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This page covers the Marvel comicbook hero Doctor Strange also known as Stephen Strange , Dr. Strange , Master of the Mystic Arts , Dr. Stephen Sanders , Sorcerer Supreme , Captain Universe , Master of Black Magic , Red Rajah , Strange , Shiva the Destroyer , One who lives in whispers . If this is not the page you were looking for check here.
Doctor Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe. Once a gifted but egoistic surgeon who sought the The Ancient One to heal his wounded hands, he instead became Master of the Mystic Arts!
Origin
At a young age, Stephen Strange had dreams of becoming a doctor. The eldest child of three, Strange was born in 1930 while his parents Eugene and Beverly Strange were vacationing in Philadelphia. At the age of eleven he aided his younger sister Donna when she was injured, which proved to be a formative experience for him, and he was inspired to attend med-school after high school. Ironically, it was his inability to later save her from drowning when he was nineteen and on leave from college that undermined his belief in life’s meaning and the value of idealism. Nevertheless, he rapidly finished med-school at a young age and became a successful neurosurgeon.
Strange displayed phenomenal talent in his chosen field, and quickly attained wealth and notoriety. The more successful he became, the more arrogant he grew. Eventually this led to estrangement from his family and the undoing of his relationship with a United Nations translator named Madeline Revell to whom he had proposed marriage. So distant and self-absorbed did he become, that he refused to visit his father on his deathbed. His enraged younger brother Victor Strange berated him for this, and then was killed as he ran into traffic. Stephen then placed the body of his brother into cryogenic storage. At a much later stage Stephen attempted to restore his brother through magical means, but instead imbued him with the curse of vampirism.
A car accident that damaged the nerves in his hands changed everything for Stephen Strange. He was no longer able to be a surgeon, and arrogantly refused to become an assistant or consultant as he squandered his money traveling the world searching for a cure. One day he heard a rumor of a mystical personage known as the Ancient One in Tibet. Marshalling the last of his inner and outer resources, Strange diligently searched until the fortress of the Ancient One was revealed to him. Though initially outraged that the aged mystic refused to cure his hands, Strange’s anger was quickly replaced by amazement when the reality of magical forces was demonstrated before his eyes as he witnessed an attack on the Ancient One.
Circumstances revealed to Strange that it was none other than Baron Mordo, the Ancient One’s chief disciple, who was the perpetrator of the attack, and who continued to plot the destruction of the antediluvian mystic in an attempt to gain power. To his horror Strange learned he was unable to reveal this after Mordo easily ensorcelled him. Realizing the Ancient One was a force for good; Stephen selflessly abandoned his quest to restore his hands and committed himself to magical tutelage with the intention of foiling Mordo’s insidious scheme. By this act Strange proved himself to the Ancient One, to whom the entire melodrama had been transparent. Thus Doctor Strange set himself down the path to become the new Sorcerer Supreme of the earth dimension, yet gained a deadly enemy in Baron Mordo.
After many years of training, Strange returned to New York. He became a mystical consultant and started having interactions with the superhero community. After the Fantastic Four formed and many superheroes began to surface, Doctor Strange found a friend in Spider-Man. Spider-Man helped him rescue a group of people from another dimension and suggested that Strange remove from their memory this traumatic experience, though this meant that they would forget his own heroism. He also formed a bizarre team-up with the Hulk, Namor, and later the Silver Surfer. These four strong personalities somehow managed to work together and started the unlikely super-team known as the Defenders. Initially tricked into conflict with each other by Loki, Thor and Doctor Strange also formed an early alliance to combat the god of mischief.
Noteworthy among the good Doctor’s numerous foes over the years as earth’s magical guardian were the Dread Dormammu, Shuma-Gorath, the Undying Ones, and Dracula. Strange’s first battle with Dormammu ensued when the powerful demigod of the Dark Dimension attempted to invade earth’s plane as he perceived the wane of the Ancient One’s sorcerous might. Strange was forced to duel Dormammu in the Dark Dimension, and though vastly out-powered by the god-like entity, Strange was able to tax Dormammu to the extent that the barrier separating beings know as the Mindless Ones from the rest of the Dark Dimension became compromised. A force of pure destruction, the Mindless Ones would have meant annihilation to the other denizens of Dormmamu’s realm, and Strange nobly contributed his power to his enemy to prevent their being unleashed. Bound by whatever strange honor as applies to his daemonic ilk, Dormammu then called off his invasion and released Strange. They were to clash many times subsequently, however, and Dormammu has been one of Strange’s most implacable and powerful foes. It was during this adventure that Doctor Strange also met Clea, a beautiful but inexperienced mystic (the daughter of Umar, Dormmamu’s sister), who became Strange’s first apprentice, as well as his lover.
