Doctor Strange #2: To Save Everything, You Must Lose Yourself

With Vyrbodin unleashed, Doctor Strange must tap into his new Asgard magic. Along the way, Doctor Strange continues to learn that the line between mastery and losing yourself. The line is as fine as the gap between what almost happened and what did happen. As thin as the blade of a scythe.

Creative Team

Writer: Derek Landy
Artist: Ivan Fiorelli
Color Artist: Dono Sanchez-Almara
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Alex Horley

Writing

Where do I start? Do I dare to admit that Derek Landy is making me actually like Angela? If Jed MacKay’s run on Doctor Strange is known for MacKay’s ability to bring all of the various aspects of Strange from past runs together in a way that makes sense, then Landy’s run is shaping up to be known for growing Doctor Strange’s lore in new and exciting ways. After the cliffhanger of Doctor Strange in a way we have never seen him before at the end of Doctor Strange #1, Landy picks right back up where the story left off. Then gives us some amazing internal monologue from Doctor Strange on the nature of control and magic.

I’m in love with this new concept of scythe magic that Landy introduced in Doctor Strange #1. I was beyond happy to see it expanded upon here. Landy is setting up for a great Doctor Strange run after a solid storyline in the Doctor Strange of Asgard series. Landy is being true to Doctor Strange while also being unafraid to explore magic for the Sorcerer Supreme in this new setting in new ways. Verboden is Dutch for forbidden. Which leaves me both curious and hopeful of Landy’s decision to call the Dark Wizard at the forefront of Strange’s battle Vyrbodin.

Art

Marvel continues to shine when they put great colorists with Ivan Fiorelli. Fiorelli’s art is magnificent, but Sanchez-Almara’s colors pop right off the first page. Doctor Strange #2 barely lets you get past the credits page before the team of Fiorelli and Sanchez-Almara is striking out with beautiful art.

Fiorelli’s lines are crisp and clean. Continuing the outstanding work that was on full display in his run on Fantastic Four with Ryan North.

Fiorelli’s art really set Sanchez-Almara up for a chance to show off, and boy, was there no room left for argument. A beautifully drawn panel, a few cases in, showcases the battle between Strange and Vyrbodin, and gives Sanchez-Alamara the chance to show a full range of light and dark colors. The artistic team, like Landy, is really leaning into the setting of this Doctor Strange run to try new things, and so far, they’re absolutely working.

Overall: 10/10

I loved this issue. As a resident Doctor Strange nerd, I love that Landy is adding to the lore, but doing so in a way that future writers of the title may not be bound to. The introduction of scythe magic feels new and fresh, but the new setting provides a way for future writers to easily move on from it if it doesn’t fit their vision. I can’t wait to see where this story goes

Until next time, may your pulls be magical and your multiverse remain stable.

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Did you miss Nerd Initiative’s review of Doctor Strange #1? Check out Megan’s review!

What do you think about the Doctor Strange series so far? Let me know in the comments below.