First Look Review of Strange Tales #110

It’s been a while since I posted any first look reviews of my 1963 Marvel reading so I figured it’s about time to throw another out there. The last issue I looked at was Amazing Spider-Man #5 back in September where Doctor Doom tried to get him to team up against the Fantastic Four. That wasn’t a full First Look, but whatever, and now that I look at the order of publishing, I think I’ve gotten a bit outta whack. Well, it doesn’t really matter much since I’m not really posting about every issue, but this one today features the first appearance of Doctor Strange. Dr. Strange Master of Black Magic is the second story contained in the issue and while the first features a contest of wits between the Human Torch, Paste-Pot Pete, and The Wizard, I’m more interested in the first appearance of the Sorcerer Supreme.

Strange Tales #110

Doctor Strange Master of Black Magic by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.  Published by Marvel Comics, 1963.

This short tale introduces the reader to a “different kind of super hero”, one that has learned of black magic at the feet of a Master who lives in far off Asia. In these short 5 pages we’re given a glimpse into the life of Dr. Strange and how he uses his unique abilities to aid others. In this particular story, he is called on to help a man having sleep troubles. Apparently the man can’t close his eyes without having a nightmare of a man in chains. Dr. Strange offers to enter the dreams to resolve the problem but first he’s got to speak with his teacher.

And by speaking to his teacher, I mean, he projects his spirit form across the globe to an ancient temple in Asia where his master warns him of imminent danger. He also reminds him to use his amulet when he feels danger threatening.

With encouragement from his teacher, Dr. Strange enters the man’s dreams and learns that the chained figure is a symbol of Evil and more menacing than this shadow is the form of Strange’s ancient foe, Nightmare. As his nemesis occupies his focus in the dream realm, the sleeper awakens with fear that Dr. Strange now knows of his crimes so he plans to end the Doctor’s life while he’s in the dream trance.

Fortunately for Dr. Strange, his Master is able to unleash the power of the magical amulet and save the day.

It’s a quick introduction to a new hero but I think it’s one that sets up some interesting new powers and a bunch of new story potential in the universe. Not only do we get a hero though, but we get an archenemy and magical artifact that I think we’ll see plenty more of in coming issues and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how this Doctor plays into the world of the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man.

I give this issue a First Look Rating of a B+ only because it’s so short.

This comic can be found on Marvel Unlimited, Comixology or at your local comic book shop.

Comic Corner | First Look Review of Strange Tales #110