There’s nothing quite like shaking up the status quo, especially if it shows how a new person handles a position of power. From spy organizations to criminal underworlds, ancient kingdoms to magical societies, it’s exciting to see how fresh blood in a role changes the whole purpose and philosophy of a leader. After years of Stephen Strange being Earth’s defender of the mystical arts, there’s a new supreme sorcerer in town, and she’s ready to let her dark side out! In “Strange” #1, Jed MacKay and Marcelo Ferreira introduce us to Marvel’s newest Sorcerer Supreme and revel in the joy of breaking magic’s status quo.
Written by Jed MacKayCover by Bjorn Barends
Illustrated by Marcelo Ferreira
Inked by Don Ho with Roberto Poggi
Colored by Jada Tartaglia with Felipe Sobreiro
Lettered by VC’s Cory PetitA NEW SORCERER SUPREME RISES! Doctor Strange is dead! And a new Sorcerer Supreme has taken the title, or should we say Sorceress? Haunted by her recently returned memories, Clea longs to bring Stephen Strange back from the dead! But when a mysterious group attacks the magical realm, Clea must rise to the duties of Sorcerer Supreme. For she is now the sole protector of Earth against magical threats. Don’t miss the twists and turns as Jed MacKay continues the story from DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE with artist Marcelo Ferreira (THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN)!
While it’s not exactly an introduction, “Strange” #1 has the tall task of establishing a new Sorcerer Supreme and her impact on Marvel’s world of magic. Thankfully, Clea is in good hands with Jed MacKay and Marcelo Ferreira, who gives plenty of time for her to reestablish her voice throughout the issue. While the comic doesn’t skimp on the action, much of “Strange” #1 almost functions as a hangout comic, giving us a chance to know the character. Jed MacKay has been producing excellent work recently, and this issue is no exception. There is a light, fun tone to the majority of the comic, watching Clea bond with Wong, revel in the wonders of The Shrouded Bazar, and also hold her own against some initial threats to her reign as the defender of Earth’s magic. Clea is sassy, headstrong, and self-assured. In just a few pages, MacKay makes Clea incredibly likable and proves her ready and able to be the new Sorcerer Supreme as she holds her own against Victor Von Doom. However, in a few short pages, we learn that this will be a different Sorcerer Supreme, one who isn’t afraid to let her darkness come out and wield the true power of magic.
Clea’s introduction is so impactful because of the masterful combination of script and art, which helps establish the right tone for the comic. Marcello Ferreira’s art completely complements MacKay’s script as you watch Clea’s initially calm and comfortable demeanor devolve into a woman ready to defend what she wants. As the panels of her confrontation with Doom progress, you see her go from cheeky to truly terrifying over a few short panels. This initial interaction helps to establish the flow of “Strange” #1. While we usually see a carefree and adventurous Clea, she has a dark side and is not afraid to harness it. Clea’s ready to bring new energy to Earth’s magic and is unafraid to break the rules.
Again, the majority of “Strange” #1 functions like a hangout comic as we watch Wong and Clea bond over the loss of Stephen. Although the energy of their friendship is genuinely delightful, there is an infectious energy that just makes you want to see more of their adventures. This is enhanced further by Wong’s increasingly laissez-faire attitude for keeping the sorcerer supreme in check. While he’s not exactly apathetic to Clea’s newfound desire to break the rules, it’s clear that he’s prepared to see where her plans might take them. After all, Clea isn’t bound to the restrictions of Earth’s magic. Instead, she can channel more powerful and dark magic. While she’s able to keep it in check, for now, it helps to create a driving tension throughout the issue. Much like her first interaction with Doom, MacKay can create situations that feel like a pressure cooker, building up until Clea explodes in her glorious dark magic. It’s effective throughout the premier issue and creates exciting possibilities for the adventure to come. Plus, it gives us a chance to explore some of the fun of the magic world.
Continued belowThere is just something about comics that provides an excellent avenue for portraying interesting magic, which is especially true of Clea and Wong’s adventure in The Shrouded Bazar. Ferreira creates a vibrant and exciting world full of fantastic creatures and artifacts. Jada Tartaglia and Felipe Sobreiro also do a lot of heavy lifting to make the world of “Strange” #1 feel magical. The Shrouded Bazar is packed to the brim of vibrant colors, which creates a wonderful contrast to the mundane world of New York. Similarly, their colors help make Clea’s magic stand out and feel powerful. Every time she embraces the dark side of her magic, it saturates the page in light. It creates a raw kinetic flow as she channels these primal powers. But along with her destructive forces also comes creative light. Much of this issue works to establish Clea’s dual nature, which is present in both her interactions with others and her magical powers.
It’s exciting to imagine how Clea’s reign as the Sorcerer Supreme will impact the Marvel universe, and “Strange” #1 gives a compelling reason to keep coming back for more. The issue establishes a wide array of villains for Clea to go toe to toe with, showcases her powers in a dynamic and exciting way, and makes the most out of her relationships with Stephen’s old friends. It’s a tad busy but creates compelling threads for Mackay and Ferreira to explore. With a premier issue this strong, it’s going to be fun to go on the ride with them.
Final Verdict: 9.0 “Strange” #1 is a masterful introduction of the newest Sorcerer Supreme, combining fun dialogue and truly magical art.
