When it comes to legacy characters, milestones matter, and this week, Doctor Strange celebrates 450 issues. In an extra-sized issue featuring five stories, Doctor Strange gets to be a teacher, a mentor, and more. Plus, a story featuring Magik and another featuring the origin of his cloak!
Doctor Strange #450 opens with a story titled “The Language of Threads” by J. Michael Straczynski and Lee Ferguson. This is a delightful tale that reveals the cloak had its own life once, and now serves to protect Doctor Strange because it cares. Ferguson draws in a Ditko style reminiscent of the trippiest of Doctor Strange tales, which helps honor the legacy of the character. It’s a nice story, even if it’s not exactly about Doctor Strange.
The next tale, “One Student at a Time,” is by Ashley Allen and Ig Guara, carrying forward Allen’s strong take on Magik. Somewhat surprisingly, this story is more about Magik than Doctor Strange, although he does act as a good teacher here. The story hints at more to come for Magik.
Comics legends Roger Stern and Ron Lim tackle the next story titled “The Haunting of Webdster Hall.” A done-in-one mystery, the story feels as classic as they come. It’s a nice way to honor the detective side of Doctor Strange, even if it feels a touch stuffy.
Pretty story by Ward.
Credit: Marvel
Christian Ward writes and draws “Astral Scars,” which delves into the scarred hands of Doctor Strange. Gorgeously rendered, Ward shows the human side of Doctor Strange while also recapping his origins. Ward focuses his attention on the physical and emotional pain and how it shapes the hero.
Closing out this milestone issue are Derek Landy and Ivan Fiorelli in “Trolling,” a story that teases what’s to come for the Sorcerer Supreme. Now, the Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard, we’re reminded he’s also a good doctor, at least for Asgard standards. The local doctor wants him back and has a pesky troll growing out of him to make matters worse. It’s nice to see Doctor Strange certain and in control of things, which should give readers confidence that the upcoming new story arc will be well worth checking out.
Doctor Strange #450 is a worthy celebration of the Sorcerer Supreme, balancing legacy and reinvention across five distinct tales. While not every story hits with the same impact, the mix of classic throwbacks, inventive experiments, and setup for the future makes this milestone issue a satisfying and meaningful tribute.
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