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Doctor Strange: The Oath #1-5
Doctor Strange: The Oath
Doctor Stephen Strange embarks on the most important paranormal investigation of his career, as he sets out to solve an attempted murder--his own! And with his most trusted friend also at death's door, Strange turns to an unexpected corner of the Marvel Universe to recruit a new ally. Eisner Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (Runaways, The Last Man) and red-hot artist Marcos Martin (Captain America, Year One) join forces for an adventure that will take the Sorcerer Supreme from the underworld of New York City to the deadliest dimensions on the outskirts of reality--while firmly establishing him in the current Marvel Universe!
Doctor The Oath 1-5
Doctor The Oath 1-5
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2007
127 people are currently reading
1953 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,056 books14.1k followersBrian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 519 reviews
November 25, 2016
If your name is something like Stephen Strange then you’d almost have to be a superhero, wouldn’t you? Either that or Bond villain.
Dr. Strange is very upset to learn that his friend and servant Wong has terminal brain cancer and vows to use every mystical means at his disposal to save him. The cure he finds turns out to have much larger implications that threaten Strange both magically and physically.
This is one of those Marvel characters that I mainly know from his appearances in other books rather than reading his main titles. The whole trippy-psychedelic-mysticism thing has never really been my cup o’ tea, but like a good comic book nerd I saw the Dr. Strange movie and enjoyed it so much I decided to read up on the Sorcerer Supreme.
I couldn’t have picked a better story to try. Brian K. Vaughan is one of my favorite comic writers, and this is a great read that mixes Strange’s history with a grounding in the modern Marvel universe that puts magic side-by-side with science. The artwork really sells this too in the way that it portrays a ‘realistic’ New York where something like the Cloak of Levitation does seem unworldly. I also particularly liked the use of the Night Nurse as a supporting character.
My only real complaint is that by starting with this particular story any other Dr. Strange comics now have a very high bar to clear so I’m worried that reading more about the Master of the Mystic Arts might pale in comparison.
Dr. Strange is very upset to learn that his friend and servant Wong has terminal brain cancer and vows to use every mystical means at his disposal to save him. The cure he finds turns out to have much larger implications that threaten Strange both magically and physically.
This is one of those Marvel characters that I mainly know from his appearances in other books rather than reading his main titles. The whole trippy-psychedelic-mysticism thing has never really been my cup o’ tea, but like a good comic book nerd I saw the Dr. Strange movie and enjoyed it so much I decided to read up on the Sorcerer Supreme.
I couldn’t have picked a better story to try. Brian K. Vaughan is one of my favorite comic writers, and this is a great read that mixes Strange’s history with a grounding in the modern Marvel universe that puts magic side-by-side with science. The artwork really sells this too in the way that it portrays a ‘realistic’ New York where something like the Cloak of Levitation does seem unworldly. I also particularly liked the use of the Night Nurse as a supporting character.
My only real complaint is that by starting with this particular story any other Dr. Strange comics now have a very high bar to clear so I’m worried that reading more about the Master of the Mystic Arts might pale in comparison.
August 10, 2018
4.5 stars
This book has been on my Want-It-So-Bad list since 2011, and yesterday I finally got to read it!
I should probably mention that I read these as single digital issues. From what I can tell, this volume doesn't have any extras anyway, so I don't think it matters.
But, you know, full disclosure and all...
I believe this is the only Dr. Strange solo title I've ever read, so I don't have anything to compare it to. Having said that, I thought this was reallyreallyreally good!
The art wasn't anything to get excited over, but it wasn't annoying or bad. Just kinda meh.
But the story?!
*flaps hands wildly*
Emotions! Emotions everywhere!
It starts off with a funny little exchange between Iron Fist and some teen/tween superhero girl that I didn't recognize. They're in the waiting room of the Night Nurse's clinic comparing injuries, and hoping the co-pay is affordable.
Bam!
Wong busts through the door carrying Dr. Strange, who's bleeding out from a bullet wound! The Night Nurse shoos everyone else outta there and promptly goes to work on Stephen, while Wong gets ready to donate blood on the next table.
Surprise!
Strange's astral-self starts hovering above them, explaining how he got into this shape to start with, while simultaneously trying to take over the surgery. But she shuts that shit down fast, by letting him know exactly who's in charge inside her clinic.
The back-and-forth between these two was a lot of fun and really helped keep the story light.
For those of you who may not know, the Night Nurse is the chick who runs a Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell kind of clinic, that caters to injured costumed avengers. According to this story, she wants to help them because she was once saved by someone in a cape 'n tights.
Turns out Dr. Strange was shot by a guy who was in the process of robbing his house, but, naturally, there's more to this story than just a simple B&E.
First, it was a magic gun.
Second, the thief was after a specific potion that Stephen had recently acquired.
What was so special about that potion?
BOMBSHELL!
Wong has a cancerous brain tumor and only weeks(ish) to live!
Nooooooooooo!
Great job by Vaughn setting up the relationship between Stephen and Wong. You really got a feel for how deeply these two men care for each other, and how strong their bond has become over the years.
You also get a peek into the fact that Wong is more of a partner to Stephen than a servant. This guy is more than even a partner, though. Wong is Strange's best friend.
So, when he finds out how advanced the disease is, and that Wong is looking into getting his cousin to replace him when he crosses over?
It's Wizard Freak-Out Time!
No way is he going to just give up and let go.
And after consulting a few dusty tomes of magic, he finds what may be a cure. But before he's willing to let Wong swallow that shit down willy-nilly, he sends it off to the lab of a trusted colleague, to make sure it works.
It does.
In fact, it isn't just a cure for Wong...it's the cure for all cancers!
And here's where the gaping wound in his chest comes into play.
Someone found out what this potion was capable of, and decided they needed to put an end to it.
Alrighty, the rest of the story is all about the race against time to get the potion back, before...you know....
This was funny, it tugged at my crusty old heartstrings, and there was even a teeny bit of romance in it.
Simply put, this had it all.
Highly Recommended!
I'd also like to say a special THANK YOU to this guy, for letting me borrow this, so I could read it!
Especially since all I brought to the table was a Catwoman, Vol. 4: Gotham Underground Buddy-Read.
Sorry for that.
*cough*
Again.
This book has been on my Want-It-So-Bad list since 2011, and yesterday I finally got to read it!
I should probably mention that I read these as single digital issues. From what I can tell, this volume doesn't have any extras anyway, so I don't think it matters.
But, you know, full disclosure and all...
I believe this is the only Dr. Strange solo title I've ever read, so I don't have anything to compare it to. Having said that, I thought this was reallyreallyreally good!
The art wasn't anything to get excited over, but it wasn't annoying or bad. Just kinda meh.
But the story?!
*flaps hands wildly*
Emotions! Emotions everywhere!
It starts off with a funny little exchange between Iron Fist and some teen/tween superhero girl that I didn't recognize. They're in the waiting room of the Night Nurse's clinic comparing injuries, and hoping the co-pay is affordable.
Bam!
Wong busts through the door carrying Dr. Strange, who's bleeding out from a bullet wound! The Night Nurse shoos everyone else outta there and promptly goes to work on Stephen, while Wong gets ready to donate blood on the next table.
Surprise!
Strange's astral-self starts hovering above them, explaining how he got into this shape to start with, while simultaneously trying to take over the surgery. But she shuts that shit down fast, by letting him know exactly who's in charge inside her clinic.
The back-and-forth between these two was a lot of fun and really helped keep the story light.
For those of you who may not know, the Night Nurse is the chick who runs a Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell kind of clinic, that caters to injured costumed avengers. According to this story, she wants to help them because she was once saved by someone in a cape 'n tights.
Turns out Dr. Strange was shot by a guy who was in the process of robbing his house, but, naturally, there's more to this story than just a simple B&E.
First, it was a magic gun.
Second, the thief was after a specific potion that Stephen had recently acquired.
