Dr. Strange: The Oath #1 of 5

Genre action Author Brian Vaughan Publisher Marvel Comics External Links Official Marvel Comics Website

Dr. Stephen Strange is the mystic guardian of the Marvel Universe. As one of the members of the Illuminati, the grand protectors of the superheroes in the Marvel Universe, he represents the magical interests as the Sorcerer Supreme. This title did not come quickly or easily to Stephen. It has taken years of tutelage under the Ancient One and numerous battles throughout the universe and nether regions for him to earn the right to be called by this name.

Yet Dr. Strange has remained a bit of an enigma. Although there have been others like Agatha Harkness, it is Strange that has remained the most high profile magician, or wizard or mystic if you prefer. He has not had a regular series since the mid-1990's when his last volume of work finished, and the previous two were in the sixties and seventies. Other sporadic appearances in other titles and a long run with The Defenders, while enough to keep him active, have not kept him at the forefront like one would imagine an Illuminati should be (even though this affiliation is relatively newly revealed). So this limited-series, The Oath, is a pleasant surprise and perhaps an attempt to do just that - put him back in the spotlight.

There is tension fraught with death from the moment he appears as the good doctor undergoes surgery for a bullet wound, and a moral and ethical dilemma begins to unfold as it is revealed that Wong himself faces an illness that initiated this adventure. It is this dilemma that lays the foundation to what should be a classic tale of mystical mayhem, personal conflict and tragedy and survival. In the process, an unknown villain of unknown power is introduced, a powerful medical elixir is retrieved, and Marcos Martin brings the story to life in kick-ass style reminiscent of early Marvel artwork.

Martin's artwork on issue one was simple, strong, fun, and so characteristic of some of Marvel's early sixties artwork that you feel like you have been transported back to the heights of the Silver Age. I was blown away. Especially effective is the two-page origin of Dr. Strange imposed over a background tree that allows neophytes to catch up without having to track down numerous past volumes. That, as well was the whole issue, was well done. Especially striking were colorist Javier Rodriguez's green and yellow colors on Strange's astral projection.

Combined with writer Brian K. Vaughn's story of moral conflict and opportunities lost, Marvel has a real winner on its hands that can only get more interesting from here. But in this issue, we are reintroduced to one of Marvel's oldest heroes - Dr. Stephan Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts. And what Dr. Strange story would not be complete without Wong, his trusted servant. It is Wong's illness of a brain tumor that has brought on this tenuous escapade. While Wong has been with the Doctor for many, many years, he has not always been featured as a sidekick of sorts, and it is good to see him being utilized as a key character. Not just as a key plot point, but as the more than capable protector of the mage that he is. The appearance of Night Nurse was a nice treat as well. Her explanation as the caretaker of the heroes of New York and possibly all of the Marvel Universe was brilliant and helped explain where all our heroes go when taking care of all their bumps and bruises they do not want their regular doctor to see. The opening segment with Iron Fist and Araña setting up Night Nurse's infirmary was fun and good use of humor prior to the big entrance of Wong with Dr. Strange.

Once brought in and set up on Night Nurse's operating table, the tension becomes palpable. Even though it can be assumed he will pull through in order to get through the full five issues, Vaughn has done a good job in tandem with Martin's layouts of creating a feeling of urgency. That feeling is not diminished until the end of the issue at which point the feeling dramatically changes with the new twist Vaughn introduces.

I am a little perplexed at how a second rate burglar managed to invade the defenses of the Inner Sanctum and Dr. Strange. Not only did he successfully steal the magic elixir but put a bullet in the good doctor. In addition, I am at a loss as to who the shadowy figure is that hired him. Perhaps some of you are sure to recognize the clues, but even the coin was not helpful to me. Obviously, he is not only an enemy of the Mystic Master, but more so to humanity as indicated by his desire to pour the potion down the drain. Hopefully all of this will be explained as the story moves forward.

All of these incidents add intrigue and spice to the moral dilemma of Dr. Strange's decision to use the potion on Wong for whom he has retrieved it. Yet he still has that mental wrestling match to play out before him because it has been stolen. After battling to get it, and now having been on the edge of death for harboring it while it was analyzed, he must now face the prospect of tracking it down again before he can even begin this difficult decision. Even so, the magic potion has not been given due diligence to prove it actually works, so it could end up being all for naught. It is a cruel but intriguing examination of Dr. Strange's medical background that will test his pledge to the Hippocratic Oath as well as his own loyalty to the ever-faithful Wong.

This is so much more powerful a story than simply good versus evil as it could have implications the world over. The battle will be joined soon by the shadowy figure and the uneasiness for the very important campaign is sure to grow. Vaughn and Martin, if this issue is any indication, are sure to make it entertaining. If you have not already done so, pick up this issue because it has all the earmarks of another artistic and literary Marvel Masterpiece.