The impossible has happened! Doctor Strange’s hands have been healed, restoring his surgical skills - but now he’s being torn between his obligations as the Sorcerer Supreme and as a neurosurgeon. And when he’s forced to choose which vows to uphold, who suffers most for it? After all, magic always has a cost…Be here for a brand new era of magic…and horror from Mark Waid (HISTORY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE) and Kev Walker (BLACK PANTHER)!
Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.
Dr. Stephen Strange was the world’s greatest neurosurgeon and an arrogant jerk, who only used his skills to help those who could afford his steep fees. A car accident forever injured his hands, leaving him unable to hold a scalpel, much less perform complex surgeries. Desperate to retain his lofty position, Strange spent his fortune traveling the world, looking for anything that might cure him.
In his journeys, Strange came to learn two things. He learned that magic was real and how to wield it for his own purposes. But more importantly, Strange came to learn humility and how ultimately small he was in the grand scheme of things. Thus did Doctor Strange become a wizard and in time earn the title of Sorcerer Supreme; the universe’s chief guardian against mystic evils.
If you’re already a Doctor Strange fan, you’re in for a treat. And if you aren’t already a Doctor Strange fan, this book may make you into one. It’s definitely worth a try, at least, if you enjoy tales of magic and superheroes or medical dramas.
I'd heard of Dr. Strange's character, of course, but I didn't know anything about him until I saw Infinity Wars. Then, there was a great issue of Kate Thompson's Captain Marvel series where a sorceress switches Carol's and Dr. Strange's bodies, and I decided I really liked Dr. Strange. He makes an appearance in Saladin Ahmed's Ms. Marvel as well, so it seemed like destiny when one of my favorite authors, Mark Waid, came out with a Dr. Strange series. There's nothing I didn't like about this first issue. It's funny, it's well-written, well-paced, detailed, and suspenseful. I wanted to start issue #2 right away. I also have issue #3 on hold at my comic store, and I'm definitely going to put the whole series on hold because I'm already hooked. Also, the artwork is really detailed and connects very well to the story. As I said, I have literally zero negatives about this issue! I hope the next follow suit!
I've been following Doctor Strange for years now, but this whole series was a twist I never expected. The entire premise is that Doctor Strange has fixed his hands (long story, check out the last few issues of the previous series), and he's now trying to balance being a top surgeon with being the Sorcerer Supreme. Talk about being an overachiever, right?
But seriously, I was more than a little bit curious about this series. So far, I'm happy with what has been delivered, though I still have some questions - which I'm sure will be answered in future issues. I enjoyed the setup for this issue, and the antagonist was a fun surprise. I'm looking forward to the next issue, which is always a pleasant surprise.
Alongside being sorcerer supreme, he is now back to work as the world's greatest surgeon, saving lives and charming administrators.
Everything seems to be normal for Strange, a little surgery here, a couple spectral monsters there, until an unexplained tragedy strikes the city, sending lots of people to the ER. Introducing an old enemy with a new weapon, could this be the end for Strange? Considering this is the first issue of the volume, I'm going to guess no.
A strong start from this volume, I am already hooked!
Nice comic. It looks modern, fresh, interesting, and the plot is familiar for all MCU fans, but the question is where will they head next so it keeps you interested. It is quite short so I can't really say too much about, even more, because it is the first volume, so let's wait for the next chapters.
I did not know about Dr. Strange until the MCU. However, finally getting my hands on some comics from Mark Waid, I am not disappointed. This time we see the best neurosurgeon doing what he does loves, but this time out of compassion and humility. But, can New York's best surgeon be the Sorcerer Supreme too? Mark Waid explores this dichotomy in his interpretation of Dr. Strange.
I don't know what I was expecting, but this was better than that. Seeing Strange perform surgery again is fantastic, especially since he can also see the magical ramifications of illness. And the battle with Wrecker--holy shit that was intense. Well, I guess I'm committed to this series now.
Dr Strange comics have been immense fun for the past few years & I’m glad to see this remains on par as a first issue. It’s interesting to see him as a surgeon again.