What was so special about that potion?
BOMBSHELL!
Wong has a cancerous brain tumor and only weeks(ish) to live!
Nooooooooooo!
Great job by Vaughn setting up the relationship between Stephen and Wong. You really got a feel for how deeply these two men care for each other, and how strong their bond has become over the years.
You also get a peek into the fact that Wong is more of a partner to Stephen than a servant. This guy is more than even a partner, though. Wong is Strange's best friend.
So, when he finds out how advanced the disease is, and that Wong is looking into getting his cousin to replace him when he crosses over?
It's Wizard Freak-Out Time!
No way is he going to just give up and let go.
And after consulting a few dusty tomes of magic, he finds what may be a cure. But before he's willing to let Wong swallow that shit down willy-nilly, he sends it off to the lab of a trusted colleague, to make sure it works.
It does.
In fact, it isn't just a cure for Wong...it's the cure for all cancers!
And here's where the gaping wound in his chest comes into play.
Someone found out what this potion was capable of, and decided they needed to put an end to it.
Alrighty, the rest of the story is all about the race against time to get the potion back, before...you know....
This was funny, it tugged at my crusty old heartstrings, and there was even a teeny bit of romance in it.
Simply put, this had it all.
Highly Recommended!
I'd also like to say a special THANK YOU to this guy, for letting me borrow this, so I could read it!
Especially since all I brought to the table was a Catwoman, Vol. 4: Gotham Underground Buddy-Read.
Sorry for that.
*cough*
Again.
September 2, 2016
Doctor Strange has a great background story, a failed surgeon turned magician. His hands were ruined but his life wasn’t, so he threw himself into the mystic arts. And he has become surprisingly good at it. He looks rather cool too:
It’s a great premise, one that leaves the story really open. So why couldn’t the writers come up with anything better than a cure for cancer stumbling into Strange’s hands? It seems terribly clichéd. The cure is apparently the end to the world’s problems because clearly cancer in humans is the greatest risk to mankind’s future, the future of the planet and the most terrible aspect of the twenty-first century….Seriously? Miracle cure solves everything? No I think not. Cancer is terrible, but the world has bigger problems.
Naturally, large medicinal companies fight for the miracle cure to protect their wealth and experimental drugs. They hunt down Strange and leave him for dead. He visits a night nurse to patch him up, which leads to the germs of the most predictable romance subplot I’ve seen in a comic.
What’s wrong with this?
The character is clearly strong enough for his own story, but the story he is given is so overdone and redundant. Doctor Strange is, well, Strange. So give him a fucking strange story. Give him something Lovecraftian and interesting. Not a rivalry with another surgeon who also happens to have learned magic. It’s all so very, very, ordinary. I won’t be reading any further. I will be watching the movie though. Benedict Cumberbatch as Strange? Talk about dream casting!
It’s a great premise, one that leaves the story really open. So why couldn’t the writers come up with anything better than a cure for cancer stumbling into Strange’s hands? It seems terribly clichéd. The cure is apparently the end to the world’s problems because clearly cancer in humans is the greatest risk to mankind’s future, the future of the planet and the most terrible aspect of the twenty-first century….Seriously? Miracle cure solves everything? No I think not. Cancer is terrible, but the world has bigger problems.
Naturally, large medicinal companies fight for the miracle cure to protect their wealth and experimental drugs. They hunt down Strange and leave him for dead. He visits a night nurse to patch him up, which leads to the germs of the most predictable romance subplot I’ve seen in a comic.
What’s wrong with this?
The character is clearly strong enough for his own story, but the story he is given is so overdone and redundant. Doctor Strange is, well, Strange. So give him a fucking strange story. Give him something Lovecraftian and interesting. Not a rivalry with another surgeon who also happens to have learned magic. It’s all so very, very, ordinary. I won’t be reading any further. I will be watching the movie though. Benedict Cumberbatch as Strange? Talk about dream casting!
July 15, 2016
Wong has a brain tumor and Doctor Strange goes looking for a cure. What he finds is a cure to all cancer. Too bad Timely Pharmaceutical doesn't want the cure going public. Can Doctor Strange, Wong, and Night Nurse get the serum back before Wong succumbs?
By the Hoary Fucking Hosts of Hoggoth, this was the best modern Doctor Strange tale I've yet read. The Oath of the title refers to the Hypocratic oath Strange swore back when he was Doctor Stephen Strange, asshole neurosurgeon. Strange wrestles with the dilemma of healing Wong with a cure-all elixir or releasing it to the world. A criminal named Brigand steals the panacea from Doctor Strange and shoot's him with Hitler's suicide gun. Strange, Wong, and Night Nurse go looking for him before Wong's time runs out.
Brian K. Vaughn and Marcos Martin craft a tale that revisits Doctor Strange's origin and explores his duties as both Sorcerer Supreme and as a doctor. Sadly, I found the idea of a pharmaceutical company not wanting a cure for cancer to be distributed all too real.
Doctor Strange is true to form here, unlike in The Defenders when he can't seem to keep his Wand of Watoom in his pants. Marcos Martin's art is pretty sweet, as usual, and his art has a nice Ditko vibe when Strange goes into Brigand's mind. Given that Benedict Cumberbatch is playing Doctor Strange, it's an awesome coincidence that the Doctor refers to Night Nurse as Watson.
That's about all all I have to say. Doctor Strange: The Oath grabbed me like the Crimson Bands of Cittorak and wouldn't let go. Four out of five stars.
By the Hoary Fucking Hosts of Hoggoth, this was the best modern Doctor Strange tale I've yet read. The Oath of the title refers to the Hypocratic oath Strange swore back when he was Doctor Stephen Strange, asshole neurosurgeon. Strange wrestles with the dilemma of healing Wong with a cure-all elixir or releasing it to the world. A criminal named Brigand steals the panacea from Doctor Strange and shoot's him with Hitler's suicide gun. Strange, Wong, and Night Nurse go looking for him before Wong's time runs out.
Brian K. Vaughn and Marcos Martin craft a tale that revisits Doctor Strange's origin and explores his duties as both Sorcerer Supreme and as a doctor. Sadly, I found the idea of a pharmaceutical company not wanting a cure for cancer to be distributed all too real.
Doctor Strange is true to form here, unlike in The Defenders when he can't seem to keep his Wand of Watoom in his pants. Marcos Martin's art is pretty sweet, as usual, and his art has a nice Ditko vibe when Strange goes into Brigand's mind. Given that Benedict Cumberbatch is playing Doctor Strange, it's an awesome coincidence that the Doctor refers to Night Nurse as Watson.
That's about all all I have to say. Doctor Strange: The Oath grabbed me like the Crimson Bands of Cittorak and wouldn't let go. Four out of five stars.
August 18, 2016
A couple of people recommended this one to me, so thanks, folks; I really enjoyed it.
I'm not a huge fan of Dr. Strange and part of the reason for that is that I prefer my characters to have a well-defined power set. Magic-users like Strange have a wibbly-wobbly set of abilities which usually consist of, well, anything the characters happen to need at any given time. This robs them of a lot of drama, in my opinion.
The writer of this mini-series counters this to an extent by giving the good Doctor a well-defined limitation: he can't conjure up anything technological or scientific. This probably creates continuity errors, as I'm sure Strange has done just that in his long history. I'm not familiar enough with his books to say that's definitely the case, though, so I'll let it slide.
I liked the way this story related so directly to Strange's origin. I thought that was such a nice touch I'm quite surprised it hasn't been done before.
I also enjoyed Night Nurse having such a large role in this book. She's a character that only crops up in other books once in a blue moon, so it was nice to see her have some time in the spotlight. I also liked her relationship with Strange, with them calling each other 'Holmes' and 'Watson'... and then that ending!
As I said, I've never been a big Dr. Strange fan but this was a solid, entertaining mini-series and I'm glad I bowed to peer pressure and read it.
