Doctor Strange: The Oath

Cards on the table, Doctor Strange is probably my favourite superhero. Which, as the notes in the back point out, is a slightly strange choice given he’s usually somewhat arrogant, cold and aloof. I can’t help it though, I’m a sucker for the mystical overtones and simple superhero punch-ups appeal less and less as the years go by. Strange always seemed entirely more cerebral and less inclined to resort to fists as a solution. That might also explain why he’s not consistently carried his own ongoing monthly series for a long while.

The Oath is one of the periodical mini-series which keep Strange devotees barely satiated. Artistically it’s lovely, Marcos Martin providing a take with modern overtones but which harks back to his show more initial resemblance to Vincent Price. Vaughan’s matches that by returning Strange to his medical roots and giving the doctor element equal prominence with the strangeness. Perhaps the main villain’s story is a little too pat to truly convince, but the need to give Strange a worthwhile foe with a similar background and motivation overwhelms that. It’s far from the worst example of narrative crowbarring in modern comics, and seems less jarring when this is considered a modern relaunch.

Refreshingly, it’s also a comic with some genuinely angry things to say. Strange’s final dilemma’s hardly one which holds narrative tension – the fate of prominent characters and the wider implications it’d hold for the Marvel universe means there’s precious little suspense there – but the wider questioning of morals in modern pharmaceuticals is welcome and demonstrates an awareness of real life issues comics often seem to lack.

Worth picking up for Martin’s art and Vaughan’s thoughtful take. Just a shame this wasn’t the prelude to a longer run. show less

Doctor Strange has been shot.

Someone broke into his home, stole from him, and then attempted to murder him.

When the story opens we find Strange being rushed to a secret superhero infirmary by Wong to be treated for a gunshot wound. Wong has recently been diagnosed with brain tumors and Strange has used his magical abilities to discover and retrieve a potion that will cure him. Word has gotten out about the potion and now someone has gone to great lengths to steal it from Strange and attempt to kill him in the process. Thankfully, Night Nurse, who runs the hospital is able to heal Strange along with the nagging presence of his Astral projection.

Doctor Strange, Wong, and Night Nurse set out on a quest to discover who is behind this show more incident and get back the potion that Wong so desperately needs. Along the way, the reader enjoys a brief, but thorough background to Doctor Strange, with glimpses into his past. Brian K. Vaughan creates a fascinating story of the past coming back to haunt you and the lengths someone will go to save their friend. I couldn’t put down this graphic novel and devoured the story instantly.

Will this trio be able to stop the bad guy, take back the potion, and save Wong’s life? Is there more to this potion than meets the eye? Pick up this graphic novel to find out! show less

If you had the choice between saving the world, forever, from every disease and illness known to man at the expense of your best friend's life, or letting the world continue as it is and saving your best friend's incurable illness, what would you choose? That is the decision that ultimately lies at the heart of Doctor Strange: The Oath.

Complete with all the oddity, space-warping and time-bending Shenanigans and imagery you could expect from a Doctor Strange comic, this is a must read for anyone wishing to know more about the character, or wanting to dip their toe into comics without the tropes and cliches typically associated with it.

Dr. Strange is perhaps one of my favorite Marvel characters. His abilities are amazing. He's a mage, the "Sorcerer Supreme," can astral travel, go to different dimensions, levitate, etc. And I really like Brian K. Vaughan (writer of Paper Girls), so this was a win-win for me. I enjoyed that the story serves as a mystery in which Strange attempts to solve his own attempted murder with some of famous rivals afoot. This is also the story that made Night Nurse a star.

Okay, I'll fully admit, I read this because of the trailer for the new Doctor Strange movie :) But it was a fantastic introduction to the character, a great premise for the flashbacks to his origin, and I enjoyed it thoroughly! The character is arrogant and hard-headed, but somehow this makes him endearing rather than annoying. And the way he inspires loyalty in others is wonderful. I really liked Night Nurse as well, and wouldn't mind hearing more about her ;)

Gonna have to see what else I can scrounge up in Doctor Strange, I'm intrigued!

If loved the Roger Stern penned Dr. Strange stories, but this is the best Strange stories ever! The characterization of both Strange and Wong are spot on, and the introduction of Night Nurse is nothing short of inspired. Amazing!

Still milling my way through the good Doctor's greatest hits. This has a fun, crazy premise, and I like Marcos Martin's art a lot. It has a structural thing that I don't really care for that I won't comment on as it's a spoiler, but well worth your time altogether.