10 Things You Didn't Know About Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange aka. Stephen Strange was another of Marvel's most well known creations. Debuting back in 1963, Strange began life as an extremely gifted and successful surgeon, albeit with a high level of arrogance and ego to match.
Following a car accident that left him unable to operate, he would try to seek all avenues of professional help. He traveled the globe in search of healing. One day, he came across the Ancient One, then Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, who would later teach him the mystical and martial arts. After some time, Strange went on to become the Sorcerer Supreme himself and became linked with the mystical objects, namely the Eye of Agamotto, and the Cloak of Levitation.
In 2016, the character made his first MCU appearance in the film Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. He would make multiple appearances across other films within the MCU as a supporting role. Cumberbatch is set to reprise the role in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home and his own sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
We still have some time to go before these two new films are released. Until then, here are 10 things you didn't know about the Master of the Mystic Arts.
Number 10 - One Of Few Older Marvel Characters Not Created By Stan Lee
The great Stan Lee would forever be synonymous with the world of Marvel. He had creator credit on a ton of characters throughout the years, and played a big part in helping shape the MCU back in the beginning. In addition, he had cameo appearances in pretty much every Marvel film since the 2000's X-Men all the way up to his death in 2019. However, he did not create Doctor Strange. The character was created by acclaimed artist Steve Ditko, a long time collaborator of Lee. Ditko pitched the original concept, and Lee would further develop the character's backstory as well as some of his antagonists.
Number 9 - He Bested Death
Back in 1972, in Doctor Strange #4, Strange found himself in the land of the dead where he was brought to the portal of Death by Famine and other beings seeking a true death. Crossing through the portal, he came face to face with Death and engaged in combat. Death had the upper hand at first, but Strange managed to merge with Eternity and used their combined powers to defeat Death.
This turned out to be the final test for the Sorcerer Supreme, as explained by the spirit of the Ancient One. With his victory over Death, he was granted the mystic Ankh of Enduring Life. This meant that the good Doctor would not die naturally from old age.
Number 8 - Took No Part in Civil War
The Civil War storyline came up frequently in many Marvel related articles, mainly because so much happened in the time period. Events from Civil War would later to go on to shape future stories for a long time. Parts of the story were also adapted for MCU film Captain America: Civil War.
While many of Earth's heroes chose to side with either Iron Man or Captain America, Doctor Strange remained neutral, stating he wanted no part in it. He even told Tony Stark and Reed Richards not to call on him again. The government excluded him from the Superhuman Registration Act because of his neutrality.
Number 7 - Didn't Get His Own Comic Book For Years
Just like his MCU counterpart, Doctor Strange played a big supportive role in "turning up to help" in other characters' stories throughout the years. While he did eventually have his own series, Strange would not have his own individual comic from 1996 to 2015. For almost 20 years he would only show up in a "featuring" role alongside other characters who would take the main spotlight.
Number 6 - Fought Inside The Sun
Nothing was really off limits in comics, especially when you were writing about someone in possession of incredible magical powers. In Strange Tales #134, the spirit forms of Strange and his nemesis Baron Mordo would be locked in combat inside the blazing sun. The amazing artwork by Steve Ditko included countless atoms swirling around the fighting figures, adding to the aesthetic impact of this iconic fight.
Number 5 - His Character Design Was Based On A Real Person
So I may lose a few of our younger fans here with this one, but our older fans and those of us who still enjoy a proper old fashioned classic film may see the resemblance.
The sorcerer's image was modeled after the amazing Vincent Price. At the time of Strange's creation, Price was synonymous with playing wizards and sorcerers on screen. Ditko would draw a lot of inspiration from him when completing his designs of Dr. Strange. Interestingly, Dr. Strange's middle name was "Vincent," another nod to the late actor.
Number 4 - His Motivation For Becoming A Surgeon
Apart from the "white-washing" slander Doctor Strange received for its casting choices, the film received generally good reviews. One thing missing from the film was the pivotal event which made him want to become a surgeon. Throughout the film, a lot of focus was on the character's ego and arrogance, heavily suggesting this was his main reason for becoming a surgeon. However, in the comics, the passing of his younger sister Donna inspired him to follow this career path. Interestingly, the character of Donna meant to appear in the 2016 film, but was later cut due to issues with the running time.
Number 3 - He Was Part Of The Illuminati
The Illumaniti in the real world is a secret group of individuals who infiltrate all levels of government, and seek to rule the world from the shadows (descriptions may vary depending on source). They also exist within the Marvel Comics Universe. Thankfully, their goals were not as sinister as the supposed real life counterpart. The group acted more like a council of some the greatest minds in the superhero community looking for ways to help better the world. Doctor Strange was part of this council along with other members including Charles Xavier (Professor X), Tony Stark, Black Bolt, and Namor. In later comic issues, Black Panther and Mr. Fantastic would also join their ranks.
Number 2 - Bromance With Tony Stark
When you look at the characters of Stephen Strange and Tony Stark side by side, one could not help but notice some similarities. Aside from the awesome similar facial hair, both characters were portrayed as being very egotistical, and at the top of their respective fields. Even though Strange's wealth did not compare to Stark's, he was still pretty well off as a neurosurgeon and later on as Sorcerer Supreme.
For some time, the evident chemistry between the two characters was a source of a potential bromance. In Invincible Iron Man #3 Stark finally managed to get Strange to give him a high five for being "awesome facial hair bros."
Number 1 - Could Not Even Sleep Safely
Much like the kids from the A Nightmare on Elm Street series, Doctor Strange could find himself in incredible danger while he was asleep. In Strange Tales #122, Strange fell asleep after collapsing at his desk following days of not sleeping. When he woke up, he realized none of his powers work. He was greeted by the mysterious robed figure of Nightmare. Strange later realized the villain was able to infiltrate his dream because he had failed to recite the special incantation to safeguard his sleeping mind. Thankfully, Strange was able to defeat Nightmare, and woke up without harm or loss of power. It must still be exhausting knowing you could not sleep peacefully without taking precautions.
Well there you have it, 10 things you didn't know about Doctor Strange. How many did you know? Do you know any others?
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is scheduled for release in March 2022.
Until next time!