I'm not a huge fan of Dr. Strange and part of the reason for that is that I prefer my characters to have a well-defined power set. Magic-users like Strange have a wibbly-wobbly set of abilities which usually consist of, well, anything the characters happen to need at any given time. This robs them of a lot of drama, in my opinion.
The writer of this mini-series counters this to an extent by giving the good Doctor a well-defined limitation: he can't conjure up anything technological or scientific. This probably creates continuity errors, as I'm sure Strange has done just that in his long history. I'm not familiar enough with his books to say that's definitely the case, though, so I'll let it slide.
I liked the way this story related so directly to Strange's origin. I thought that was such a nice touch I'm quite surprised it hasn't been done before.
I also enjoyed Night Nurse having such a large role in this book. She's a character that only crops up in other books once in a blue moon, so it was nice to see her have some time in the spotlight. I also liked her relationship with Strange, with them calling each other 'Holmes' and 'Watson'... and then that ending!
As I said, I've never been a big Dr. Strange fan but this was a solid, entertaining mini-series and I'm glad I bowed to peer pressure and read it.
February 21, 2017
A very nice Dr Strange story full of thrills, humour, twists and references to the origin and past of the character. The criticism joke to wizards' sexy dressed apprentices made me laugh for good and think to Mike Vosburg's baywatch-babe Clea in a late 70s Chris Claremont's Marvel Team Up that scared me a lot when I was a kid.
Maybe my most favourite tale of the Doc after the awesome Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment.
And all the Sherlock/Watson jokes made me think that MCU authors choose Cumberbatch as Strange because of reading this graphic novel...
Now they have just to pick up Rosario Dawson/Night Nurse from the Netflix series and "Doctor Strange 2" script is already ready.
September 7, 2016
Dr. Strange was this arrogant doctor who lost the ability to do surgery because of an injury to his hands. He goes to a Tibetan guru, the (for lack of a better name) Ancient One, for healing, who gives him something better: Magic, which leads him to wear a lavish superhero costume, adopt an Asian martial arts sidekick named (one word) Wong, become The Sorcerer Supreme and Be Glam. We discover in this volume that Wong has incurable cancer, but this is a superhero comic, and, you know, magic. Strange goes to another dimension and gets a cure, but it’s even better than anyone thought, it can cure like almost everything, so of course it gets stolen. In the process, Strange gets injured, and enlists Night Nurse, medical patron saint of NYC superheroes. What is Night Nurse’s real name? Uh, Linda Carter (hint: Linda Carter played Wonderwoman. . . and Wonderwoman was designed by a doctor. . . what might Vaughn be thinking . . .uh, probably not).
Vaughn is great with the smart aleck in almost single line, witty and smart, and he has a pretty inventive take on Strange’s origin story and connecting villain story: The surgeon who failed to (adequately) repair Strange’s hands. But the greatest villain is really the pharmaceutical industry, who would not want a cure to multiple diseases, of course. What would that do to profit margins?
Steve Ditko created the doc in 1963 as Marvel decided it needed a little mysticism and black magic. And now Benedict Cumberbatch, come November 2016? I knew little about Strange but I fully expect we will all know a bit more about him soon. Marcos Martin creates some wildly and glamorously colorful artwork—but has Dr. Strange always looked like Vincent Price? I couldn’t help think of Alan Moore’s love of the occult, magic, and how he would have loved to sink his teeth into this strange world. Fun stuff, though, in Vaughn’s and Martin’s capable hands. Vaughn finds great things to throw in there, like the gun Hitler used to commit suicide with? Awesome.
Vaughn is great with the smart aleck in almost single line, witty and smart, and he has a pretty inventive take on Strange’s origin story and connecting villain story: The surgeon who failed to (adequately) repair Strange’s hands. But the greatest villain is really the pharmaceutical industry, who would not want a cure to multiple diseases, of course. What would that do to profit margins?
Steve Ditko created the doc in 1963 as Marvel decided it needed a little mysticism and black magic. And now Benedict Cumberbatch, come November 2016? I knew little about Strange but I fully expect we will all know a bit more about him soon. Marcos Martin creates some wildly and glamorously colorful artwork—but has Dr. Strange always looked like Vincent Price? I couldn’t help think of Alan Moore’s love of the occult, magic, and how he would have loved to sink his teeth into this strange world. Fun stuff, though, in Vaughn’s and Martin’s capable hands. Vaughn finds great things to throw in there, like the gun Hitler used to commit suicide with? Awesome.
November 3, 2014
This is one of those reviews you read after you’ve read the book but if you’re just looking for a quick yay or nay take on this, I thought that Doctor Strange: The Oath was an ok-ish story for an ok-ish character. I haven’t read many Strange books so I can’t say where this one stands in his canon/continuity but it’s not a terrible read. Does Doctor Strange even have a great book – who knows? If you want to read a Doctor Strange book, I’d say this is the best I’ve read yet (out of the two I have! The other being Mark Waid and Emma Rios’ Strange: The Doctor is Out).
But I’m going to dip in and out of spoilers throughout this review so fair warning from here on out. Why don’t I just hide the entire review for spoilers? You’re not the boss of me! And my mommy told me I didn’t have to either, so long as I also finish my broccoli. And I did. No, don’t look in the kitchen potted plant, it’s definitely not there!
Alrighty then: in The Oath, Doctor Stephen Strange’s assistant Wong is struck down with an inoperable brain tumour. Apparently a magic spell won’t fix the problem but a magic potion will so off Strange goes for the quickest of forays into a magical realm to find said cure. But it turns out the panacea he gets won’t just cure Wong’s tumour – it’ll cure every disease known to man! Except the Evil Drug Companies won’t allow it as they make more money from treating diseases like cancer than offering one-time cures; Strange and the panacea must be eliminated!
Two big things bothered me about this book: plot and character. Plot-wise, The Oath is very simplistic. Remember those Phase One Marvel Studios movies, Iron Man and Incredible Hulk, which had villains who were like the hero but EVIL, and were only used for that one movie? Same dealio here – Strange has an even double he must defeat. Now ain’t that convenient? And what do you think – does Wong die in the end? The character who’s been with Strange all these years and is the Alfred to Strange’s Bruce Wayne? Exactamundo!
Or how about the rehashed conspiracy theory of the Drug Companies suppressing the cure for cancer because they’re EVIL and they’d lose billions if they cured cancer rather than kept treating it? I audibly groaned at the cheesiness of that inclusion. I know Brian K Vaughan’s very liberal, and so am I, but really, this was an embarrassingly corny and unimaginative motive. Who would a villain in a Vaughan-scripted Ghost Rider be – Evil Oil Companies who want to suppress the secret that cars can now run on water instead of petrol? What other dumb conspiracy theories can we toss in?
And then in the middle of the story, a giant Lovecraftian tentacle terror appears – how will Strange defeat it? Answer: with a bullet from a handgun. What? I mean, sure, it’s Hitler’s personal handgun so it’s got all kindsa bad juju surrounding it, but – a handgun? One shot? How unsatisfying. And again unimaginative.
Which brings us to the issues of character. Vaughan weaves Strange’s origins into the main story well, and it helps that it’s a fairly straightforward one: he was one of the world’s greatest surgeons whose hands were damaged, forcing him out of his profession. He went to the Himalayas to learn magic and became the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. Yeah it’s silly but hey it’s Marvel! Couple big questions are puzzling though: what are the limits of his powers and how come his personality in this book isn’t consistent with the other stories he’s appeared in?
Because while I haven’t read many Strange books (there just aren’t many out there and the Stan Lee-scripted ones don’t appeal in the least), he does appear quite often in plenty of other titles from big Event books like Original Sin and Infinity to regular stints as part of the Illuminati, to cameos in titles like Silver Surfer. In all of his appearances he’s well-spoken, learned, and a wit. In Vaughan’s hands, he’s, well, a prick! We see that he was worse before he became the Sorcerer Supreme, but he’s still quite arrogant and snooty in the present too. In other words, the kind of personality that’s hard to like and root to succeed.
