A review by shadybanana
Marvel Masterworks: Doctor Strange, Vol. 1 by Stan Lee

4.0

Since the movie will be released soon enough, I decided to read about Doctor Strange from the comics. There was no better place to start then the beginning itself! I shall review everything as they come into my mind because this was a really massive compilation and didn't have only one story arc. Well overall the plots were monotonous but that usually prevails in almost all comic books. Some characters were really cool like Dormammu while Baron Mordo was a bit lame. No wonder Dormammu became the main antagonist later. The Ancient One's character was really wonderful because he looked like a real badass when he defeated foes despite the fact that he looked so meek and frail. Ah! The character of Doctor Strange was really well presented. Before being the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange was a haughty surgeon. Then we all know what happened...there was an accident he could no longer perform surgeries so he decided to find a cure and hence found The Ancient One who saw good behind the pride. Long story short, despite being a good person now, there is still some arrogance in Doctor Strange. It is very subtle and is presented in a rather impressive way by Stan lee. And why not?? Doctor Strange is the only one capable of protecting Earth from other worldly forces! Anyway this was about Stan Lee. The art by Steve was extremely good. There is a clear evolution of the character in the compilation as Doctor Strange's appearance changes from dopey to rather magnificent and rather royal. Then the art of the other worlds which includes Dormmamus sketch was the best point of the comic. One must not forget that these comics are almost 3-4 decades old and the kind of art Steve does is literally out of that time. All being said, I don't give it a 5-star just because the plots were rather weak at some points and failed to capture my interest but overall I am really looking forward to the movie and the way it is going to depict the other worlds and Dormammu!