features the Sorcerer Supreme! And if this collection is intended for younger readers, there’s hardly any indication of the dark aesthetic or subject matter of the stories contained within. 

As is the standard for comics of this era, Lee’s dialogue and narration can often become wordy and over-explain things that are evident in the art. Individual stories are also standard 1960s fare — Doctor Strange uses his mystical cunning to escape whatever fate the villain thinks will occur, rinse, repeat. 

For me, the highlight of these early Doctor Strange stories is the world Lee and Ditko are building. Or rather, not building — as much as Lee’s dialogue can be bogged down explaining action and emotion, he doesn’t often give explanations for why things are the way they are. In issue #116, Strange goes to the Dream Dimension, ruled by the villain Nightmare, but little explanation is given for the rules or origins of this place.

Doctor Strange Steve Ditko Art
Just like in the movies!
Marvel Comics

Ditko then populates the Dream Dimension with impossible structures and creatures. Nightmare’s “castle” floats through space, looking like it is made of spider webs and ooze. All the while, silhouettes of tentacled creatures appear off in the distance.  Anything is possible in these stories and I found my own imagination running wild, coming up with my own rules and logic as I read on.

The magical corner of the early Marvel universe is unexplained and otherworldly, and perhaps this is what readers in the ’60s found so appealing about these Doctor Strange tales. It’s a testament to Ditko’s talent that his imagery is still being used today and adapted into the films. 

As a collection, Doctor Strange Vol. 1: The World Beyond packs a lot of stories into its small package. Compared to the $40 Marvel Epic Collections, it’s an easier book to recommend at $15.99. But, I don’t believe the Mighty Marvel Masterworks are successful as introductions to these characters and stories. 

Doctor Strange Marvel Unlimited Scrennshot
This is already more background on Doctor Strange than this collection offers.

Maybe the lack of historical and editorial context will be remedied in the upcoming Penguin Classics collections, which look to feature both introductions and forwards. Plus the paperbacks will be cheaper than the Epic Collections. Until then, the best value is still the Marvel Unlimited app. If you don’t mind going digital, Marvel Unlimited’s curated reading lists offer multiple entry points to a variety of eras.

Doctor Strange
‘Mighty Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange Vol. 1: The World Beyond’ review
Mighty Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange Vol. 1: The World Beyond
While this collection is fairly priced, and its comics content is a great read, it offers next to nothing else. If you just want to read some comics, your dollar will go further on Marvel Unlimited.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Collects Doctor Strange's imaginative early goings
Steve Ditko's otherworldly art
Affordable price point
Lacks the context that these classic comics deserve
6
Average

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