And though The Oath isn’t an explanatory book of the character, seeing as Vaughan does go to some lengths to make the reader aware of many aspects of his character, why not go all the way, like explaining how his powers work? Because that’s one of the most important parts of Marvel superheroes, isn’t it – their power set? What can Strange do? I don’t know exactly. He’s the Sorcerer Supreme so does that mean he can do anything? This is a problem with magic characters – give them a new grimoire or spellbook and they can learn new powers. Strange’s powers might well be limitless – or, as the case might be, limited to the writer’s imagination and/or contrived situation.
The finale is where this flaw becomes a problem. In a very Kirk/Spock moment, Strange has a drop of the panacea left and has to choose between saving Wong’s life or saving it to study/reproduce more and save literally billions of lives; the needs of the many over the needs of the few. Strange chooses Wong because of the Hippocratic Oath he took once upon a time.
But was that his only choice – give the panacea to one or the other? Was it the “Wong” choice? (Thank you, thank you, I WILL accept the obvious joke award!) He’s the Sorcerer Supreme – why doesn’t he magically create a machine to instantly analyse the panacea and then another machine to instantly replicate it? Or maybe put Wong into some kind of stasis so he remains alive, while he produces more of the panacea enabling him to both save Wong AND everyone else on the planet? Maybe he doesn’t have those powers – I don’t know. Looking at all of this, I wouldn’t say Vaughan does a great job with Strange’s character in this book.
Wong himself seems like a very outdated stereotype while the other character – Night Nurse – doesn’t really add anything to the book. She’s a generic love interest and a really obscure Marvel character - that’s it. Not to mention the fact that she’s actually a doctor but she calls herself Night Nurse because alliteration is very important to Marvel.
Which isn’t to say The Oath is terrible; I’ve read great and garbage Marvel books and this one falls in the middle. The story’s not amazing but it holds the attention and has some nice moments here and there. I liked that for a magical character, Vaughan does his best to humanise him, focusing on his friend and a love interest, and that in his final fight, Strange avoids the use of magic to win.
The opening page alone – Iron Fist in Night Nurse’s waiting room, casually waiting to get patched up - makes me wish Vaughan and Marcos Martin would write an Iron Fist series! And Martin’s art is gorgeous throughout though I wouldn’t say any panels stick out especially because they’re all so wonderfully drawn. It’s easy to see why Vaughan kept in contact with Martin so that, years later, they could do their digital indie comic, The Private Eye, together (which I highly recommend reading if you haven’t already!). Alvaro Lopez and Javier Rodriguez’s colours are a bit dull but not bad.
Doctor Strange: The Oath may not be THE Doctor Strange book to read but you could do worse than start here. In the end it feels like just another Strange adventure. I didn’t really learn anything much more about his character than I already knew going in – he’s magical, etc. Marvel doesn’t seem to know what to do with the character when, in a post-Harry Potter world, a magical character should do really well. Maybe it’s because he rocks the Vincent Price look – you know, the actor all the kids love? There’s potential for this character but The Oath shows that Vaughan’s not the writer to achieve the definitive update for the modern era Doctor Strange.
But I’m going to dip in and out of spoilers throughout this review so fair warning from here on out. Why don’t I just hide the entire review for spoilers? You’re not the boss of me! And my mommy told me I didn’t have to either, so long as I also finish my broccoli. And I did. No, don’t look in the kitchen potted plant, it’s definitely not there!
Alrighty then: in The Oath, Doctor Stephen Strange’s assistant Wong is struck down with an inoperable brain tumour. Apparently a magic spell won’t fix the problem but a magic potion will so off Strange goes for the quickest of forays into a magical realm to find said cure. But it turns out the panacea he gets won’t just cure Wong’s tumour – it’ll cure every disease known to man! Except the Evil Drug Companies won’t allow it as they make more money from treating diseases like cancer than offering one-time cures; Strange and the panacea must be eliminated!
Two big things bothered me about this book: plot and character. Plot-wise, The Oath is very simplistic. Remember those Phase One Marvel Studios movies, Iron Man and Incredible Hulk, which had villains who were like the hero but EVIL, and were only used for that one movie? Same dealio here – Strange has an even double he must defeat. Now ain’t that convenient? And what do you think – does Wong die in the end? The character who’s been with Strange all these years and is the Alfred to Strange’s Bruce Wayne? Exactamundo!
Or how about the rehashed conspiracy theory of the Drug Companies suppressing the cure for cancer because they’re EVIL and they’d lose billions if they cured cancer rather than kept treating it? I audibly groaned at the cheesiness of that inclusion. I know Brian K Vaughan’s very liberal, and so am I, but really, this was an embarrassingly corny and unimaginative motive. Who would a villain in a Vaughan-scripted Ghost Rider be – Evil Oil Companies who want to suppress the secret that cars can now run on water instead of petrol? What other dumb conspiracy theories can we toss in?
And then in the middle of the story, a giant Lovecraftian tentacle terror appears – how will Strange defeat it? Answer: with a bullet from a handgun. What? I mean, sure, it’s Hitler’s personal handgun so it’s got all kindsa bad juju surrounding it, but – a handgun? One shot? How unsatisfying. And again unimaginative.
Which brings us to the issues of character. Vaughan weaves Strange’s origins into the main story well, and it helps that it’s a fairly straightforward one: he was one of the world’s greatest surgeons whose hands were damaged, forcing him out of his profession. He went to the Himalayas to learn magic and became the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. Yeah it’s silly but hey it’s Marvel! Couple big questions are puzzling though: what are the limits of his powers and how come his personality in this book isn’t consistent with the other stories he’s appeared in?
Because while I haven’t read many Strange books (there just aren’t many out there and the Stan Lee-scripted ones don’t appeal in the least), he does appear quite often in plenty of other titles from big Event books like Original Sin and Infinity to regular stints as part of the Illuminati, to cameos in titles like Silver Surfer. In all of his appearances he’s well-spoken, learned, and a wit. In Vaughan’s hands, he’s, well, a prick! We see that he was worse before he became the Sorcerer Supreme, but he’s still quite arrogant and snooty in the present too. In other words, the kind of personality that’s hard to like and root to succeed.
And though The Oath isn’t an explanatory book of the character, seeing as Vaughan does go to some lengths to make the reader aware of many aspects of his character, why not go all the way, like explaining how his powers work? Because that’s one of the most important parts of Marvel superheroes, isn’t it – their power set? What can Strange do? I don’t know exactly. He’s the Sorcerer Supreme so does that mean he can do anything? This is a problem with magic characters – give them a new grimoire or spellbook and they can learn new powers. Strange’s powers might well be limitless – or, as the case might be, limited to the writer’s imagination and/or contrived situation.
The finale is where this flaw becomes a problem. In a very Kirk/Spock moment, Strange has a drop of the panacea left and has to choose between saving Wong’s life or saving it to study/reproduce more and save literally billions of lives; the needs of the many over the needs of the few. Strange chooses Wong because of the Hippocratic Oath he took once upon a time.
But was that his only choice – give the panacea to one or the other? Was it the “Wong” choice? (Thank you, thank you, I WILL accept the obvious joke award!) He’s the Sorcerer Supreme – why doesn’t he magically create a machine to instantly analyse the panacea and then another machine to instantly replicate it? Or maybe put Wong into some kind of stasis so he remains alive, while he produces more of the panacea enabling him to both save Wong AND everyone else on the planet? Maybe he doesn’t have those powers – I don’t know. Looking at all of this, I wouldn’t say Vaughan does a great job with Strange’s character in this book.
