After an exciting first volume, Doctor Strange by Jed MacKay Vol. 2: The War-Hound of Vishanti poses Stephen against one of his biggest threats yet: himself! Collecting issues #6-10 of Doctor Strange, this volume sees Strange face off against the unrelenting, terrifying, and seemingly emotionless General Strange. A long time ago, Stephen Strange fought in a very long war, and it changed him for the worse. To reconcile this, The Vishanti separated that Stephen Strange from the one we know and love. However, when General Strange breaks free, he wants to continue his conquest. Here, writer Jed MacKay partners with artists Juan Gedeon and Pasqual Ferry to deliver a riveting second arc in this series.
Marvel Comics
The book’s pacing moves at an unbelievable speed. Reading this as one conclusive story has unique benefits in contrast to individual issues. Although it’s evident where each issue ends and the next picks up, the gravity from each issue plays off one another well as it presents as chapters in a novel. The volume has three main focuses: General Strange, Doctor Strange, and Clea Strange. MacKay writes a captivating book that, when collected, shows how the importance of Doctor Strange is to both the General and his wife; as well as how imperative Clea’s heart and determination is to Stephen as well. Altogether, this volume, while jampacked with exciting action sequences and drama, finds its strength in the somber moments that show how the threats Doctor Strange faces are handled in a way unlike most other heroes.
Marvel Comics
Juan Gedeon is the opening artist for this volume, and he does a splendid job in a flashback story that illustrates the events preceding that created General Strange. Gedeon’s art has a sharpness and grit to it which seems necessary for a story that explores the psychological deterioration of the man who became Stephen Strange. This is balanced well by the enchanting line work of Pasqual Ferry. This story is one filled to the tip of the beaker with magical battles and action sequences which is where Ferry continuously uses an almost psychedelic art style to practically lift things off the page. Additionally, both colorists KJ Díaz and Heather Moore give this volume a sharp vibrance through a kaleidoscope of color shadings and thickness that helps convey the heart of the story. Altogether, this book is beautifully brought to life through detailed line work and brilliant colors.
Marvel Comics
Altogether, this volume is one filled with action, emotion, and best of all: drama! Although opening as a terrifying conflict that may mean the end of Doctor Strange, the arc ends with the Sorcerer Supreme reminding both himself (himself?) and the reader that first and foremost, the master of the mystic arts is a doctor – and a healer at that. Simultaneously, this story puts a strong emphasis on the comrades around Stephen Strange; reminding readers that uniquely, Doctor Strange will always be a team book to a lesser extent. Notably so, this arc emphasizes the importance Clea will have in this series.
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