Posted in: Comics, Marvel Comics | Tagged: asgard, avengers, defenders, doctor strange, Donny Cates, gabriel hernandez walta, loki, Marvel Comics, sentry, stephen strange
Doctor Strange #383 Review: Taking from the World Tree
We learn of the mysterious manner in which the Vishanti appointed Loki to be the new Sorcerer Supreme as Doctor Strange explains it to Sentry.
Soon after, Strange's new plan is put into action. He goes to Asgard with the intent of accessing the World Tree, Yggdrasil, to regain his magical power.
Donny Cates' tenure on Doctor Strange is already proving to be daring and interesting while trying to maintain the same spirit of Jason Aaron's vision of the book. Loki's appointment as the Sorcerer Supreme was certainly unexpected, and bringing back the Sentry was even more shocking than that.
We really get to see the absolutely bonkers risk that our dear Doctor Strange is willing to take. Recruiting the Sentry, storming Asgard, and accessing the World Tree are all things that seem like absolutely awful ideas. Yet, Stephen goes through with them anyway.
None of it seems out of character for him though. He has a plan, even if it's questionable. He has a purpose, even if it's somewhat fueled by resentment and anger. He has a goal, even if it flies in the face of the closest things to deities he follows. It all follows the reputation of improvisation and making do that has become the new identity of Doctor Strange since Aaron and Bachalo took over at the beginning of All-New, All-Different Marvel. That being said, this issue does promise something akin to restoration for Doctor Strange as a magic powerhouse.
It's also quite funny too. There is a well-executed joke centered around Doctor Strange's air of mysticism and Sentry's social awkwardness which had me laughing out loud.
Gabriel Hernandez Walta's artwork continues to be quirky, gritty, and effectively fitting for Doctor Strange. He paints a world that seems like it would be the one that Stephen Strange should live within. Jordie Bellaire matches that with a darker yet well-contrasted color palette. The two make a great-looking comic here.
Doctor Strange #383 is a compelling and interesting continuation to the "Loki: Sorcerer Supreme" story. It takes some interesting turns, and we get to see Stephen Strange take some ever-more irresponsible risks. It is a great read with solid artwork, and I definitely recommend it. Give it a read.