Wong himself seems like a very outdated stereotype while the other character – Night Nurse – doesn’t really add anything to the book. She’s a generic love interest and a really obscure Marvel character - that’s it. Not to mention the fact that she’s actually a doctor but she calls herself Night Nurse because alliteration is very important to Marvel.
Which isn’t to say The Oath is terrible; I’ve read great and garbage Marvel books and this one falls in the middle. The story’s not amazing but it holds the attention and has some nice moments here and there. I liked that for a magical character, Vaughan does his best to humanise him, focusing on his friend and a love interest, and that in his final fight, Strange avoids the use of magic to win.
The opening page alone – Iron Fist in Night Nurse’s waiting room, casually waiting to get patched up - makes me wish Vaughan and Marcos Martin would write an Iron Fist series! And Martin’s art is gorgeous throughout though I wouldn’t say any panels stick out especially because they’re all so wonderfully drawn. It’s easy to see why Vaughan kept in contact with Martin so that, years later, they could do their digital indie comic, The Private Eye, together (which I highly recommend reading if you haven’t already!). Alvaro Lopez and Javier Rodriguez’s colours are a bit dull but not bad.
Doctor Strange: The Oath may not be THE Doctor Strange book to read but you could do worse than start here. In the end it feels like just another Strange adventure. I didn’t really learn anything much more about his character than I already knew going in – he’s magical, etc. Marvel doesn’t seem to know what to do with the character when, in a post-Harry Potter world, a magical character should do really well. Maybe it’s because he rocks the Vincent Price look – you know, the actor all the kids love? There’s potential for this character but The Oath shows that Vaughan’s not the writer to achieve the definitive update for the modern era Doctor Strange.
October 1, 2016
"By the hoary ***-ing hosts!"
Doctor Strange is awesome, with potential to be one of my favorite Marvel characters. And this was my first Doc Strange comic ever.
Vaughan is a fantastic writer. I've read Saga, Y, and Paper Girls, so I'm no "stranger" to his writing. While this doesn't allow him the freedom of a creator-owned comic, it's an extremely well-written mini-series, with sharp dialog, clever humor, and fascinating mysticism. The only thing missing is his obsession with sex and cursing.
I've never heard of Marcos Martin, but damn, the man can draw. His illustrations are on point, clean and evocative, giving Doc a strong and powerful presence. And the inks and deep colors are perfect.
My one complaint is the cover design. It's terrible! It's supposed to look eerie but something is off...the perspective, proportions, I dunno. But the cover alone put me off from reading this for years.
I'm off to a great start with Doctor Strange. But seriously, no Deluxe Hardcover edition? Come on, Marvel!
October 6, 2014
I've encountered Doctor Strange here and there, but I've never gone out of my way to read one of his solo titles. But with Marvel actively working on putting together a Doctor Strange movie, it was obviously time to change that. I had no earthly idea where to go, but luckily some of my friends here on Goodreads have read this volume, and given it glowing reviews. Seemed like as good a place as any to start.
And so it was. Maybe longtime fans would disagree, but it seems to me like there isn't that much terribly complicated about Strange's background, enough that one relatively small trade can sum it up while sending him on a new adventure. After reading this, I feel like I understand where he came from and his personality. Cool.
The story itself seems, from my admittedly limited knowledge of the character, to be uniquely suited to him, a confluence of medicine and magic. Yeah, that sounds like it would work for a powerful sorcerer who used to be a surgeon. And it does. Add in a bit of personal interest with the magical cure being meant for Strange's sidekick/servant/whatever Wong, and it becomes that much more important on an emotional level to Strange.
Which is probably good, because Strange is a little bit of a jackass here. Don't get me wrong, he's an amusing jackass who's on the side of Good in a big picture sense. But he's still a jackass. Not faulting that, not in the slightest. Sometimes jackasses make for the best protagonists. But maybe avoid if you currently have a low jackass tolerance in your fiction.
As an introduction to the character of Doctor Strange, I can't imagine it gets much better than this. It's a good story, and it gives a quick and, I think, thorough idea of who the character is for total newbies. I'm glad I read it.
And so it was. Maybe longtime fans would disagree, but it seems to me like there isn't that much terribly complicated about Strange's background, enough that one relatively small trade can sum it up while sending him on a new adventure. After reading this, I feel like I understand where he came from and his personality. Cool.
The story itself seems, from my admittedly limited knowledge of the character, to be uniquely suited to him, a confluence of medicine and magic. Yeah, that sounds like it would work for a powerful sorcerer who used to be a surgeon. And it does. Add in a bit of personal interest with the magical cure being meant for Strange's sidekick/servant/whatever Wong, and it becomes that much more important on an emotional level to Strange.
Which is probably good, because Strange is a little bit of a jackass here. Don't get me wrong, he's an amusing jackass who's on the side of Good in a big picture sense. But he's still a jackass. Not faulting that, not in the slightest. Sometimes jackasses make for the best protagonists. But maybe avoid if you currently have a low jackass tolerance in your fiction.
As an introduction to the character of Doctor Strange, I can't imagine it gets much better than this. It's a good story, and it gives a quick and, I think, thorough idea of who the character is for total newbies. I'm glad I read it.
January 15, 2016
Dr. Strange has been shot!
This occurred because Dr. Strange found that which shouldn't exist, a cure for cancer. His assailant stole it after shooting him. The Sorcerer Supreme found it after fighting a God to obtain a cure for Wong's terminal brain tumor.
Now time is of the essence as Dr. Strange, Wong, and The Night Nurse search for the culprit and the cure.
This is the first time I've ever read a Dr. Strange comic and I must admit I was impressed. The story was really well told and despite the seriousness of what was happening, it was able to inject some humor in from time to time.
I didn't realize how little I knew about Stephen Strange. I always assumed his hands were healed when he became the Sorcerer Supreme, but that apparently wasn't the case.
I appreciate the little bro-mance happening between Dr. Strange and Wong. Each man was more than willing to put themselves at risk to protect the other. It was touching even though it wasn't directly addressed except in a mocking way.
Dr. Strange: The Oath was a really good story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This occurred because Dr. Strange found that which shouldn't exist, a cure for cancer. His assailant stole it after shooting him. The Sorcerer Supreme found it after fighting a God to obtain a cure for Wong's terminal brain tumor.
Now time is of the essence as Dr. Strange, Wong, and The Night Nurse search for the culprit and the cure.
This is the first time I've ever read a Dr. Strange comic and I must admit I was impressed. The story was really well told and despite the seriousness of what was happening, it was able to inject some humor in from time to time.
I didn't realize how little I knew about Stephen Strange. I always assumed his hands were healed when he became the Sorcerer Supreme, but that apparently wasn't the case.
I appreciate the little bro-mance happening between Dr. Strange and Wong. Each man was more than willing to put themselves at risk to protect the other. It was touching even though it wasn't directly addressed except in a mocking way.
Dr. Strange: The Oath was a really good story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 20, 2016
I've been meaning to read The Oath for awhile now. I have always been a fan of Dr. Strange. Anything that has an emphasis on magic and archmages, in particular, have always been a favorite topic of mine. Thus it was with pleasure that I read this truly excellent Dr. Strange tale.
The Oath is a story about Oaths. The Oaths taken by doctors to treat their patients, Wong's oath of service to Dr. Strange, Dr. Strange's Oath to protect the world as Sorcerer Supreme, etc. The story starts with Wong bringing a wounded Dr. Strange into the medical clinic run by the Night Nurse. Now, I have heard of the Night Nurse- a doctor who helps patch up Super-heroes in her clinic, but this is really the first time I think I've read anything with her not only in the story but a prominent character. It seems Dr. Strange has been shot! Some B-list criminal known as the Brigand (never heard of this guy)who breaks into Strange's Sanctum and steals an Elixir and in the process of the robbery shoots Dr. Strange. How does one shoot the Sorcerer Surpeme? Apparently with a silver bullet ensorcelled by Warlocks and fired from the gun that Hitler used to commit suicide. Interesting.