In one of his more bizarre adventures, Strange fought the demonic forces of Shuma-Gorath, an ancient Lovecraftian entity that coveted earth’s domination from the world’s distant past and this time threatened our reality using the very mind of Doctor Strange’s beloved mentor, the Ancient One! Though it agonized him, Strange was left with no choice but to obey his teacher and slay him to prevent the holocaust Shuma-Gorath would have unleashed upon the world. The Ancient One then ascended to become one with the being known as Eternity, while Strange inherited the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme.
The Defenders were born when Doctor Strange enlisted the help of the Hulk and Namor to combat yet another world-conquering demonic threat, this time in the form of beings called the Undying Ones who were led by the evil and ancient Nameless One. The Defenders went on to battle numerous threats both supernatural and mundane (so to speak), and were joined in an oft-changing roster that included such unlikely characters as the Silver Surfer, Hellstorm, the Overmind, Valkyrie, Nighthawk, and Hellcat.
In yet another impressive display of the capabilities of a Sorcerer Supreme, Strange opposed Dracula himself to rid the world, at least for a time, of the plague of vampirism. Assisted by a dedicated band of vampire hunters, Doctor Strange recited the Montessi Formula from The Darkhold and destroyed virtually all the world’s vampires, including Dracula. Yet this very undoing for most of the world’s vampires interacted with the previous spells Stephen Strange had attempted in his resurrection of his brother Victor, causing Victor to rise from the grave as the undead. Later developments also allowed the resurrection of many of the destroyed Nosferatu, though Strange banished the Vampire Verses to another plane of existence.
Strange went on to battle a host of threats to the earth dimension, at times battling cosmic entities such as the In-Betweener; participating in the power struggles over the dominion of the Dark Dimension between Clea, Umar, and Dormammu; and joining other heroes to oppose Thanos in his attempt to gain the Infinity Gauntlet; to name but a few. He has triumphed over others bearing the title Sorcerer Supreme, such as Salome, the first Sorcerer Supreme of earth, and Shanzar, the Sorcerer Supreme of another dimension. Though he at first resisted such calls because of his duties as earth’s mystical protector, Strange was eventually drawn into a 5,000 year battle against the Trinity of Ashes on the side of the Vishanti. Because of the magical nature of the realm in which he fought, or because of his innate power, Strange was absent from his home dimension for this conflict for only a few months in everyone else’s perceptions and appeared to age but little.
Doctor Strange does continue to show a certain predilection for arrogance, as evidenced by his susceptibility to Yandroth’s manipulation when Namor, the Hulk, the Silver Surfer and himself banded together to essentially take over the world. Yandroth had banded the four together by an apparently unbreakable curse (because it was the will of Gaea) that forced them to be teleported to the scene whenever a threat to the earth manifested. The curse also heightened their natural egotism and irritability, which for these four was considerable. Unwilling to be snatched away from their other responsibilities any time the curse decreed there was a threat, the four decided instead to form the Order, which would keep the world safe by taking control and preventing threats from arising. Opposed by the other heroes of earth, the four appeared to have the power to triumph, but they realized in time that Yandroth was mystically siphoning the power generated by their violence to resurrect himself with the power of a god. While they called off their plans and dispersed, they would not surrender themselves to mortal authorities for judgment. Doctor Strange was able to convince Gaea to let the four serve her willingly, and the curse was broken. Though unquestionably a mighty force for good that has saved the earth and even the universe from destruction multiple times, this saga, along with such examples as his manipulations during the formation of the Defenders and the Midnight Sons; as well as his participation with the actions of the Illuminati, demonstrate signs of the old hubris that dominated his character whenever he was still a neurosurgeon.
Prior to the event of World War Hulk, Strange was one of the Illuminati who voted to exile the Hulk because of his destructive tendencies. When the Hulk came back and demanded the presence of the those who exiled him, Strange infiltrated his mind as a way to calm him down, but Hulk knew this move all along and gave him the opportunity to break Strange's hands, so that he could not use his magic. Strange became desperate and drank a vial containing the essence of Zom, a powerful demon that he had once faced. When Strange and Hulk fought, Strange was winning but not before realizing that Zom is slowly influencing his actions. With this realization, he was defeated by Hulk and held captive in his make-shift gladiator arena of Madison Square Garden.
