Doctor Strange #5 – Lost Opportunities and Abandoned Destinies

The Scythes have been set free on the Nine Realms. As Angela and Rhialla fight alongside the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim against Scythes, Vyrbodin has revealed that they are but a fraction of his army. As Strange battles Vyrbodin, he seeks to better understand scythe magic and all it is capable of. Will Strange save the children? Will Angela take her place as Queen of Heaven?

Find more reviews from Shawn and the rest of the Nerd Initiative team!

Creative Team

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

Writing

Oh boy, remind me never to make the angels of Heaven. Landy has crafted a satisfying story. As with previous issues, Landy does an amazing job of letting Strange be Strange. Landy has leaned into the new magical possibilities provided by Strange being in Asgard and has rewarded readers with some pretty raw displays of mystical power from Doctor Strange.

In addition to growing Strange’s power in new and exciting ways, Landy has added depth to Angela that I never expected. He’s made her a complicated but deep character with her own struggles that she tries to suppress. This issue is a testament to Landy’s ability to find balance. Stephen Strange still shines as the lead for the comic, but Doctor Strange #5 gives us such an outstanding time with Angela that she should have perhaps at least split billing. It’s done as part of a complete story. Strange’s story doesn’t suffer through Landy giving Angela more page time; it enriches it.

Art

Ivan Fiorelli is crafting one of my favorite takes on the art of Doctor Strange that I’ve seen in a while. Doctor Strange has a long list of amazing artists dating back to the day of Ditko creating him, and Fiorelli is etching his mark in the Strange lore. Combined with the work of Dono Sánchez-Almara, Doctor Strange #5 features some amazing poster-worthy panels that show both Fiorelli’s beautiful line work and Sánchez-Almara’s penchant for picking just the right colors.

Cory Petit keeps everything flowing beautifully through a story that is dense in both narrative and stunning visuals, ensuring that the reader easily follows the story. The SFX lettering fits perfectly into the scenes, adding satisfying levels to the panels.

Final Thoughts

This creative team continues to craft a great Doctor Strange story. The series is distinctly Strange yet different. We are seeing Strange and his allies in a new light and with new powers. We continue to be allowed to see a Stephen Strange that is finally using the lessons in humility he has been forced to learn for the good of others, and it’s been amazing to see. Art, writing, lettering fit and work from beginning to end.

Overall Grade: 9.5 / 10

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

What did you think about this issue? Let’s chat about it in the comments.