Anyways Strange, Night Nurse and Wong race to discover who hired the Brigand and to retrieve the Elixir. Added urgency occurs when it is revealed that Wong has a brain tumor and may die very soon. What follows is an interesting tale about the origins of Dr. Strange and other students of the Ancient One. A Doctor, Dr. Nicodemus West, who had operated on Strange's hand post-accident and went down a similar path to Strange's that led him to the Ancient One. The rest of the story you should read as I won't spoil it.
Brian Vaughn's writing was well done. The story held some measure of mystery early on and Vaughn's explanations for the magic behind what was happening is plausible enough. I liked Vaughn's inclusion of the Night Nurse as a major character and it was good to see Wong also helping Strange out with "matters of this world".
Marcos Martin's art was quite interesting and I rather liked it. I think it suited the story and certain panels with Strange and the relative brightness of the colors made for some great art. So with all these positive aspects why did I only give it a 4 star rating? At the end of the day, it was because the story seemed to be rather mundane by the standards of Strange. Evil pharmaceutical firms and non-practicing sorcerer's are not exactly Mephisto or Dormammu material. So while it was a fun and well told tale, it just never really rises to the "epic" levels that I have come to expect from my Strange stories. Case in point, to explain what a more "epic" story more suitable to Dr. Strange would be the Triumph and Torment story where Dr. Doom and Dr. Strange go to Hell to face Mephisto. THAT is more suitable to the Sorcerer Supreme, this tale is more in the league of a Daredevil or some lesser sorcerer type.
Still, that minor quibble aside-this is a damn good Dr. Strange tale. The Night Nurse and Wong's central aspect in this case added with the further information we learn about Strange's past make this one of the best Strange GNs I've come across. If you are a fan of Strange-then I am sure you will enjoy this interesting tale about the power of Oaths.
The Oath is a story about Oaths. The Oaths taken by doctors to treat their patients, Wong's oath of service to Dr. Strange, Dr. Strange's Oath to protect the world as Sorcerer Supreme, etc. The story starts with Wong bringing a wounded Dr. Strange into the medical clinic run by the Night Nurse. Now, I have heard of the Night Nurse- a doctor who helps patch up Super-heroes in her clinic, but this is really the first time I think I've read anything with her not only in the story but a prominent character. It seems Dr. Strange has been shot! Some B-list criminal known as the Brigand (never heard of this guy)who breaks into Strange's Sanctum and steals an Elixir and in the process of the robbery shoots Dr. Strange. How does one shoot the Sorcerer Surpeme? Apparently with a silver bullet ensorcelled by Warlocks and fired from the gun that Hitler used to commit suicide. Interesting.
Anyways Strange, Night Nurse and Wong race to discover who hired the Brigand and to retrieve the Elixir. Added urgency occurs when it is revealed that Wong has a brain tumor and may die very soon. What follows is an interesting tale about the origins of Dr. Strange and other students of the Ancient One. A Doctor, Dr. Nicodemus West, who had operated on Strange's hand post-accident and went down a similar path to Strange's that led him to the Ancient One. The rest of the story you should read as I won't spoil it.
Brian Vaughn's writing was well done. The story held some measure of mystery early on and Vaughn's explanations for the magic behind what was happening is plausible enough. I liked Vaughn's inclusion of the Night Nurse as a major character and it was good to see Wong also helping Strange out with "matters of this world".
Marcos Martin's art was quite interesting and I rather liked it. I think it suited the story and certain panels with Strange and the relative brightness of the colors made for some great art. So with all these positive aspects why did I only give it a 4 star rating? At the end of the day, it was because the story seemed to be rather mundane by the standards of Strange. Evil pharmaceutical firms and non-practicing sorcerer's are not exactly Mephisto or Dormammu material. So while it was a fun and well told tale, it just never really rises to the "epic" levels that I have come to expect from my Strange stories. Case in point, to explain what a more "epic" story more suitable to Dr. Strange would be the Triumph and Torment story where Dr. Doom and Dr. Strange go to Hell to face Mephisto. THAT is more suitable to the Sorcerer Supreme, this tale is more in the league of a Daredevil or some lesser sorcerer type.
Still, that minor quibble aside-this is a damn good Dr. Strange tale. The Night Nurse and Wong's central aspect in this case added with the further information we learn about Strange's past make this one of the best Strange GNs I've come across. If you are a fan of Strange-then I am sure you will enjoy this interesting tale about the power of Oaths.
August 29, 2014
For me there's no more enjoyable comic opener than a dry humourous jab at the ridiculousness of the situations our heroes keep getting into. Vaughan kills it in the first two pages, and buys himself a lot of interest in seeing where he's really taking the adventure.
Vaughan gives Strange a real personality here - and Wong too! They're not just mystics taking the damned books so seriously, but smartasses of the highest order - Wong because he's been Strange's bitch forever, and Strange because he's been bitter since losing his surgeon's steady hands. Makes perfect sense, and makes the story just that much more fun. (who doesn't want to hang around bitter smartasses? I sure do - they make me feel a little less conspicuous.)
Martin is a masterful artist - he imbues faces with a wide range of expression, and fills the page with amazing use of panels and transitions. When Strange is on the operating table, he's the central panel around which all the crucial details of his operation are carefully arranged in small, precise panels. When Strange flies into an interdimensional hole, not only does he jump past the panel border but past the edge of the page itself.
Something bugs me about the end though. Obviously Doc Strange can't keep the , so the intrigue of this book's plot in part is to see how Vaughan resolved that inherent problem. For a writer who does such a great job of coming up with clever endings, twists and cliffhangers, I felt...disappointed by how predictably conventional the resolution was here. It's sweet and mostly in-character for this group of protagonists, but it felt a little less arch than Vaughan brought even in earlier pages of this book. This is how high my expectations are for Vaughan - he has to blow me away (which he usually does) or else I'm a little despondent.
Like Robin Williams could've gone out of this life with one last bizarre joke, but instead took the conventional route. It's fine, I understand what it might've been like near the end, but I sure wish he'd mustered the energy to leave as bizarrely as he entered. At least get dressed in your most ridiculous costume - French maid, anyone?
Vaughan gives Strange a real personality here - and Wong too! They're not just mystics taking the damned books so seriously, but smartasses of the highest order - Wong because he's been Strange's bitch forever, and Strange because he's been bitter since losing his surgeon's steady hands. Makes perfect sense, and makes the story just that much more fun. (who doesn't want to hang around bitter smartasses? I sure do - they make me feel a little less conspicuous.)
Martin is a masterful artist - he imbues faces with a wide range of expression, and fills the page with amazing use of panels and transitions. When Strange is on the operating table, he's the central panel around which all the crucial details of his operation are carefully arranged in small, precise panels. When Strange flies into an interdimensional hole, not only does he jump past the panel border but past the edge of the page itself.
Something bugs me about the end though. Obviously Doc Strange can't keep the , so the intrigue of this book's plot in part is to see how Vaughan resolved that inherent problem. For a writer who does such a great job of coming up with clever endings, twists and cliffhangers, I felt...disappointed by how predictably conventional the resolution was here. It's sweet and mostly in-character for this group of protagonists, but it felt a little less arch than Vaughan brought even in earlier pages of this book. This is how high my expectations are for Vaughan - he has to blow me away (which he usually does) or else I'm a little despondent.
Like Robin Williams could've gone out of this life with one last bizarre joke, but instead took the conventional route. It's fine, I understand what it might've been like near the end, but I sure wish he'd mustered the energy to leave as bizarrely as he entered. At least get dressed in your most ridiculous costume - French maid, anyone?
February 16, 2022
This was a fascinating read!