Dr. Strange recently became a member of the New New Avengers. He assisted the team on their first mission to Japan, and was severely wounded. During their second mission, to defeat The Hood's Gang, Dr. Strange had to use extreme magic to take them all down. He fled the group saying that he'd used to much dark magic, and must train in the use of light magic again.
Powers and Abilities
As Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange is one of the most powerful sorcerers in the world. Dr. Strange uses mystical energy envoked upon by spells/incantations or by the power of divine beings to manipulate forces of the universe including projection of mystic enrgy as bolts, slashes, binds, shields, or a scattered array of energy appearing like electricity, manipulating matter and various energies (physical or spiritual)even transmutation of matter, controlling the elements, opening or sealing mystical portals to other relams, teleportation or dimensional travel, reality warping and control over dimension, seeing through or casting illusions, invisibility and intangibility through astral projection, vast mental powers such as telepathy and telekinesis, communication with the dead and spiritual entities, seeing the future or past, manipulating dreams, removing spirits or placing them back into bodies, summoning supernatural beings, or using the powers of supernatural items. Many of Doctor Strange’s powers are a function of his ability to manipulate the ambient mystical energy of the Marvel Universe. With this ability Dr. Strange can perform many functions. Commonly this is seen as energy attacks that range from low power to planet destroying, transmutation, telekinesis, teleportation, protective shields, etc. He uses this mystical energy to cast spells of a near infinite variety. Dr. Strange can also channel the virtually unlimited energy of nigh-omnipotent mystical and non-mystical beings--known as Principalities--to empower his spells. This can take the form of stating what he wants to occur. This ability to be a conduit to multi-versal power sources has given rise to the phrase "Dr. Strange is as powerful as the god he invokes". He is quite capable of utilizing power that is considered "black magic", though he tends to do so only under extreme exigency. Though he rarely has, he can absorb the power of even a cosmic or semi-deific entity. Doctor Strange has a pact with Eternity possibly allowing him to live as long as the Ancient One and others before him have.
Doctor Strange has been noted calling upon many sorcerous phrases invoking certain entities, usually the above-mentioned Principalities. One example:
“Seven rings hath Raggador, from indigo to deepest black, Yet Oshtur grant me something more: The Crimson Bands of Cyttorak!”
This phrase for instance, would cause unbreakable magical bonds to appear, capable of constraining even the Hulk. In addition to Cyttorak and Oshtur, among the beings of power called upon by Strange are all-seeing Agamotto and hoary Hoggoth, who along with Oshtur form the triad known as the eternal Vishanti; the Seraphim; Cthon (who created the Darkhold tome); Gaia; Ikonn; Dormammu (rarely) and the hell-lord Satannish. Sometimes it appears the substance of mystical realms is invoked rather than the beings who rule over them, as when Strange summons the Flames of the Faltine (the birthplace dimension of Dormammu, but also particular energy beings who rule there). This may explain why Strange is able to call upon such evil entities as Cthon and Satannish to power certain spells, yet not be in their service. Certain beings are typically invoked for particular effects, such as Ikonn for illusions, the Seraphim for protective effects like shields and the like, Cyttorak for bindings, Agamotto for dispelling negativity and revealing the truth, etc. Other magical constructs commonly employed through such agencies are the Vapors of Valtoor, the Chains of Krakkan, and the Seven Suns of Cinnibus. Doctor Strange seems to be more so than anyone else under the favored patronage of the powerful Vishanti.
The Sorcerer Supreme possesses a formidable arsenal of magical artifacts, two of which are particularly recognizable-- the Eye of Agamotto and the Cloak of Levitation. The Eye of Agamotto is an artifact with many uses, such as vastly extending Dr. Strange's psychic abilities, interdimensional travel, emitting a light that pierces all deception and is anathema to evil beings, serving as a protective talisman, and other feats. It can be used as an almost irresistible offensive weapon, though Strange rarely does so. Like Mjolnir, the Eye can only be used by those it deems as morally worthy. The Cloak of Levitation has been a third set of hands for Dr. Strange, responding to his thoughts to entangle opponents, and allowing him to fly and levitate. It is virtually indestructible and has shielded him from attacks as well. Strange also possesses the Orb of Agamotto, a sort of hyper-powerful crystal ball that allows clairvoyant perception of anywhere in any dimension or realm. Other powerful artifacts in his possession include the Book of the Vishanti, the Darkhold tome, and the Wand of Watoomb. His abode in Greenwich Village known as the Sanctum Sanctorum, both defies normal spatial law and is of such magical potency in its protections that it may be considered an artifact itself. Doctor Strange has recently also come into the possession of the Soul Gem.
