Jed MacKay has put Stephen Strange through the wringer. He’s unsolved murders, fought an evil version of himself, and battled (verbally) with his in-laws. Whew. But Stephen isn’t the only intellectual on Bleecker Street. That’s right, you guessed it! Bats has his own mystery to solve. Wait, what? In this issue of Doctor Strange, writer Jed MacKay and artist Danilo Beyruth partner to tell a story that’s got more than what meets the eyes as Bats uncovers the mystery in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Let it be said. Bats is awesome. As the story opens, we see the world through the lens of the Sanctum through his eyes, and things are a little different than we last saw. Unsurprisingly, Stephen seems to be at odds with the Vishanti (yikes) from the fallout of his battle with Stephen Strange. But that’s for the reader (and Stephen) to worry about, not Bats. No, something else is troubling the ghost basset hound, and it’s something he can’t quite put his paw on. Nonetheless, he is determined to figure out why something seems off. Something is off in their lovely home. Throughout this story, MacKay does a brilliant job posing the scenario many dog owners wonder at one point or another: what is my dog saying? However, this issue twists this narrative as we see Bats relentlessly try to tell Stephen what’s going on and be dismissed. This creates a very sad and wistful story that altogether lands home as a gut-wrenching story in some respects, a goofy mystery in others, and a tragedy in the end.
In this issue, Danilo Beyruth partners with colorist K.J. Díaz to deliver a vibrant issue. Beyruth brings a nice lighthearted nature to the story with simple linework that creates a welcoming story. Considering the perspective is from Bats, a loveable puppy, this works perfectly to convey a more innocent nature than that of Doctor Strange himself. This is only bolstered by Díaz’s sharp colors that help our fearless hero radiate off the page. Bats’ aura really ripples with each page, and it’s as if his courage is shouting “Show yourself!” to what lurks within the Sanctorum. Altogether, this is a beautifully drawn story from cover to cover.
Doctor Strange #12 is an unexpected story that offers a unique twist on the series through a unique perspective, a ghost dog, while simultaneously being one of the most eerie issues so far. Sure, there’s been various threats for Strange to face, but when he and Clea are calm, and Bats isn’t, that’s not right. Moreover, this issue is another riveting read that foreshadows future threats that lurk around the corners.
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