It starts with Strange coming to Night nurse telling her to cure his body and well wong has a big disease too and well we find out through the course of the issues how he came to be like this and who shot him and the reason for it all: and then as the story progresses we find the connective piece and the trio going up against multiple threats and going against Brigand and then Dr Nicodemus West and we find his connections to Strange which is fascinating and the ultimate battle and the cost of it plus the Oath of a doctor. Will Strange be able to save his friend but at what cost and what did he learn here?
Its a fascinating read and I love the way it builds up as a mystery and weaves together for one epic story really well and by the end you have so many metaphors and showing the oath of doctors and the cost of one life vs many and the implications and philosophical arguments it causes is fascinating which is what makes this comic great and I love the way the writer fleshes out the relationship between Strange and wong and showing their relationship through a new lens and he also does well to introduce a new antagonist in Nicodemus and weaving him into the Sorcerer supreme's life in a great way and his motives are well established too. Night nurse acts as a POV for the reader and I love it!
Its one of those definitive stories for the character and I love it for that, certainly one of the best stories I have read of the character, just a must recommendation from me plus the artis great and is clean which makes for a smooth read, kudos to the colorist too!
It starts with Strange coming to Night nurse telling her to cure his body and well wong has a big disease too and well we find out through the course of the issues how he came to be like this and who shot him and the reason for it all: and then as the story progresses we find the connective piece and the trio going up against multiple threats and going against Brigand and then Dr Nicodemus West and we find his connections to Strange which is fascinating and the ultimate battle and the cost of it plus the Oath of a doctor. Will Strange be able to save his friend but at what cost and what did he learn here?
Its a fascinating read and I love the way it builds up as a mystery and weaves together for one epic story really well and by the end you have so many metaphors and showing the oath of doctors and the cost of one life vs many and the implications and philosophical arguments it causes is fascinating which is what makes this comic great and I love the way the writer fleshes out the relationship between Strange and wong and showing their relationship through a new lens and he also does well to introduce a new antagonist in Nicodemus and weaving him into the Sorcerer supreme's life in a great way and his motives are well established too. Night nurse acts as a POV for the reader and I love it!
Its one of those definitive stories for the character and I love it for that, certainly one of the best stories I have read of the character, just a must recommendation from me plus the artis great and is clean which makes for a smooth read, kudos to the colorist too!
May 10, 2025
A powerful short that highlights Strange's journey and the shift in morals and values that came with it. The battle between a doctor's oath and the weight of being Sorcerer Supreme provides an interesting dilemma and is a much more powerful conflict than a typical action packed show down. Also of note is the dynamic between the titular hero and the two supporting characters of Night Nurse and Wong which is also done very well. Definitely a pleasant surprise, Vaughan and Martín have created an accessible mini that is perfect for those who want to delve into the world of magic.
April 30, 2018
"Oh help me, dear doctor, I'm damaged . . ." - The Rolling Stones
From the opening scene - in which 'man Friday' Wong carries a bullet-wounded Stephen Strange into the Night Nurse's clinic - the story grabs you by your amulets and doesn't let go until the gloriously romantic and perfect final panel. Mystical action, drama, sly humor, character history and in-jokes (the names of the pharmaceutical company and the magical elixir) mix together into a potent and enjoyable little concoction. This concise, brightly rendered adventure didn't overstay its welcome - I would read another Dr. Strange / Night Nurse story by the same writer and artist team in a heartbeat.
4.5 stars
From the opening scene - in which 'man Friday' Wong carries a bullet-wounded Stephen Strange into the Night Nurse's clinic - the story grabs you by your amulets and doesn't let go until the gloriously romantic and perfect final panel. Mystical action, drama, sly humor, character history and in-jokes (the names of the pharmaceutical company and the magical elixir) mix together into a potent and enjoyable little concoction. This concise, brightly rendered adventure didn't overstay its welcome - I would read another Dr. Strange / Night Nurse story by the same writer and artist team in a heartbeat.
4.5 stars
May 30, 2015
Apart from the infinity gauntlet omnibus this is the first complete Dr. Strange story I've read and also the first Brian k Vaughn book and I'm please to say I was hooked the whole way through.
All the characters were grounded it was very pleasant to read.
Loved the addition of hitlers gun! Awesome.
All the characters were grounded it was very pleasant to read.
Loved the addition of hitlers gun! Awesome.
November 11, 2016
"Doctor Stephen Strange embarks on the most important paranormal investigation of his career, as he sets out to solve an attempted murder - his own! And with his most trusted friend also at death's door, Strange turns to an unexpected corner of the Marvel Universe to recruit a new ally."
Though published in the past 10 years, this is a "throw-back" series in its style mimicking the early Marvel Strange Tales and Dr. Strange comics of the 1960s. Just the refresher course I wanted before seeing the new movie. It showed me how many plot elements were lifted from the original comics. And the artwork, though not Steve Ditko, is in that vein.
I like how the graphics show on my Kindle Fire. I will certainly consider putting more of these in my e-library now.
Though published in the past 10 years, this is a "throw-back" series in its style mimicking the early Marvel Strange Tales and Dr. Strange comics of the 1960s. Just the refresher course I wanted before seeing the new movie. It showed me how many plot elements were lifted from the original comics. And the artwork, though not Steve Ditko, is in that vein.
I like how the graphics show on my Kindle Fire. I will certainly consider putting more of these in my e-library now.
October 1, 2014
For me there's no more enjoyable comic opener than a dry humourous jab at the craziness of the situations our heroes keep getting into. Vaughan kills it in the first two pages, and buys himself a lot of interest I seeing where he's really taking the adventure.
Vaughan gives Strange a real personality here - and Wong too! They're not just mystics taking the damned books so seriously, but smartasses of the highest order - Womf because he's been Strange's bitch forever, and Strange because he's been bitter since losing his surgeon's steady hands. Makes perfect sense, and makes the story just that much more fun. (who doesn't want to hang around bitter smartasses? I sure do - they make me feel normal.)
Martin is a masterful artist - he imbues faces with a wide range of expression, and fills the page with amazing use of panels and transitions. When Strange is on the operating table, he's the central panel around which all the crucial details of his operation are carefully arranged in small, precise panels. When Strange flies into an interdimensional hole, not only does he jump past the panel border but past the edge of the page itself.
Something bugs me about the end though. Obviously Doc Strange can't keep the , so the intrigue of this book's plot in part is to see how Vaughan resolved that inherent problem. For a writer who does such a great job of coming up with clever endings, twists and cliffhangers, I felt...disappointed by how predictably conventional the resolution was here. It's sweet and mostly in-character for this group of protagonists, but it felt a little less arch than Vaughan brought even in earlier pages of this book.
Like Robin Williams could've gone out of this life with one last bizarre joke, but instead took the conventional route. It's fine, I understand what it might've been like near the end, but I sure wish he'd mustered the energy to leave as bizarrely as he entered. At least get dressed in your most ridiculous costume or something.
Vaughan gives Strange a real personality here - and Wong too! They're not just mystics taking the damned books so seriously, but smartasses of the highest order - Womf because he's been Strange's bitch forever, and Strange because he's been bitter since losing his surgeon's steady hands. Makes perfect sense, and makes the story just that much more fun. (who doesn't want to hang around bitter smartasses? I sure do - they make me feel normal.)
Martin is a masterful artist - he imbues faces with a wide range of expression, and fills the page with amazing use of panels and transitions. When Strange is on the operating table, he's the central panel around which all the crucial details of his operation are carefully arranged in small, precise panels. When Strange flies into an interdimensional hole, not only does he jump past the panel border but past the edge of the page itself.
Something bugs me about the end though. Obviously Doc Strange can't keep the , so the intrigue of this book's plot in part is to see how Vaughan resolved that inherent problem. For a writer who does such a great job of coming up with clever endings, twists and cliffhangers, I felt...disappointed by how predictably conventional the resolution was here. It's sweet and mostly in-character for this group of protagonists, but it felt a little less arch than Vaughan brought even in earlier pages of this book.