Doctor Strange has been looked upon as a deus ex machina. Comic book writers explain that you could put Doctor Strange into any type of situation and escape it, as his power and access to appropriate knowledge are not constrained by normal laws of physics. Yet there have also been many examples where he is able to face someone very powerful one moment and unable at another. So apparently the magical nature of his powers also makes them somewhat inconsistent. He has triumphed over beings of nigh infinite power, then been stymied by beings of far less puissance, depending on the needs of the story, apparently. One limitation he apparently possesses is an ill-defined inability to conjure strictly technological items, or to be as effective in areas where scientific endeavor usually preponderates, though this is by no means a hard and fast rule.
Characteristics
Gender--Male
Height--6' 2"
Weight--180 lbs (82 kg)
Eyes--Grey
Hair--Black with white at the temples
Alternate Realities
Marvel 1602
Earth-311 Stephen Strange served as Queen Elizabeth I's magician and mystical adviser, taking the place of the historical figure John Dee. After long searching for the source of the unusual weather patterns threatening the world, Strange met a Watcher who revealed that the problems were due to a time rift, with the caveat that Strange could not reveal what he knew to anyone so long as he lived. Strange circumvented this restriction by communicating to his wife Clea after he was beheaded for treason by King James.
Ultimate Universe
Dr Strange of Earth-1610, the Ultimate universe, is Dr. Stephen Strange Jr. he was raised by her mother, Clea, away from magic because it was the reason that his mother and father separated. Stephen Jr. was approach by Wong, who knew his father. He thought Stephen about the art of magic just as he thought his father. Stephen Jr. then have appeared in TV shows as sort of a "Dr Phil" of sorts. Although he doesn't have a doctorate degree, his is usually called Dr Strange. It seems that he has little magical abilities and always save the day with an experimental spell. He eventually joined Daredevil's Ultimate Knights to bring down the Kingpin.
Marvel 2099
Earth-928 Dr Strange is a woman who just calls herself Strange. Secretly, she shares her body with a demon and is no adept with the use of magic, and in one incident, she accidentally killed her brother.
MC2
Earth-982 Doctor Strange has retired and passed the title of Sorcerer Supreme on to the younger Doc Magus.
Fantastic Four: The End
On Earth-691 Dr. Strange has taken the title of the Ancient One. He has a daughter with Clea and is now the new Dr. Strange.
Mutant X
Earth-1298 Dr. Strange was the Man-Thing and the title of Sorcerer Supreme is now with Baron Mordo.
Earth X
Doctor Strange was killed by her wife, Clea, while he was in the astral form. She became the Sorceress Supreme and was having an affair with the Asgardian god of mischief, Loki. He helped Captain Marvel in his astral form in the realm of the dead as one of the heroes aware of Mar-Vell's death.
Earth A
This version is not magically powered and once impersonated the Dr. Strange of the mainstream universe when he came in earth-616. He was finally caught as the impostor when he couldn't come up with a word that rhyme with "Cyttorak".
Marvel Zombiverse
In this reality, Doctor Strange is one of the last heroes that is not infected with the zombie plague. They were assembled by Nick Fury in the Helicarrier to carry out an offensive against the zombified heroes. He is seen as one of the zombies that attack Doctor Doom's castle. He was later killed by Magneto when he rained down Strange with cars.
Larval Universe
Doctor Strange is a crocodile named Croctor Strange.
Amalgam Universe
In this reality, Doctor Strange is combined with Professor X and Doctor Fate to bring out Dr. Strangefate
Bullet Points
Instead of seeking the Ancient One in Tibet, Strange goes to SHIELD to help restore his hands. He later worked with them and had claws similar to Wolverine.
Exiles
In some reality, Strange is an accomplished physician whose specialty is on superhumans and does not practice magic. He was killed by Deadpool of Weapon X.
Marvel Mangaverse
In this reality, Doctor Strange is still the master of the mystic arts and is the rival of Baron Mordo. His assistant is Tigra.
House of M
In this reality, Strange is a therapist that is helping the Sentry about his mental issues with the Void.
In other media
Doctor Strange has appeared in various animated media, including a feature length film where he is the main character voiced by Bryce Johnson. He has also had one live action performance in 1978 where he is portrayed by Peter Hooten. The Doc has also appear in 3 games for the Sega Genesis (Spider-Man vs Kingpin), the Super Nintendo (Marvel Super Heroes, war of the gems) and recently for all newer consoles (Ultimate Alliance)
Doctor Strange Appears in These Volumes
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