Sometimes, a superhero comic comes around that offers up something new, which is saying something with decades of stories and ideas already out there. Case in point: Doctor Strange of Asgard #1. We all know there can be only one Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, but how is it nobody thought the role could be attained elsewhere? In Derek Landy and Carlos Magno’s new series, we learn what it could take to get Stephen Strange’s mojo back. That is if he survives Asgard’s drama.
If you’ve been away from comics for some time, you may not know that Doctor Strange has lost his mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to Doctor Doom. He’s now on the hunt to regain that level of power again in Asgard. Sure, he may be human, but he’s also friends with Thor, as we are reminded at the start of this issue.
Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 is an interesting look at Asgard from the street level. Often, Asgard is seen as interiors of palaces and maybe in the caves where trolls dwell so that Thor can beat them up. In this issue, however, Landy and Magno explore the goings-on in the streets of Asgard and how the head of magic needs to be consulted if Doctor Strange wants to be their Sorcerer Supreme. It’s fascinating to see Strange interact with two robbers, for instance, and also get to see areas never explored before.
It’s rarely winter in Asgard, right?
Credit: Marvel
This is also a good comic if you’re a fan of the hero who has had more evolutions and changes in the last 10 years than most heroes have in their entire runs. Now he’s trying to reinvent himself, and it’s nice to see Landy call back to some key changes, like when he became the God of Magic thanks to a sliver of the World Tree. This very much feels in line with the big changes he’s gone through, which are making it all the more intriguing.
In a cliffhanger, Landy surprises with a twist you won’t see coming. It’s a smart way to keep Doctor Strange interacting with regular Asgard folks, as well.
As far as action, there’s really only one short scene. Landy and Magno keep things moving with multiple scenes and changes, but you’ll still ponder if there needed to be just so much talking and so little action.
Magno’s art makes up for the lack of action with high detail and dynamic close-ups. The talking scenes at least look good, with a darker ink work and color palette by Espen Grundetjern that adds a darker tone to the story.
Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 offers an engaging and character-driven take on the Sorcerer Supreme’s journey, though its dialogue-heavy approach may leave action fans wanting more—luckily, strong art and a compelling hook keep it spellbinding.
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