Doctor Strange
Dr. Strange is a comic book sorcerer in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963). While he is not, strictly speaking, a superhero, he is most commonly associated with superheroes; nevertheless, Dr. Strange's most frequent antagonists are strictly mystical in nature, not supervillains.
Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme of his universe; he has unparalleled mastery of the mystic arts, which he uses to defend his reality from otherworldly threats; his primary magical patrons are a group of entities known as "the Vishanti." He also calls upon the power a number of other extra-dimensional entities, such as Cyttorak (see Juggernaut), the Seraphim, Watoomb, the Faltine, Ikonn, Munipoor and many others, often invoking these entities in alliterative oaths. Although he has, on rare occasions, called upon the power of the demonic Dormammu, he no longer does so. He also holds a Ph.D. in neurosurgery, although his ability to perform such delicate tasks has been compromised due to an accident.
Dr. Stephen Strange was originally an accomplished, but arrogant surgeon who suffered subtle, but profound neurological damage in an auto accident. Unable to continue his profession and too proud to accept another medical assignment, he quickly became unemployed and destitute. He learned of an old hermit called the Ancient One who could have the ability to cure him. Strange sought him out and asked for his aid, the old man refused, but offered to take him on as an apprentice. Strange refused, but could not leave immediately due to a sudden blizzard.
While staying for the duration, he saw the Ancient One's current apprentice, Baron Mordo, secretly attack his teacher with some mystically summoned entities. Although Strange saw the old man easily fight them off, he still confronted Mordo about his treachery and promised to inform his master. Mordo retaliated by casting restraining spells which kept Strange from both warning the wizard or attacking Mordo physicially. Amazed by these displays of magic, alarmed by Mordo's evil and the peril the Ancient One was in, but frustrated by the mystic restraints, Stephen Strange underwent a profound change of heart. Deciding the only way to stop Mordo was to learn magic himself so he could challenge Mordo on his terms, he accepted the Ancient One's offer of apprenticeship. Pleased by Strange's acceptance and the unselfish reason for it, the Ancient One accepted him and immediately removed the mystic restraints. The wizard explained that he was well aware of Mordo's treachery, but preferred to keep the villain so he could control him.
Eventually, Strange learned well and eventually took the Ancient One's place as Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, the chief wizard of his dimension and responsible for defending it from other mystic threats.
The comic quickly distinguished itself with the unique visuals of artist Steve Ditko's depiction of the bizarre other realities that the wizard often ventured into. Since Ditko's departure, the character has had a spotty publishing history, both with his own series and the leader of his own superhero team, The Defenders. He is now chiefly used as a supporting character, the one other Marvel superheroes turn to for matters concerning magic and the supernatural.Powers
History