Like Robin Williams could've gone out of this life with one last bizarre joke, but instead took the conventional route. It's fine, I understand what it might've been like near the end, but I sure wish he'd mustered the energy to leave as bizarrely as he entered. At least get dressed in your most ridiculous costume or something.
December 27, 2021
Like something I'd write, and this time that's not a complement.
February 10, 2020
Qué buena historia: sencilla pero inteligente. Cómic de superhéroes del bueno. Ideal si viste la película del personaje y quedaste con ganas de algo que no requiera conocimiento previo.
February 2, 2019
The Oath focuses heavily on Dr. Strange as a medical doctor. While he is no longer able to use his hands for surgery, he decides to use the mystical arts to heal a close friend, but of course there are complications. One nice thing about this book is that Night Nurse gets a significant role. It's always nice to see support get some respect. On the downside, there is a romantic twist at the end that I wasn't feeling at all. Plus it was a little creepy considering the age difference between the people involved. So, overall I would say that this story has a great start, but has an unsatisfying ending.
Read
August 1, 2016FYeahDoctorStrange.tumblr.com
I don't know if that's a thing. But if it is, most of its pages should be this comic.
High octane Mastery of the Mystic Arts. Real stakes. Effortless thematics and plot juggling. Crisp characterization. Human beings who really like one another. Iron Fist! Night General Practitioner!
This falls under the same rubric as Ellis' Moon Knight, in a way: it's purely itself. It knows exactly what it is doing, and does it perfectly.
I don't know if that's a thing. But if it is, most of its pages should be this comic.
High octane Mastery of the Mystic Arts. Real stakes. Effortless thematics and plot juggling. Crisp characterization. Human beings who really like one another. Iron Fist! Night General Practitioner!
This falls under the same rubric as Ellis' Moon Knight, in a way: it's purely itself. It knows exactly what it is doing, and does it perfectly.
July 6, 2025
Update 2025:
Arta a început să îmi placă mai mult. Unele scene, unele portrete, Marcos Martín face o treabă destul de bună, în ciuda senzației de 2D și de nuanțe palide, pe care o resimți la prima vedere. Traducerea are unele scăpări, dar nah, ceva firesc ptr edițiile ieftine de la Litera Must-Have. Povestea bunicică.
Recenzia inițială:
Poveste 4, Artă - 2 stele
Am citit story-ul acesta în ediția de la Litera Must-Have. Așa că poate culorile nu sunt cele mai bune în print. Sau așa sunt și în original, nu am apucat să verific. Cert e faptul că arta mi s-a părut ștearsă, prea multă senzație de schiță neterminată. Marcos Martín nu mi s-a părut deloc grozav. Story-ul lui Vaughan, pe de altă parte, bunicel. O reluare a originii lui Doctor Strange cu accidentul de mașină și distrugerea marelui doctor și a orgoliului său, însă aici accentul e pus pe încercarea de a recupera un elixir pe care cineva i-l fură și cu această ocazie îl și rănește zdravăn cu pistolul lui Hitler :), recuperare care coincide cu momentul în care Wong e pe cale să moară doborât de o boală terminală. Și da, elixirul ăla i-ar putea salva viața.
Fără să fie deosebit de palpitant, e un story ok, care te ține aproape de volum, iar gafele, umorul și auto-ironia lui Strange nu strică niciodată.
Arta a început să îmi placă mai mult. Unele scene, unele portrete, Marcos Martín face o treabă destul de bună, în ciuda senzației de 2D și de nuanțe palide, pe care o resimți la prima vedere. Traducerea are unele scăpări, dar nah, ceva firesc ptr edițiile ieftine de la Litera Must-Have. Povestea bunicică.
Recenzia inițială:
Poveste 4, Artă - 2 stele
Am citit story-ul acesta în ediția de la Litera Must-Have. Așa că poate culorile nu sunt cele mai bune în print. Sau așa sunt și în original, nu am apucat să verific. Cert e faptul că arta mi s-a părut ștearsă, prea multă senzație de schiță neterminată. Marcos Martín nu mi s-a părut deloc grozav. Story-ul lui Vaughan, pe de altă parte, bunicel. O reluare a originii lui Doctor Strange cu accidentul de mașină și distrugerea marelui doctor și a orgoliului său, însă aici accentul e pus pe încercarea de a recupera un elixir pe care cineva i-l fură și cu această ocazie îl și rănește zdravăn cu pistolul lui Hitler :), recuperare care coincide cu momentul în care Wong e pe cale să moară doborât de o boală terminală. Și da, elixirul ăla i-ar putea salva viața.
Fără să fie deosebit de palpitant, e un story ok, care te ține aproape de volum, iar gafele, umorul și auto-ironia lui Strange nu strică niciodată.
December 31, 2018
This was rather interesting.
I really like Vaughan's take on the character, here. He comes across as a lot more mature and smooth, compared to what I saw of the MCU version in Thor: Ragnarok and Infinity War. The bond between Wong and Strange is quite moving. Night Nurse was used pretty well here. The vibe is just really cool and left me wanting more. Although, from what I've read, it's just Vaughan that wrote him this way. Other writers tend to make him a lot more arrogant and annoyingly unhelpful.
The premise is interesting. I like the rivalry here. There was a pretty complex moral quandary and I appreciated that, as well.
All in all, it's a recommend. Coming from a person who isn't a big Strange fan, it's strange for me to say this.
I really like Vaughan's take on the character, here. He comes across as a lot more mature and smooth, compared to what I saw of the MCU version in Thor: Ragnarok and Infinity War. The bond between Wong and Strange is quite moving. Night Nurse was used pretty well here. The vibe is just really cool and left me wanting more. Although, from what I've read, it's just Vaughan that wrote him this way. Other writers tend to make him a lot more arrogant and annoyingly unhelpful.
The premise is interesting. I like the rivalry here. There was a pretty complex moral quandary and I appreciated that, as well.
All in all, it's a recommend. Coming from a person who isn't a big Strange fan, it's strange for me to say this.
May 31, 2020
Great book. Strange has discovered an Elixir that can cure illnesses of the mind and sends it off to a colleague to makes sure it safe for people to use. His colleague informs him it is but also more, it can cure cancer all together. Afterwords we learn Wong is dying from a brain tumor. But before Strange can use the elixir, someone breaks in to the Sanctum Sanctorum and shoots strange with a magic gun and steals the elixir and Wong rushes Stephen to the Night Nurse. The book then follows this trio on a mission to get the elixir back. Vaughan once again comes thru in the clutch with great writing blended with Marcos Martin art for a great story.
March 23, 2015
This was a good Dr. Strange tale. This is actually the first Dr. Strange complete story I've read but I've been reading individual comics and they've been okay but this one was better than a lot.
Dr. Strange is searching for the person who shot him and stole an amazing medical serum in the process. It has humor and action and many flashbacks to the time before Dr. Strange became Sorcerer Supreme which was very helpful to me.
Dr. Strange is searching for the person who shot him and stole an amazing medical serum in the process. It has humor and action and many flashbacks to the time before Dr. Strange became Sorcerer Supreme which was very helpful to me.
May 10, 2019
I’ve seen this recommended for people interested in Dr. Strange a lot so I decided to pick it up. Honestly, it was just... kinda boring? There was a lot if interesting ideas in this, but it just didn’t have any “driving power” behind it I guess you could say. Could just be me. Probably my least favorite of all the comics I’ve read by Vaughan.
September 9, 2014
What a great book and I'm far from a Dr. Strange fanboy, truth be told I know very little about the character. BKV really drives home an emotional character driven story which really sucks the reader in. If your a Dr. Strange or BKV fan this is a must read in my opinion.
November 14, 2016
This was actually really intriguing for never having read anything Doctor Strange before. I love the backstory and it really helps me feel better about going to see the movie soon!
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