After a shocking cliffhanger, Doctor Strange #3 takes an unexpected spin in the narrative direction. Jed Mackay and Pasqual Ferry continue to tell a very different story for Doctor Stephen Strange. For a character so often plagued with supernatural threats of astronomical proportion, this series has been relatively devoid of that. And it’s made the character far more approachable. This issue is a perfect example of why the series is successfully depicting a more grounded Doctor Strange story where Stephen Strange is at peace with the way of things. Meanwhile, Amu Chu and Tokitokoro cover a very enjoyable backup story that complements the first story in the issue.
Although the issue does acknowledge the precarious murder of Aggamon and the surrounding mystery of who the assailant may be, the primary focus is on Strange’s most formidable foe, Dormammu. As expected, his intentions while visiting New York City are a unique form of sinister that helps him live up to his reputation. Mackay wasted no time in looping in bringing in the most popular villain for Strange, and he didn’t disappoint. Dormammu is cruel, cold, and almost fueled by his hatred for our Sorcerer Supreme. Their back-and-forth nature is detailed in a very creative way in this story. The greatest hits of the duo all but ripple off the page and help to subtly create the tone of their relationship.
Through the backup story, writer Amy Chu and artist Tokitokoro introduce readers to Nico Minoru, also known as Sister Grimm, a member of the Runaways. The story is simple enough but has a nice message about greed and trust. Nico runs into Stephen and the two have quite the interaction. Not only is it refreshing to see Stephen from an outsider’s perspective, but it also introduces readers to a different magical pocket of the Marvel Universe. Altogether, this makes for an enjoyable story.
Both artists are rather well-suited for their respective stories. Pasqual Ferry somehow balances his defined and sharp linework with colorist Heather Moore’s soft, paste-like colors perfectly to illustrate a very mystical New York. This helps to drive the intensity of parts of the story while similarly brightening the mood when needed. Meanwhile, Tokitokoro uses a very emotive and animated art style that is only further deliberated through the vibrant colors of Protobunker’s Fer Sifuentes-Suto.
Altogether, this is another fun issue of Doctor Strange that makes for an enjoyable read. This series is proving to be the perfect jumping point for new readers of The Sorcerer Supreme, and both stories are gleaming examples of why. With some lingering questions and potential seeds planted for the future, this is another can’t-miss read for Doctor Strange fans.
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