Dr. Stephen Strange is dead, but likely not for long since a new Doctor Strange series is around the corner. That said, Jed MacKay and Marcelo Ferreira have positively blown me away with Clea as the Sorcerer Supreme in Strange. Each issue seems to have a twist in the end that’ll have you dying for more, and today’s Strange #9 is no different. Expect a major reveal, but stay for Stephen Strange and Clea teaming up to fight the main villain!
That’s right, this issue features Dr. Strange as the Harvestman fighting alongside Clea. They’re infiltrating the Blasphemy Cartel, bringing back all dead superhumans for their own violent gains. Along the way, we’re inside Clea’s head via captions. She is steadfast and determined even if Stephen wants her not to kill anyone. It’s in her blood to be violent, though, as she’s warlord born and has a serious temper. These captions are used effectively at the start to remind us these two are deeply in love but due to the circumstances, can’t even touch.
Given next issue is the conclusion, it’s clear as day the creative team is having a blast letting loose. Both Stephen and Clea use their powers in impressive ways, and since the enemies they face are basically zombies, the gore flies, and it goes hard. The inability to touch seems to have manifested in violence, which looks great under Ferreira’s pen.
She’s pissed off, guys.
Credit: Marvel
Magic blasts fly throughout the issue with great color by Roberto Poggi. Ferreira is great at expressions, especially those of the cartel goons who wear masks yet are as loud with their facial expressions as Clea, who is maskless.
This issue suffers a bit as the main villain does a lot of talking, especially in the last few pages. It slows things way down and admittedly sets up the cliffhanger well, but it’s also just a lot. In the grand scheme of the issue itself, MacKay keeps you on the edge of your seat due to the excellent Clea captions, but taking a step back, the plot moves pretty slowly here.
Strange #9 sets up a great cliffhanger for what should be a must-read finale. The concept of Stephen Strange as the Harvestman is fully realized here and he lets loose his abilities in exciting ways. Throw in some good gory violence, and Strange #9 is a raucous good time.
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